I have heard mention of Petersen Family Farms several times, but only as relates to their pumpkin patch, and once for Christmas trees. My imagination's rendering painted it as a family activity destination in the vein of all pick-your-own farms. This is not bad, simply not something I would normally seek out. With a little research, it sounded as though there was more to the story, and when I learned of the existence of a sort of mini farmers market, knew I must go.
Located right off 4000 West in Riverton, signs dotted the last mile or two of my journey, and a good thing as, once I did reach the farm, it appeared to pop out of nowhere! A dirt road edged by towering sunflowers, vibrant zinnias, and other waving flowers leads straight to the store at the end. Wooden wire reel tables and chairs decorate the front, and a few people were reclining outdoors drinking coffee, enjoying snacks, or just chatting with friends as their kids ran about.
Inside, I found a market quite different from what I had anticipated. First, while they maintain a certain rusticity, the interior is also stylish, with tall weathered wooden shelving, subtle recessed lights, and even large dried floral arrangements suspended from the ceiling. They had the produce I expected: a table overflowing with various stone fruits, a whole wall of tomatoes and even tomatillos, and then some unexpected or more rare vegetables like cute zephyr squash, blushing okra, and both dried and fresh herbs. Beloved local brands include Clifford Family Farm eggs, Salsa del Diablo, Stoneground breads, and Heber Valley Cheese. I snatched up a lot of that stuff, but was so surprised and charmed by all the additional home goods and pantry staples like spices, popcorn, pickles, honey, vinegar, olive oil, and many other condiments. If these were not locally sourced, they were from well-respected high quality brands like Jacobsen Salt (they even had their salty licorice, yesssss!). Bright bouquets of fresh cut flowers reside near the registers, along with some treats and other tempting goodies.
Though fairly busy with a bit of a line, check out was quick and cheery. Prices are very reasonable, and they even offer a weekly special (on this day, a giant bag of Utah cherries for $3). They host a variety of activities: summer camp, dinners, and beyond the pumpkins, other "pick your own" adventures, including flowers! On my visit in August, I found plenty of parking, though in autumn's prime I imagine the lot could easily fill.
If desired, one could do the majority, if not all of their basic grocery shopping here, supporting your neighbors and local farms, reducing the unnecessary waste of resources required to import our foods, and feeding your family super fresh, high quality and healthy meals, all with the bonus of a particularly pleasant shopping experience. read more