Baltimore Farmer's Market, Baltimore MD

A couple weeks ago I was back in Maryland visiting my parents. I go back every summer, and then when the scheduling works, I also go for a home football game weekend. When I first started coming back I would try to squeeze so much stuff into the trip that I was absolutely exhausted by the end and needed a couple days to recover. So now I'm a lot more relaxed.  One of my must-do items this trip was the Baltimore Farmer's Market. When I lived in Maryland I went about once a month. My mom thought I was crazy for driving "all the way" to Baltimore from College Park (really only about 40 minutes), but to me it was worth it. Fresh produce, buying local, and they had a vendor that sold these awesome egg rolls.

The market is open every Sunday, 7am-noon, from April - December. It's underneath the Falls Jones Expressway, just minutes from downtown. I was really surprised at how big it is now. It's probably doubled in size since I lived there. I was also shocked how crowded it was when we arrived just after 8am. Of course it's a lot of fresh produce. But they also added a bazaar component, with vendors selling clothing, jewelry, bags, etc. I don't remember that being there before.

One of the first things that caught my eye was rice krispy treats. Yes, I know that's kind of weird. But who can resist this adorable picture? And besides, they make their own marshmallows.

When I lived here, I only remember a couple of food vendors. That has now completely changed, with 23 hot food concessions. As soon as I saw the first concessionaire, I realized my huge FAIL...I had eaten breakfast at home before I left. What the heck was I thinking?! That's a rookie mistake. I was so mad too, because a lot of it looked so good. The coffee stands had some of the longest lines. Normally I would understand, but it was blazing hot already. No chance I can drink coffee when it's that warm.  As we were leaving I got a sample of fried fish. It was amazing, and of course really fresh. But I still wasn't even remotely hungry so I had to pass.

This market is one that states no pets inside. It says so on the website, and also at signs as you walk in.  Of course a couple of people had to be rebels, and bring in their dogs.  I just don't get that. It says no pets, but you just blatantly ignore that and bring them anyway. Ridiculous.

The black-eyed-Susan is the state flower of Maryland, and there were several stands selling them. 

There's also tons of fresh product. Fruits, vegetables, greens, herbs, and flowers. Dozens of vendors selling everything that you need. They've even got dairy and frozen meats.

I thought the Dallas Farmer's Market was big, but I'm pretty sure this one was larger. It definitely had more variety, since Baltimore has the bazaar items.  I honestly didn't stop at any of those vendors. But I did do a quick glance as we walked by them, and they had a lot of stuff.

By the time we were leaving at about 10am, the market was absolutely packed. I mean wall to wall people. If I lived in Maryland I would be there probably weekly. Or at least every other week.

Next time I'm back in Maryland I will definitely make another trip to the market. And I will make sure that I don't eat breakfast so that I can eat from one of the vendors. Definitely won't make that mistake twice.