Finally checked out the Valley Junction Farmers Market. Arrived shortly after 4pm and found a…read morereally close spot so I was excited. Wandered out to look at vendors. Definitely a smaller more close knit group than compared to the DSM downtown farmers market. It got busy very quickly as it was of the nicest days so far all Summer. If you're watching the live music you gotta get your seats fast. Bring folding chairs. The businesses around the area were bustling and I made sure to check a few of those as well. Every vendor was friendly and inviting. Lots of samples! Local businesses. Farmers. Handmade goods. Jams. Fresh veggies & fruits. Flower arrangements. I would have posted more pictures but it got busy and I was enjoying everything.

I loved my first visit to the Valley Junction Farmers Market. It was a terrific combination of…read morefood, booths, shops, music, and people! Parking was easy, liking the way the stores get a lot of foot traffic as the booths butt up against the sidewalk, facing the stores. There was a perfect vibe from the attendees, seemingly something for everyone. I was unaware of the area, and this Market brought it to my attention.

Probably the biggest farmers market I've been to! There are food options for everyone, and the best…read morecoffee ever (ugh I can't remember which stand) This was a very impressive farmers market that we were lucky to be in town for!

Probably the largest farmer market in the USA! This was a really fun experience to walk through all…read moreof the stalls, zigzaging from one spot to the next. From vendors, to information booths, to lots of food...it was all really awesome to see. If you're in town and especially because of a race, check this market out!

I was pleased to find a solid farmer's market with food trucks, crafts, produce, specialty items,…read moreand an overall fun environment on my initial visit. Located immediately south of the High Trestle Bike (and running) Trail, this market has ample parking and an easy layout under a pair of covered pavilions. The Uptown District also has a number of shops, bars, and restaurants nearby. This Market occurs every Saturday from 8 to noon. Kindness is abundant, and there are lots of overall good vibes. I enjoyed the little train that hauled the kiddos around the perimeter of the Market, and appreciated how clean the area was throughout my stay, I like how the food trucks are on the outside of the market footprint, making it easy to move around and enjoy the venue.

During the summer Wagner Park has Saturday morning Yoga in the park. It's on the same street as the…read moreAnkeny Farmers Market! It's a great start to the day if you're up. There's also a trail for High Trestle Trail nearby. There's a lot to do in this one spot. The farmers market has a great variety of goods to buy, fresh produce and ready to eat goodies! There's also a great drink selection from coffee to fresh lemonade. Pets are not allowed in the pavilion unfortunately.

Fresh Thyme Market is a fresh alternative to Whole Foods-type grocery operations. Fresh and organic…read moreproduce and meats, jealth-cboice pre-made food and snacks, a good wine selection, and a solid variety of house and body-care items make Fresh Thyme a worthwhile stop. Things to know: * Fresh Thyme also has a bakery, which can be a nice plus. * Located in a strip mall off of University Avenue and east of Valley West Mall makes access easy and convenient to a variety of other businesses. * Convenient hours: 7:00am-9:00pm daily.

Best place ever Crab legs suck but you get what you pay for…read moreFriendly staff Great products Fresh produce Fresh squeezed fruit water I love it here!

I have been a member of the Iowa Food Cooperative for nearly 15 years, and I place an order on…read morealmost every bi-weekly shopping cycle. I love being able to support local producers from across the state and pick up in one convenient location. The satellite pick-up locations in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Pleasant Hill and other locations makes it event easier to access fresh, local food! Being able to communicate directly with the producers of our family's food is important to me, as is supporting my local economy. I love the variety of options and all the information I can access about each product from the online shopping page. It's amazing how many things are grown and manufactured in Iowa. I buy all the baking flour I need, fresh produce (even fresh greens grown locally in hoop houses in February!!), meat, eggs, soaps, deodorant, make-up, lotions; you name it, I can finally find it at the Co-op. I plan to be a member as long as I live in Central Iowa!

I like the selection of local products.There are many organic options. Not only is there food put…read morealso household iteams

This small family-run farm stand is amazing! Open during the summer months on Friday, 3-7pm and…read moreSaturday 9 am - 1pm or until they sell out. I make sure to get there as close to 3 pm on Friday for best selection. All of their produce is chemical free and the tomatoes, corn, and garlic is the best I have ever had! Most Friday nights our dinner is corn on the cob and sliced tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Early in the season, they had strawberries and they were bursting with juicy goodness. I am always greeted with a smile and friendly greeting. Cash or (I think) Venmo, but no credit cards. They have a Facebook group so you can see what the weekly offerings are. I go into withdrawal at the end of each season (but recently learned I can freeze garlic so I will be stocking up this year!)

Awesome for kids and adults. You can easily spend a full day on all the activities! Staff very…read morefriendly!

Always a great experience at Howells. Lots of room for the kids to run and play and be loud. Every…read moreyear there is more fun added. This we we took in some food while hunting down the perfect pumpkin, got lost in the maze and enjoyed seeing and feeding the baby goats.

An Ames Tradition Since 1973…read more The Ames Downtown Farmers' Market is located at the old Train Station and runs mostly during May to October on Thursdays and Saturdays. Besides the cool architectural backdrop and the sound of UP Trains whizzing by, you can expect seasonal fruits & vegetables, dairy, meat, jams/jellies, wines, baked goods, and crafts - all from local vendors. I also enjoy the people watching and the community energy. And wouldn't you rather be here than walking the "not as fresh" aisles at the nearby Hy-Vee?

Today is my Dad's 83rd Birthday! I called him this morning and asked him what he was going to do…read morefor his special day. Deliver Meals on Wheels with his lovely Bride was his answer, followed by a Birthday Lunch in Des Moines, and a little "fun" with Mom (!). I sometimes wish I had half his energy...... Yelp TOS Disclaimer - Of course I have personal experience with Meals on Wheels! Dad can be very persuasive is recruiting family members to his volunteer causes.