In Milwaukee, there's a farmers market pretty much every day of the summer. Between the market in West Allis, Downtown, East Side, East Town, Riverwest and Bay View, not to mention markets running independently in almost every surrounding suburb, you can nearly always find farm fresh produce somewhere.
But while each of these supports the local economy and provides a good selection of vegetables, bakery and indie-made goods, where's our "Madison"-style farmers market?
For those who have experienced it, you can attest that the Saturday morning farmers market on Madison's Capitol Square is on another level.
Four blocks of vendors from across the state vie for a spot each and every year at Madison's farmers market. In addition to produce, you can find meats, cheeses, baked goods, honey, flowers, succulents and fresh pasta. In addition to groceries, there are musicians, artisans, food vendors and street performers.
You can spend the entire morning wandering in the crowds, overwhelmed with the spectacle of Wisconsin pride and sampling the best of local produce.
So, why are our farmer's markets so much tamer? Do we have too many spread throughout the city that no single market draws the crowds Madison can? Do we prefer the quick in and out?
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
