Summer brings a Saturday morning ritual. Farmer’s Market season is upon us, and for many locals and visitors, al-fresco shopping is a summer sport.
*This guest blog comes from Tess Weaver, a local writer and editor based in Aspen. Follow her adventures on social @TessJWeaver
Since 1998, the Aspen Saturday Market has showcased Colorado-grown produce and Colorado-produced artisan products in downtown Aspen. On Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m (June to October), the market offers Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables, bread and baked goods, meats, cheeses, honey and more, as well as a food court in Conner Park (don’t miss the adoptable furry friends through the Aspen Animal Shelter). Local artisans sell art, jewelry, clothing, soap and more. But some might argue the main role it serves is as a weekly community gathering spot—the U-shaped market route is Aspen’s unofficial summer meeting spot; a place to linger, chat, make plans, pet pups and meet babies.
According to Kathy Strickland, the market’s manager for 26 years, there are at least a dozen new vendors this summer, including Aspen Fondue (serving warm raclette sandwiches), Paonia’s Peony Lane Vineyards, mushrooms from James Mauschka and pork from Rick Zimmerman. Look for new stalls from Aspen’s Fat City Gallery (offering historic books), the Payne Woodshop from Basalt and the Stone Fruit Company based in Palisade. Other new offerings range from gluten-free baked goods to hand-etched knives to decorative macramé. The City of Aspen received more than 50 vendor applications and approved less than 15 of them, based on need, quality, and other criteria.
“Everyone is happy to be here—even when it means setting up tents in the rain—and works well together,” says Strickland. “It’s just as popular as ever.” She says for the last three years, the Aspen Saturday Market has generated close to $2 million in sales, making it the highest-producing farmer’s market in the state.
If you’re visiting the Aspen Saturday Market for the first time, plan for at least an hour to get acquainted with the vendors, and even more time to dig in and fill your tote bag (or bags). Fuel up for your shopping adventure with a green juice from the JUS Aspen stall and/or a fresh-baked savory croissant from Louis Swiss. Shopping for dinner? Pick up some wagyu burgers perfect for summer grilling from T-Lazy Ranch or fresh pasta from Pappardelle’s Pasta. Build a farm-to-table salad with radishes and carrots from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, greens from Two Roots Farm, edible flowers from the FARM Collaborative and heirloom tomatoes from Abundant Life farms in Hotchkiss.
Abundant Life owners Kaylee Armstrong and her husband Jeff have been selling at the Aspen Saturday Market since 2013. Aspen shoppers always look forward to their organically farmed berries, melons and tomatoes, among other crops. At the second market of the year, Abundant Life sold around 350 cartons of fresh strawberries and 55 packages of basil pesto.
“People are hungry for local and organic produce,” says Kaylee. “Market customers tell us how thankful they are we’re here, and that feedback matters a lot. It’s the people that make it all worth it. Farmer’s markets are a great way for the community to come together, and it’s just fun.”
When your food bags are filled, experience the outdoor museum that is the Aspen Saturday Market by perusing Emily Chaplin’s Aspen portraits, watercolor cards by Leah Potts, photography by Jeremy Joseph and fine art photos from Mountain Light Images. Pamper yourself at high altitude with natural skin care from Mountain Meadow Naturals and Leaf People and try on unique jewelry made by artisans like Caitlin Dunn, Wild Feather & Stones and Taylor & Tessier. For the youngest market goers, Viola Studios sells cashmere dolls, Afternoon Deelites scoops handmade ice cream and Color Your Own offers a chance to let your imagination run wild with paint. And for the young at heart, Scott Stein crafts wooden skateboards.
Whether you’re on a mission to fill your fridge or picnic basket, searching for a special ingredient to build a dinner menu around, seeking inspiration from fine art, shopping for that special gift, entertaining kids of all ages or leisurely strolling to take in a classic Aspen scene, the Aspen Saturday Market has something everyone.
Happy shopping!
Don’t miss the new Roaring Fork & Farm Map , a printed pocket guide to the Valley’s local producers, farms that welcome visitors, guest ranches, public gardens and restaurants that champion local and regional Colorado farmers.
Tag us in your Aspen Saturday Market photos on social @AspenCo for a chance to be featured on our social pages & newsletter.
