Planning a trip along the Garden Route? Here’s a selection of Garden Route markets you have to visit.
Fresh produce at Harkerville Market, Plettenberg Bay. Photo by Jazz Kuschke.
If you are in the Garden Route over a weekend, here’s our choice of Garden Route markets you should visit to stock up on farm produce and delicious goodies for your pantry. While you are there you can also feast on tasty home-made fare and if you are lucky, there may even be a band or two to keep you entertained. The kids will love it too!
Garden Route markets
Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market, Sedgefield
Summertime: (September to March) from 07:30 to 12:00
Wintertime: (April to August) from 8:00 to 12:00
Started back in 1999, this market on the banks of Swartvlei lake almost bloomed into more of a tourist attraction than a functional food market. Almost. Thankfully it stayed true to its roots and remains the goto coffee stop for passing cyclists and paragliders, dispatch of the local bush telegraph and place to stock up on everything from fresh seafood to home-made cheese and farm veggies. A visit isn’t complete without a ‘gegrillte Frankfurter’ from Ronny’s – just look for the queue. www.wildoatsmarket.co.za.
– contributed by Jazz Kuschke
Outeniqua Farmers’ Market, George
Every Saturday, 08h00 to 14h00
The 130-odd food and craft stalls are a welcome contrast to the urban sprawl of the Garden Route Mall just across the N2. The focus is on locally sourced and grown produce. While the range of seasonal vegetables is enough reason to go, don’t pass Red Barn Free Range Chicken without stocking up. There’s a family vibe to the place, with big play areas and activities for kids. The live music might have you feeling like you’re rocking the KKNK, but that’s not a bad thing. Go before 11 am to get one of Made by Monica’s triple-choc brownies before they’re sold out. www.outeniquafarmersmarket.co.za.
– contributed by Jazz Kuschke
Harkerville Market, Plettenberg Bay
Every Saturday morning
More intimate and less formal than Outeniqua and Wild Oats, Harkerville is essentially a craft market that also offers good food and produce, rather than a dedicated foodie fest. It’s a window into the chilled world of the relaxed locals of the Knysna-Plett realm and you should leave pretence (and your shoes, if you want) in your car. Highlights include the vegetable seedlings on offer, so you can start your own organic veggie patch. Also try the Belgian waffles (hidden in the craft section) – have one there, then stock up on a frozen pack. www.harkervillemarket.co.za.
– contributed by Jazz Kuschke
Know any more great Garden Route markets? Tell us in the comment section and we’ll add it to the list.
