Thursday Thirteen 103: Farmers' Market

The Dane County Farmers’ Market returns to the Capitol Square this Saturday. It is considered one of the top ten open-air markets in the country, and is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the US (meaning all goods are produced locally, no resale is allowed). The market is held every Saturday from 6am to 2pm, rain or shine, from mid-April into November. Please remember to leave your dogs at home and enjoy your visit!

1. Baked goods. There are bakery stands ringing the Square—a great way to start your morning! I’m especially partial to the Oak House Bakery stand, and those with the mini loaves of breads—chocolate cherry, pumpkin chocolate chip, orange chocolate chip, Mmmm….
2. Juice/cider. Apple cider or fresh-squeezed OJ go great with those pastries you nabbed for breakfast.
3. Cheese/cheese curds. The curds are so fresh they squeak!
4. Honey, jams and jellies. Of every kind. Seriously.

5. Plants. This early in the season, flower, herb and vegetable plants abound. During the summer, garden plantings give way to fresh-cut flowers, with dried floral arrangements and wreaths being more common in autumn.
6. Produce. While you’ll mostly find “hothouse” vegetables in the early spring, summer and autumn find the stands teeming with locally grown fruits and vegetables. Beans, tomatoes, squash, peppers of all varieties, carrots, spinach and lettuces, radishes, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob—even mushrooms and potatoes.

7. Fish and meat. A variety of fresh or smoked meats and fishes are found among the vendors—including an ostrich stand.
8. Wagons full of goods. Even those who don’t have kids understand the value of a good wagon, the better to cart around all your purchases.

9. The Capitol. Take a break by visiting the state Capitol, modeled after our Nation's Capitol in Washington, DC. Wander the cool, marble corridors (43 varieties of stone!) and admire the rotunda murals and other artwork throughout, join a daily tour, or visit the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Plus, there are plenty of free restrooms.
10. Arts and crafts vendors. Set up on streets across from the Capitol, particularly the King Street and State Street corners, are a number of craft stands. Jewelry, clothing, candles, trinket boxes, souvenir tee-shirts and bags—you can find almost anything here.

11. Musicians. While not allowed to perform on the Capitol side of the Square, you’ll find musicians of all sorts set up on almost every block across the street.
12. Activists and public information booths. You name the cause or organization, and there’s probably someone there to support it. Tables are set up at all four corners, sometimes making it difficult to access the Capitol. (Note to self: don't forget to check out the tourism booth for a new bicycle map.)
13. Protestors. Because you can’t have a cause without someone protesting it. Especially in Madison.

** A nod goes out to Alice and Jennifer M, who both claim to love when I talk about the local stuff. This one's for you, ladies!

LINKS TO OTHER THURSDAY THIRTEENS:
(Please leave your link if this is your first visit!)

Stephanie Adkins * Alice Audrey * Adelle Laudan * RJ LeBeau
Janice Seagraves * Cassandra * Shelley Munro * Daisy
Hootin' Anni * Inez Kelley * Harriet * Jamie Babette * Sidhe
Jennifer McKenzie * Paige Tyler * Gayle * Sarah
Lauren Murphy * Neith


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.