The Noelridge Farmer’s Market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is located on the corner of Collins Road and Council Street NE in Noelridge Park. It is open from May to October on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The hours are from 4-6 PM.
The first thing you notice about this Farmer’s Market is the location. In late spring and all summer Noelridge Park is home to spectacular flower gardens. Tennis courts, playground equipment, a pond filled with ducks and geese, and a 0.8 mile trail are also available. It is the absolute best location on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids to have a farmer’s market.
There are not a lot of vendors, but don’t let that stop you from attending. There is quality in what is available for buyers. Shopping locally is important to my family, and the Noelridge Farmer’s Market is a great place for local merchants to sell their items. The quality is evident as seen in the lines which form at people’s favorite vendors, as no money exchanges hands until promptly 4 PM.
This week there were bunches of beautiful asparagus for $2.00 – $3.00, big red tomatoes sold by the pound, buckets of spinach for $2.00, and leafy garden plants that you could buy to grow your own vegetables or herbs. An assortment of colorful annuals was also available.
Last market we attended my husband eyed homemade salsa that he readily taste tested. Much to his delight there were four different kinds. One of his favorites was made with tequila and lime.
Local honey also made an appearance, as did many baked goods such as breads and pies and sandwiches. This small market has everything from kettle corn to sandwiches, to local produce to sweet treats.
A family favorite is Tic-Tac-Toe Bakery. They offer Greek pastries such as Baklava and Mediterranean sugar cookies. They also have a variety of breads which are preservative free. This vendor never disappoints. The quality of the food is amazing. The taste is even more amazing.
Another of my favorite regulars is a woman from Belle Plaine, Iowa. She always has banana bread (with or without nuts), chocolate zucchini bread and pumpkin bread. She also has a variety of cookies available. A couple of days ago I picked up a peach pie from her table for my mother-in-law for a late Mother’s Day treat. I enjoy her items, because they remind me of what my grandmother used to bake.
At the Noelridge Farmer’s Market, there is a little bit of everything. The location is great, as are the prices. Shopping at this market is affordable and never disappointing!
