A trip to the lovely New Braunfels Farmer’s Market

New Braunfels. For many people, this beautiful little German town conjures up images of Schlitterbahn and Wurstfest. While I’ve definitely enjoyed a turn in the wave pool and giant turkey leg, I’m not here today to talk about those well known attractions. Instead, I’m going to talk about one of the best kept secrets in New Braunfels and perhaps the entire Hill Country; the farmer’s market.

Held every Saturday rain or shine from 9-1, the New Braunfels Farmer’s Market is one of the best in the Hill Country. Insider tip: Be sure to arrive by 9 to make sure you can find good parking and by 9, I mean 8:45. This is one of the most popular farmer’s markets in the area and people take their marketing seriously.

Situated about two block away from the main plaza, the space is expansive yet not overwhelmingly so. The 50 plus vendors range from organic vegetables and fruits to Peruvian empanadas. You’ll definitely want to come with multiple bags and an empty stomach.

The main entrance is flanked by the The Lemonade Company on your right and C’est La Vie Baking Co’s mouthwatering breads and pastries on your right. Note: the vendor layout is subject to change; this is just the layout on the last 3 times that I was there. If those two stalls are there on your trip, I highly recommend that you start with a lemonade and a chocolate croissant to fuel up for rest of your market experience.

The market then splits to the left or or the right. Insider tip: before you turn left or right there is a stall selling handwoven baskets made by African women to encourage entrepreneurship. On my first visit, I bought one to carry all of my purchases and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The baskets are not only beautiful to look at but incredibly durable as well.

The path to the right leads to fresh cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and unbelievable gourmet olive oils and balsamic dressings. The left leads to a coffee stand and a line of hot, fresh foods for sale. Having already acquired my drink and breakfast I went to the left to fill my basket with organic parsnips and squash from Johnson’s Backyard Garden as well as sampling a delightfully creamy truffle goat cheese. After meandering through that side of the market, I came to the covered sitting area filled with wooden benches and a small stage. They have live music every market and on this day it was a lovely man singing George Strait covers and I decided that one little croissant was not going to cut it so made my way over to the amazing Yapa Artinsan Empanada stall and ordered a Peruvian Chicken with the creamy chipotle sauce. Do NOT skip on the sauce, trust me. Replenished food in hand, I went back to a wooden bench beneath the covered area to people watch…er.. listen to the music.

After getting my fill, I decided to go check out the back side of the market where the artisans reside. This section contains everything from carved wooden furniture to eclectic hand made jewelry and let me tell you, it was extremely difficult not to leave with about 10 more things. The products are beautiful and unique, much like everything else at this lovely market.

All in all, a trip to the New Braunfels Farmer’s Market is a perfect way to spend a day in one of the Hill Country’s most picturesque towns. People come from all over the Hill Country to set up shop here every Saturday so basically you are experiencing all parts of the Hill Country without a hefty gas bill.  So, next time that you have a free Saturday morning take a drive to New Braunfels. Buy a handwoven basket, grab a coffee, and meander through the farmer’s market in the early morning light like the locals do.

Address:
186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Hours of Operation:
Every Saturday from 9-1, rain or shine.