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

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Red Lodge farmers market a cold wind blows

The pumpkins at todays farmers market in Red Lodge had loads of personality -- all ready for Halloween.

A cold wind blew around tomatoes, peppers, bread, and soap, but that didnt discourage shoppers, who crowded around their favorite vendors, eager to take home the bounty. The remains of an early snow lingered and everyone had to bundle up, but it was still a fine day for a market.

Colorful heirloom tomatoes from Wholesome Foods farm made a pretty picture.

Piles of peppers from Carbon County Growers in Bridger shone in the sun. You can freeze small peppers as is, or seed and chop up the bigger peppers, and put them all in the freezer to spice up winter meals.

A long line formed almost immediately after the opening cowbell for Hopes homemade baked goods. Difficult decisions had to be made about whether to take a brownie brimming with frosting, or a crisp baguette, or a cinnamon roll the size of your head. Or maybe one of each . . .

There was corn.

And honey.

And amazing tamales made fresh by Rosa.

Kennys Double D Salsa, including the delectable mango and pineapple version, lived up to its tagline, "Dangerous & Delicious." Kenny said hes had people return within a few minutes to buy more because they ate it right out of the container in their car. Kenny makes 1500-1600 pints each month to sell at stores in Billings and Red Lodge and another 225 pints each week to supply fans at the farmers markets in those towns.

Debra, of La Naturals, was selling soap and other natural skin care products. I was attracted by her unusual combination of honey and dandelion, among others. She was eager to share her knowledge of natural products, explaining that she sources locally whenever possible, using honey and beeswax from Sunshine Apiary in Columbus, goat milk from a farm in Fromberg, and violets from a neighbors garden. I learned a lot from her about taking care of my skin with natures ingredients.

Its getting toward the end of farmers market season here in eastern Montana, with 2 market days left in Red Lodge. And while there may already be snow on the ground, dont let that discourage you from picking up some fresh produce and other necessities. The vendors offer an abundance of goods, and they are always happy to see you.

This time of year its an especially pretty drive south to Red Lodge, with snowy mountains to frame the view. Take some time to enjoy it.

Red Lodge Farmers Market

Lions Park, between E. 7th & E 8th on N. Villard

Friday, 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

June 27 - September 26

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