I’m glad that the local farmer’s markets in Hampton Roads are opened year round. I am. But it would be nice if the business hours were either updated on all the signs and Web site or the stand owners actually followed said hours.

Baby J, myself, and my friend Nicole with her two kids headed to the Virginia Beach Farmers Market yesterday for some produce shopping and a little fun. We ate breakfast at the Princess Anne County Grill, located inside the market. Every time I’ve visited the market, the restaurant looked packed for breakfast, so I figured it had to be tasty. Well, it was delicious, but my omelette was also what Nicole called a “calorie bomb.” It would be good if they’d add fruit, granola, or yogurt to their menu…or just some lower fat options. I’m not saying I’d actually buy the lower fat options- but it’d be nice if they were available. =D Anyway, I chose the seafood omelette with shrimp, Chesapeake crab, cheddar cheese, and topped with Hollandaise sauce. I was impressed with the crab. It definitely tasted fresh, so I’d like to come back in an afternoon or evening and try their crab cakes.

After breakfast we intended on browsing the produce stands that open at 10am, but when we left at 10:30, none of them had opened. We were, however, able to visit a couple of the bakery shops and an organic grocery store. That’s why I titled this post an “almost disappointing” trip- because we still had fun together and did do a little “green” shopping.

There are two bakeries there. One of them is also connected to an Amish furniture store, and it sells different baking items and snacks. I was pleased to read the labels on many of their snack mixes, like chocolate covered pretzels. There weren’t that many ingredients, especially compared to your standard grocery store brands. If there’s anything I’ve learned while trying to make healthy choices, it’s that fewer ingredients generally equals healthier foods.

The Virginia Garden Organic Grocery is also located at the market. They have a wonderful selection of local organic produce, meats, and eggs, including those from the renowned Polyface Farm. Shelves are also stocked with organic snacks, drinks, cereals, grains, personal products, vitamins, and more. I’ll definitely be visiting them again.

I’m looking forward to warmer weather, so we can actually peruse the in-season, local produce stands!

Do you visit famers markets? What’s your favorite thing to purchase there?