Hong Kong Farmer’s Market – Photo courtesy of Crossroads Foundation – flickr

One of my favorite pursuits when traveling is visiting the local Farmers Markets to get an authentic, sensory feel of my destination.

Here I can discover fresh local produce, sampling and tasting as I saunter along from vendor to vendor, smiling while the farmers compete among themselves for my attention and pocketbook. I can get lost in listening to the music of a foreign language, learn where locals like to eat and how to prepare an evening’s meal from unfamiliar ingredients.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market

Even when home in Seattle, I can visit several different neighborhood markets to find unusual teas, melons and spices.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market

And can I ever leave without purchasing a bouquet of flowers or gifts of indigenous handicrafts? Hardly.

Little Red Riding Hood & Friends from Brazil Farmer’s Market

Not a bad way to spend a few hours . . .

What’s your favorite farmer’s market, Wanderboomers?