Six Reasons to Go to the San Marcos Farmers Market

By Celeste Parler
Web Content Contributor

One recommendation I would give any freshman at Texas State would be to explore all that San Marcos has to offer. Once you know where to go, you’ll realize that there’s never a dull moment. One event I would recommend for anyone to attend is the San Marcos Farmers Market. 

If you have never been to a farmers market before, it usually consists of booths of vendors selling homemade or homegrown food in an outdoor marketplace. But our farmers market is so much more. It’s an excellent place to be involved in the community and find high-quality products all right around the corner from campus. Here are six reasons to go to the San Marcos Farmers Market this weekend. 

1. Support Local Businesses

The most apparent appeal for attending any farmers’ market is to support local businesses. Every vendor found at our farmers’ market is from the greater San Marcos or Austin area. Some of them are even located just a few miles away from the Square. This makes transportation costs lower (meaning it won’t go back into the price of the item) and is better for the environment.

For those who don’t rely on a website, delivery services or a brick-and-mortar store, vendors depend on the farmers market to get their name out there and turn a profit. The best way to invest in the community is by purchasing from these local businesses and small entrepreneurs. So embrace what makes San Marcos special by shopping local.

2. Meet Amazing People

One unexpected advantage of shopping local is getting to know the people behind the products you buy. Clearly, these vendors are passionate and knowledgeable about the products they sell. They attend the farmers market to help people feel healthier and teach people with their expertise. If you have questions, they have answers. Most vendors are also kind enough to give free samples and demonstrations to shoppers. 

It’s unlike any experience you will have anywhere else. After all, when is it you get to talk to the people who produced the items or grew the food you eat?

3. Grab Something to Eat

Those looking for ingredients and foods you cannot find anywhere else should explore the options at the San Marcos Farmers Market. I was amazed at just how many choices there were between the vendors that I was introduced to. Once I had tried their samples, I knew I couldn’t go back to buying all of my produce at a grocery chain.

Whether it’s microgreens, homemade dip, barbecue or pastries there is homemade or homegrown food for even the pickiest of eaters. The best part about the farmers’ market is that vendors are always coming and going, so no two weekends are ever the same.

4. More Than Just Food

Whenever most people think of a farmers market, they assume it’s just for people to buy fruits, vegetables, and maybe a fresh drink. But like I mentioned, the San Marcos Farmers Market is so much more than an average farmers market.

You will find vendors selling jewelry, body care products and services like tarot card readings. The farmers market is also a place to find plants for your home without driving to a big-name store. I love buying honey and beeswax products from the farmers’ market like lip balm, soap, and candles. Not to mention that local musicians are also brought to play live music and sell their music to visitors.

5. Affordable Prices

College students are always looking for inexpensive activities to do and the best ways to save money. I had falsely assumed that high-quality homemade and homegrown items would only be sold outside my budget as a college student. But the farmers market has your back. 

For as many opportunities as there are to splurge, there are opportunities to take advantage of great deals. Vendors price their products so everyone can live healthier lifestyles without breaking the bank. You can even find products sold for as low as a few dollars. And of course, you can not spend any money and still walk away with a valuable experience. 

6. Made Easy for Students

There’s no easier way for Texas State students to shop locally and sustainably than attending the San Marcos Farmers Market. It is held down the street from campus every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at E. San Antonio Street in the Square. 

Everything is convenient to students from location to payment. If you live on campus, there’s no more accessible place to find the freshest produce and the most local of businesses. This weekend, get involved in San Marcos by attending the farmers market and see what the community has to offer to Texas State students. 

Featured Image by Celeste Parler