Eat Healthy by Shopping at These 4 Farmers Markets in the Twin Cities

One of the keys to good nutrition is getting your food as close to the source as possible. When you shop at farmers markets, you can purchase fresh produce and other items directly from the growers while avoiding excessive processing and costly packaging and shipping. We've found some of the best farmers' markets in the Twin Cities for you to check out on your next shopping trip.

St. Paul Farmers Market
290 E. 5th Street
St. Paul 55101

This market in downtown St. Paul is covered for comfortable shopping, rain or shine. All produce sold here must be locally grown, and other items such as prepared food, jams and jellies, and baked goods must be produced locally using local ingredients wherever possible. Take advantage of their convenient pick-up lane where staff will watch over your purchases until you're ready to leave. The downtown location is open 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday. Check the website for other satellite locations.

Minneapolis Farmers Market Annex
200 E. Lyndale Avenue N.
Minneapolis 55405

A giant rooster greets you at the entrance of the largest open-air market in the region. Fresh produce is only the beginning at this one-stop shopping center. You'll spend hours browsing the clothing and accessories along with pottery, crafts and other art works including one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. Pick up some fresh flowers or green plants to brighten up your Springs Twin Cities apartment home. The Farmers Market Annex is open weekends from 6:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Mill City Farmers Market
750 S. 2nd Street
Minneapolis 55401

This lively Saturday morning market is right next door to the iconic Guthrie Theater. Mill City's mission is to use the marketplace as a means to educate the community about sustainable, organic foods for better health. The market has the feel of a street festival with local artists, food trucks, cooking demos and live musical entertainment.

Rochester Downtown Farmers Market
4th Street and 4th Avenue SE
Rochester 55904

All 100 vendors at this market live and farm within 50 miles of Rochester, providing a truly local feel. Choose from the freshest vegetables, fruits and berries, cheese and dairy products, and baked goods. More than a dozen gardens and greenhouses feature a bright assortment of flowers and plants. Local musicians and performers are hand to entertain you as you take a break to enjoy a cup of coffee or slice of pizza. The market is open from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, rain or shine.

Do you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle? Share your thoughts in the comments!