You know summer is here when the farmer markets season begins.
This year you will find three different weekly markets happening near Beaver Creek – Wednesday evening is the Lake Street market in Avon; Saturdays are reserved for the veteran of all markets in the valley, the Minturn Market; and last but not least the Vail market is on Sunday.
To make the best of your market experience, see our locals tips and favorite vendors list below:
Lake Street Market in Avon
This event is a new addition to the summer happenings in the valley.
The market is set to start on June 20th and be held on Wednesdays during the summer; what makes this farmers' market different is the fact that it is an evening affair starting at 4pm and lasting till dusk.
The later hours will give people a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful mountain evenings in an amazing setting by the lake, while keeping everybody entertained no matter of age or interest. Market officials have shared some of the highlights of what to expect from the Lake Street Market – in addition to the must-have fresh produce and homemade goods, they have secured a variety of local vendors, a happy hour beer garden for the adults, a kids zone and of course live music.
Tips: If you are planing on arriving to town on Wednesday and haven't had made dinner plans, come on down to Avon, grab a cold drink, watch your food being prepared by one of the food vendors and enjoy a stress-free beginning to your mountain vacation.
Minturn Market
The famous Minturn Market needs no introduction. If you have ever spent a week in Beaver Creek during the summer you have probably visited the cute little town for the Saturday market.
By tradition this markets starts on the Saturday of Father's Day weekend, which is June the 16th this year. It begins at 9 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m.
What makes the Minturn market unique is its great variety of vendors; among the long-time regulars such as the Muffin Lady or the Tibetan Sisters Art, the market gives a chance to many new artist, local entrepreneurs and food trucks creating an refreshing vibe.
Tips: The market gets pretty hot on a sunny summer day, so a great place to get some shade while filling in on the local news is the Vail Daily reading room. It is located right next to the information booth and next door to the Monkshood Cellars, where you should definitely stop by for a refreshing cider.
Vail Farmers' Market & Art Show
Do not fool yourself because you went to one farmer's market in the mountain and you think you've seen it all. The Vail Farmers' market is a completely different experience. It is like a culinary festival featuring more than 40 booths exclusively serving food with gourmet chiefs creating samplers specially for the market, an art show with artists showcasing their work right in front of you, multiple farmers offering fresh Colorado produce and organic options and a music festival all at once.
The music at the market has grown in its own event in the past few years and is a part of the Vail Jazz Festival featuring Jazz @ The Market at Solaris Plaza, there is also a second stage by the Secret Garden, which will welcome musicians from playing different genres, see program
Tips: Don't wait till the end to buy your produce, especially peaches during the busy market season. It is true, caring a bag of veggies might not sound very appealing if you are planing on spending a couple of hours at the market, but the good stuff sells fast. Plan on grabbing your produce first and store it in the car or your hotel room and come back for the fun.
