Red Lodge market

If you take Highway 78 through Absarokee, you drive through a little bit of heaven to get to Red Lodge. A moment of this is captured in the photo above.

If theyre fixing roads, like today, you might also drive over gravel and spend as long as half an hour waiting for your turn to pass heavy construction.

But it is so worth it to get to the Red Lodge farmers market.

Although rain fell and wind burst through in a breathtaking gulp today, good humor prevailed. Everyone just grabbed tent posts and held tightly to their dollar bills and produce and waited for the storm to pass. One vendor told me that this is a "warm" market, and I have to agree. People were very nice.

Several children showed off clever items they had made. From tiny dolls to handmade coloring books to dog biscuits to cards made from pressed wild flowers, youthful entrepreneurship was at its best.

Of course adults had plenty of things to offer, too: plants, purses, wooden cutting boards, vegetables, baked goods, and meats. This market is an excellent place to buy organic and naturally raised beef and pork.

If youre on your way to travel the Beartooth Highway (highly recommended; although it was closed due to snow a few days ago, so be warned), try to time your trip so you can pick up some granola and energy bars made by Jessica. She also sews lovely tote bags in case you forget your picnic basket.

On the way home I decided to avoid the road construction and go along Highway 212. I was tempted to take some side roads, but Ill save those adventures for another road trip.

Red Lodge Farmers Market

12th Street at Broadway

July 10 - October 2

Saturday, 8 am - noon