Off to market we go!

Going to the Danville Farmers’ Market has become one of our Saturday morning rituals. So very many reasons this has fast become a fam fav. Here’s my shortlist:

• Time It starts super early at 7:30 a.m. Almost as early as our little one likes to get up!
• Culture All ages and all backgrounds attend. I love watching the crowd that gathers
• Food We can find a diversity of produce and baked goods, from fresh kale to buttery pound cake
• Local & Location Support local artisans and farmers in a lovely facility with easy parking
• Educational A chance to meet the people who grew the food that nourishes our bodies
• Price So far we’ve found the prices to be more favorable than local grocers. Local, just-picked, organic, better-tasting AND less expensive? That’s a no brainer.

SRSLY

Seriously, y’all. It’s way more fun to snack on a fresh-baked yeast roll stuffed with savory country ham while perusing produce. And it’s more interesting to purchase eggs from the man who cares for the chickens and knows them by name.

Kid-friendly?  Very!

• There are real public bathrooms with running water
• Ramps and sidewalks for easy stroller access
• Water fountains
• Patio benches ample for munching on treats
• Coloring books and crayons are provided at tables
• A book stand with children’s books
• Clean, open areas if kids need a few minutes to run off some extra energy
• The market is adjacent to the Danville Science Center and the riverwalk greenway if you have enough people in your group to split up and meet later

Although, be exceedingly cautious around some un-safe areas:  Most of the loading docks are open access without anything to prevent a curious toddler from running off the edge. In many cases, the bay doors open to a sharp 5-foot drop or more. Mind that littles ones don’t get too close to these edges.

SoVa Tip #1: Although this outing has lots of visual interest for curious young minds, it can be difficult for little ones to remain patient and stay close while you’re talking with or waiting to pay vendors because there is just SO MUCH they want to go see.  We find it easier to go in groups or take along a second adult when we can.

SoVa Tip #2: Go early.  The most delicious, ripest produce can be in limited supply.  And the most popular items can sell out quickly.  If you want the pick of the litter, get out early.

Arts & Crafts

Depending on the week, there are rotating features in part of the building. This week featured local artisans crafting their wares. So we could watch and ask questions about different trades, such as quiltmaking, pottery, soapmaking, and metalsmithing tools and jewelry.

The next time you need to buy soap, think about how your kids might find it interesting to watch the process of how it’s made. Also, if your family suffers from allergies, most of the local crafts people don’t use commercial chemical products. But if you’re unsure, you can ask them directly about any concerns. Most happily discuss all of their ingredients and describe the creation process.

Many of the artisans will do custom work if you don’t find something that exactly meets your specific dietary or allergy needs. Or maybe you just have a particular color or design request. Wouldn’t it be more fun to collaborate than pay more for a low-quality import?

Hours

Saturdays (May – October)
7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Wednesdays (July – August)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Location

Danville Community Market
629 Craghead Street
Danville, VA 24541