Located only 12 minutes from the tri-campus community is the bustling and vibrant South Bend Farmers Market. Unlike the typical array of tents in a parking lot you may envision a farmers market to look like, this setup was located in a connected indoor building that contains a multitude of different vendors. Whether its families visiting to purchase children’s books, students gathering to thrift college spirit gear, or friends attending to grab lunch while listening to a live band, the South Bend Farmers Market is a varied place of creativity and inclusivity.
There were a variety of food options to both purchase for later or to enjoy at the market. Fresh poultry and produce were available, and lots of apples. Baked goods also encompassed the stands, which varied from sourdough bread to cookies. Jam, honey and freeze dried treats were sold. The farmers market cafe is a sit-down restaurant option where most dishes use fresh ingredients from the vendors at the market.
I participated in more grab-and-go food options when I attended, picking up a comforting vanilla and sea salt caramel latte from DeLo’s Cafe and munching on a soft warm pretzel with homemade sweet mustard from Ben’s soft pretzels. My roommate and I also purchased ginger biscuits from the Great British Tea House. We received two packets of Yorkshire tea with the delicious cookies fit for the holiday season, and we even had a lively conversation with the owner.
The crafts and goods located in the market were numerous and varied, from knitted goods to jewelry, t-shirt quilts, soaps, greeting cards, decorated pumpkins and Christmas bows. College spirit-wear from Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s, Holy Cross and other universities were everywhere in the form of hats, banners, dish towels and totes. I even almost bought a pair of polka dot Saint Mary’s slippers.
My friend and I hand-picked eight unique and beautiful paper flowers to put in our apartment for only one dollar each, and she also bought a claw clip and a set of “Curious George” books. This variation in products made each vendor exciting to visit, but there were some stands with more reasonable prices than others. Some products yielded a good deal, while others mimicked and had prices of products I could find from a pricier boutique. Therefore, it’s good to keep your eye out for good deals or determine if the more expensive products are worth the splurge.
The South Bend Farmers Market, located on 1105 Northside Blvd., is open year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you want a cozy place to escape to and gain some seasonal cheer as the holidays approach, this assorted farmers market is the place to be.
