I’m a bit of a sucker for an open air market… there’s something about them that just makes me happy. It doesn’t even really matter what type of market it is — from fashion to food and everything in between – there I’ll be, wandering around with a big goofy smile on my dial.

Of all the markets on my radar, Eveleigh Farmers’ Markets has to be my favourite. Held at the Carriageworks in Darlington every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, this place bursts with vibrancy, colour and activity. Not to mention the dogs (oh, the dogs) – this place is a canine-lover’s heaven!

The markets from above | Jonima Flowers | heirloom tomatoes

With plenty of fresh produce straight from the farmer to you, Eveleigh Markets makes it simple to reduce your ‘food miles’. There’s an array of fruits and vegetables (including organic and biodynamic options) on offer, as well as herbs, meat, dairy and even pasta, olive oil and artisan breads – everything you need to create healthy, wholesome meals for you and your family. Not to mention there are a few restauranteurs (Kylie Kwong, Bird Cow Fish) offering breakfast, brunch and lunch yummies for anyone brave enough to tackle the markets on an empty stomach.

I visited on Saturday for the first time in ages, and these were my top five stalls for the day:

Sorbello Family Fresh Produce
I was first introduced to these guys when I did a market tour and cooking class with Becasse restaurant a couple of years ago. They specialise in heirloom and gourmet tomatoes, but also have an incredible range of herbs (chocolate mint or lemon lime basil anyone?) and other produce. I picked up some of their specialty tomatoes, as well as some other fresh produce for the week.

Sorbello Family Produce

Jonima Flower Stall
I’ve always thought that fresh flowers are the ultimate indulgence, and while I can’t recall the name of these beauties that I picked up (poppies?) they sure do make me smile! There are a couple of pretty special flower merchants around the market, but these guys have always stood out to me.

Jollie Dog Treats
Lou goes crazy for these, and all of his doggie-cousins end up with a couple of boxes in their Santa bags at Christmas too. All ingredients are human grade and manufactured to human standards too (although I still wouldn’t suggest trying them).

Jollie Dog Treats

Sonoma Baking Company
Noone does sourdough better than Sonoma, and I though a fresh loaf was in order. Lightly toasted and topped with my heirloom tomatoes equals winning.

Worm Ticklers
Besides having what is quite possibly the best business name in history, these guys offer organic heirloom seeds and chemical free seedlings – just perfect for anyone looking to start a backyard vegie garden. Our balcony is undergoing a major renovation right now, but as soon as that is over I plan on getting involved.

Worm Ticklers

There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing exactly where your produce comes from (and I don’t mean ‘Coles’). I also think it’s important to support local farmers wherever possible, because goodness knows the big supermarkets don’t seem to. If you haven’t been, I strongly recommend getting to Eveleigh to check out these wonderful markets as soon as possible — I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!