Part of me breathes a sigh of relief when the farmer’s market season ends. I know it sounds odd, being the market lover that I am, but as a Minnesotan, I enjoy a beginning and end to things, just like the seasons.

Plus, I can still get fresh and local produce in the winter – it just takes a little planning. Both the Minneapolis and St. Paul farmer’s markets are open year round; just check the dates and hours on their websites before heading over.

(credit: Crystal Grobe)

This weekend marks the first of the winter markets in the Twin Cities. On Saturday, Local D’Lish hosts several vendors from area markets for the first of six winter shopping events. On Sunday, Kingfield Market hosts their Holiday Market where you’ll see favorites like Sunshine Harvest Farm, Singing Hills Goat Dairy and Peter’s Pumpkins. Fast forward to Dec. 10 and you can experience the winter version of the Mill City Farmers Market at the Mill City Museum.

One of the things I’ll miss most about the summer are the food trucks, but I need not worry as Kitchen in the Market at Midtown Global Market is hosting several weekends of food truck fun. Check out their website as they fill in the details each week.

I’m sure you can guess what I’ll be doing this weekend!