Urban Explorer: St. Paul Winter Farmers Market

Urban Explorer: St. Paul Winter Farmers Market
By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | February 2023

After jamming a few quarters into the parking pay station, my wife and I leaned into the frigid winter wind and made our way through the corridor of tall, downtown St. Paul buildings. A few minutes later we reached the St. Paul Farmers Market and my breathing steadied almost at once. The pleasing aroma of warm drinks and kettle corn wafted from a row of vendors’ tents at the far end of the market and jolly music filled the air. It made me smile, something I could now do since feeling had returned to my frozen cheeks.

Strolling along with curious eyes, we joined a flock of people moseying past several tables filled with packaged meats of all types, cuts and sizes. I gently knocked on a few steaks and pork roasts and found them to be hard as a rock. Yes, they were frozen, but I learned that they were cut fresh just days earlier. Continuing past a small cloud of steam rising from a coffee shack, we rounded a bend and found a surprisingly large crowd shuffling along amidst the colorful stands. For a moment I was transported back to the leisurely days of summertime.

Here we found meats, fruits and vegetables, coffee, breads, honey and more, along with vendors issuing friendly greetings. The welcoming smells and sight of the fresh products lured us in. After two laps around the market, we made our decision on what to buy. Before pulling the trigger though, we spent some time at the cozy fireplace on the side of the market near CHS Field. Here, free brats were given to anyone who cared to roast one over the fire. The sizzle and smell of the brats, coupled with the laughter and chatter of those around us, warmed me even further and confused my senses. Was it summer? Winter? At that point it didn’t matter. I was having a good time.

After making our purchases, we walked back along the cobbled path we had strolled in on, feeling happy and content. Aside from experiencing something new, we were invigorated by the sense of community we found at the market and pleased to have supported a few local farmers dedicated to providing fresh, nutritious food. As we crossed the street and headed back to our car, the air didn’t feel quite as cold as before and we found ourselves planning our next trip back to the market and the discussing the stands we wanted to support. We, like many others, were now year-round customers.

The St. Paul Farmers Market was named the second best Farmers Market in the nation last year by USA Today Magazine Top 100. In the summer it features vast assortments of food and other products. The winter market also has a wide variety, but about a quarter of the vendors. It is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, December through April, and has infrared heaters. For more information, visit stpaulfarmersmarket.com.