As winter sweeps through Arkansas, it might seem tempting to bundle up and go to the supermarket for your groceries. But when it comes to fresh fruit, vegetables, and homemade baked goods, the freshest selection to stock your refrigerator will be found near home, at your local farmers market. Here are just a few farmers markets you can find in the winter months of Arkansas that will help keep your recipes fresh.

Hot Springs Winter Farmers Market

Vendors brave the elements all year to keep you well-stocked at the Hot Springs Historic Downtown Farmers Market. During winter, you will find greenhouse grown vegetables and of course the always necessary-for-keeping-warm baked pies and pastries. 

As you sip hot coffee and gather with locals, savor the Saturday morning festival atmosphere as live music plays while the kids laugh and play at curated “Day at the Farm” activities.  

This market also gives a glimpse of the future, welcoming youth vendors who may have just harvested their first crops. Give them a look, and perhaps these youngsters will welcome you as returning customers in the years to come. 

Fort Smith Farmers Market

Every day at the Fort Smith Farmers Market is a festival of the senses thanks to more than 90 growers, artisans and farmers who supply a bountiful cornucopia of fresh produce, flowers, and homemade crafts such as candles. If you’re seeking a loaf of bread to serve at dinner, or grass-fed meat to cook up a hot meal, look no further than this Saturday market. A healthy dose of street performers and local musicians carry you through the cold days and warm up your soul.

Hillcrest Farmers Market (Little Rock)

Running year-round, the Hillcrest Farmers Market lifts your senses on Saturday mornings with the aroma of Barnhill Orchards fresh strawberries. Try not to get too distracted by the local honey and mushrooms as you wind your way to Porch Swing Farms’ booth to buy your big weekend dinner of grass-fed pork. Check off the rest of your shopping list with a healthy selection of squash and microgreens, before finally snatching up that plant to keep the house feeling fresh as the open air at a farmers market.

Fayetteville Holiday Farmers Market

While the in-person Fayetteville Holiday Farmers Market runs for only a few weeks in December, the nearly 100 vendors will have more than enough produce, crafts, and preserves to get you through the rest of winter. If you start to feel peckish while hunting for your grocery list, you can satisfy your taste buds with Gina’s Salsa, or an extra tasty almond croissant from the Dirty Apron Bakehouse. 

You can also visit the online market through their website. While you wouldn’t be walking the booths of the market with an online order, you can rest assured that you’re still supporting local growers, since all the vendors are local to Northwest Arkansas.

Support Farmers by Insuring With Farm Bureau Insurance

Another way to support local farmers in Arkansas is by purchasing home, auto, and life insurance with Farm Bureau Insurance. Your membership in the Arkansas Farm Bureau helps them advocate and support farmers. To learn more about additional benefits of Arkansas Farm Bureau membership and insuring with Farm Bureau Insurance, contact a local agent near you.