Most everyone in Wisconsin knows about the huge farmer’s market in around Capitol Square in Madison, since it’s one of the biggest markets in the country. But did you know that there’s another massive market with more than 100 vendors and thousands of visitors each week in another part of the state? Down in Beloit, along the Illinois border, the farmer’s market is so amazing and popular that businesses that originated as stalls at the market continue to move to brick and mortar locations because of the local support. This amazing market doesn’t get near the recognition is deserves and you really need to check it out.
Down in Beloit, the saying is "Meet me at State and Grand" as that's where a massive, amazing farmer's market is every Saturday from May to October, rain or shine. This fabulous market has 92 permanent vendors as well as others that vary from week to week, meaning there are more than 100 places for you to choose from.
The market stretches down the 300 block of State Street, the 400 block of Grand Street and sets up in a parking lot along the way. You'll find a massive amount of fresh produce, homemade goods and other amazing locally produced things to stock your pantry.
Beyond the market, there's also food trucks and meal vendors and tons of things to make this more than just a quick shopping outing for you and your family.
You'll often find live music. performers and more to make Saturday mornings on the corner of State and Grand a whole event. This farmer's market runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine and you can be a few sprinkles don't keep folks away from taking part.
Beloit's location puts this market so close to a ton of different producers and farmers than you might find at other markets and that makes it a totally underrated gem. Locals know that you can find amazingly delicious food here and the word is getting out that this is a market worth traveling for.
This market is so popular that there's a waiting list for vendors to join and the number of people who visit each week numbers in the thousands. Though the market has gotten more popular in recent years, it's no new kid on the block. This market has been serving the community since 1974.
Not only will you fill out your grocery list for that week's meals, but you'll be able to get breakfast and/or lunch at food trucks serving up the best in everything from tacos to smoothies and fresh seafood. Grab something to snack on, settle in for some live music, and enjoy the summer sun for a few minutes before setting off to find more treasures from the vendors.
A number of now very popular and successful Beloit businesses started as stalls at the farmer's market. Bushell & Peck’s Local Market, Northwoods Premium Confections, and Dirty Bear Soap all have roots at the market. That the community is so supportive of these locally owned and operated spots says so much about how different Beloit is from the boom or bust blue-collar town of the past. Folks who haven't been for awhile should definitely use the market as an excuse to visit again.
Bushel and Peck's even now hosts a pared-down winter version of the farmer's market on a limited schedule in the colder months. It's a fabulously cool story of a place gone from a vendor to host, ensuring that the market and its vendors thrive year round.
When it comes to a history of serving the community and supporting local producers, these folks have been going strong for more than 40 years and they've created a fabulous community within the community where shoppers recognize their favorite producers and come back week after week to buy from them.
This market really is worth getting up for in the morning. There's something really amazing about meeting the farmers that grow the food you eat each week and knowing that you're supporting members of your own community.
The Beloit Farmer’s Market takes place on the 300 block of State Street, 400 block of Grand Avenue, and in Gantry Parking Lot and is open every Saturday, Rain or Shine, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through October. You can learn more about the Beloit Farmer’s Market here or by heading to their Facebook page.
Have you visited this totally underrated, but amazing farmer’s market? Tell us about your favorite vendor in the comments!
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