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!

The people were super friendly. I thought it was open til 2pm though and it closed at 12pm. Not…read moresure if I misread something or the information was incorrect. Anyhow, I didn't get to visit all the vendors or make purchases of the things I wanted because it closed 30 minutes after we got there. That being said it was in a nice grassy/shady area and not on concrete, which was nice

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.

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.

The last two times I came here the cart area smelled so bad, like rotting vegetables, and the store…read moreitself wasn't much better. Except for one young cashier and one man that works in the deli, the staff either ignores customers entirely or are absolutely nasty. There's no reason to shop here. Ever.

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!)

Howells was a hoot!! What a super cute pumpkin farm. I had…read moreno idea what to expect of this farm. This pumpkin was picturesque. Perfect time to come out here is definitely on a warm October day. During COVID19: visited on a Tuesday afternoon. Hardly any families were out here. I counted about 5 families. Including mine and my friend and her kids. Nicely spaced out farm for patrons to social distance. Driving in, looks like a private home but you get a mini tour of the farm when you drive to park. Admission barn easy to locate. Flower green house near there. Pumpkins are picked for you and are gathered in large wagons, central to the activities. Activities are not too far of a walk from each other. Stroller friendly. Bunny land. 2 Snack shops. Inflatable outdoor jumping area. Even a small zip line! Hay bale climbing and mini corn pit. (Most pumpkin farms took this out this year!) and more It was a great experience. $11.00 per ticket for ages 2 and up. Pricey when you have a family of 5!!! Wow We spent $14.50 for 4 slushees and candy. I saw they make their own kettle corn? But we never bought. Overall it was lovely and I look forward to going back! Social distancing was great and I like going on a weekday afternoon. Pro tip: plan to spend 4 hours here if you have more than one kid ages 5 and up to get your full experience!!

Extremely expensive. Pretty shocked how much everything was. Parking was full and super muddy. It…read moreused to be fun place but I'll never go back.

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.