Explore the Best Farmers’ Markets in Vail
You may not think of farmers’ markets when you think of Vail, Colorado, but they are some of the most popular events of our summer season. Palisade and the Grand Valley on Colorado’s western slope offer some of the most delicious produce around in spite of the short growing season. If you’ve ever tasted Palisade peaches you know exactly what we mean! In addition to fresh produce, you’ll also find locally-sourced artisan products, take away food from local restaurants, live music and more. Here’s a look at three of the markets in our area, starting with the biggest.
Every Sunday of the summer from the end of June through the beginning of October, guests and locals alike head to Meadow Drive in Vail Village. With over 140 tents featuring all kinds of vendors, it is a great place to find gifts, purchase farm-fresh produce for the week and enjoy some great music. It’s also a popular spot to grab lunch, and with over 40 food vendors you could eat something new and delicious each week. Local artisans sell everything from jewelry and clothing to artwork, pottery and specialty housewares. For a full list of vendors, visit https://www.vailfarmersmarket.com/vendor-portfolio/
Vail Farmers’ Market Farm to Table Dinner Series takes place in conjunction with the market four times each summer on Willow Bridge Road. This open-air culinary adventure offers a chef-crafted dinner, featuring seasonal and local ingredients from Colorado farmers. Taste of Vail partner wine and beer is included. Colorado is famous for its abundance of craft breweries, but did you know Palisade is also known for its wineries? Tickets must be purchased in advance (and sell out) on their website.
Taking place every Saturday from mid-June to early September, this was the Vail Valley’s original farmers’ market. Like the market in Vail, it showcases local artisans, crafts, prepared foods, farmers, and provides an opportunity for Eagle County visitors, residents and business owners to partake in locally produced goods and foods of the region. Historic Downtown Minturn serves as the backdrop and is a great stop before journeying up the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway.
A 15-minute drive west of Vail, this is the newest of our areas farmers’ markets and also starts the soonest – in early June. It is smaller and tends to draw more locals, but still worth the trip if you want a more relaxed market (Vail and Minturn draw the crowds) or plan on enjoying other Edwards attractions like the Riverwalk at Edwards shopping and dining area. Featuring more food and produce than artisans, it takes place on Saturdays from early June to late September.
Useful tips…
- If you want to beat the crowds during the high summer season, go early! The Minturn and Edwards markets start at 9 am, and the Vail market starts at 10 am.
- Palisade peaches are available late June through August and will sell out, so go early for a better chance of getting some. They are worth it! A past employee and Georgia native swore they were even better than Georgia peaches.
- Wear a hat or sunscreen. Colorado has 300 days of sunshine and at 8,150 ft the rays are stronger in Vail.
- Bring your reusable bags if you have them and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. The Vail Farmers’ Market has a water station for refills.