So, you’re looking for something a little different on your trip to Kansas City. Freshen things up with these three recommendations of local farmers’ markets.

Before you go, here are a couple of tips. Make sure to take a large tote bag or cooler for your purchases. Cash can also be extremely handy, as several vendors do not accept checks or credit cards.

1. The City Market

Before the telephone was invented … before 29 presidents took the office … and even before Kansas became a state, Kansas Citians came together at The City Market. Located in the heart of the River Market neighborhood, The City Market is Kansas City’s oldest continuously operating business and home to one of the largest year-round farmers’ markets in the Midwest.

Featuring more than 140 local vendor stalls each weekend, the farmers’ market offers everything from fresh produce and baked goods to prepared foods and handmade crafts.

The buildings surrounding the open-air market house more than 30 shops, restaurants and other businesses that are open year-round. One of them, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, features the world’s largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts.

Farmers’ Market Schedule

• Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (June-October)
• Saturdays, 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (March-November)
• Sundays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (March-November)

2. Downtown Lawrence Farmers’ Market

Thirty years old and still fresh. Roughly 45 minutes from downtown Kansas City, the Lawrence Farmers’ Market is the oldest in the state of Kansas. Plus, it’s held inside one of the most beautiful historic downtowns in the nation.

The Lawrence Farmers’ Market began as a group of friends trading and selling the best their farms had to offer. Now it touts more than 80 vendors, but the strong sense of community still remains.

Wake up early and go for the ringing of the bell—the official opening of the market at 7 a.m. Then stay late to sample the signature music scene in Lawrence.

Farmers’ Market Schedule

• April 12-November 8
• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
• Saturdays, 7-11 a.m.

3. Farmers’ Community Market at Brookside

As far as markets in the metro go, the weekly event in [link to Brookside Shopping District shopping listing]Brookside could be considered a hidden gem. It’s known as one of the few farmers’ markets in the area that specialize in organic and locally grown produce.

Its farmers use sustainable and humane practices to produce hormone and antibiotic-free meat, free-range eggs and honey products. Other popular draws are the market’s organically prepared artisan food, gluten-free items and locally roasted fair-trade coffee.

The entertainment is always in season—from cooking demonstrations and children’s games to local musicians.

Farmers’ Market Schedule

• April 12-October 25
• Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.