Freight House Farmers’ Market ranked among the top 10 markets in the country

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – The Davenport Riverside Freight House Farmers Market was recently ranked the sixth best Farmer’s Market in the country by travel rental site Holidu.

When you think of a farmers market, you probably think of local produce. They have that, but they also have skin care products, kombucha, wine, and enough baked goods to make your head spin.

Holidu’s ranking evaluated over 1,500 USDA-listed markets. Their placement was based on Google ratings, the number of reviews, and the variety of products they offered.

“It’s a bit more of a realistic look at what people think of us,” said Lori Beeman, executive director of Freight House Farmers’ Market. “Unlike ‘vote for these guys’ which could be advanced quite easily. So we’re pretty excited.

A vendor makes the regular 1.5-hour trip from Dyersville just to be part of the market.

“These are the people,” said Carie Ostwinkle, owner of O So Good Winery. “I mean, it’s just fantastic to be here. It’s always light, airy. The people are just fantastic and the sales people are wonderful.

Other sellers seem to agree, it’s worth it however far you have to go.

“It’s really an event, it’s not just ‘come get your carrots’,” said Burt Bolt, owner of Of Heaven and Earth. “Carrots are wonderful, but it’s something to do, it’s exciting. It’s a fun place.

One of the most exciting times to be at the market is fast approaching as they prepare for the annual Christkindlmarkt. The Christmas Market offers traditional German food, decorations and live polka music on the West Lot of Freight House.

Events like Christkindlmarkt are a key part of Freight House’s commitment to the community.

“These are your neighbors, these are your friends,” Beeman said. “The money you spend here locally with all these little businesses in the Freight House and in the summer at our outdoor market, it stays here in the community. It’s reinvested.

At the end of the day, with so much to see and so many vendors to meet, everyone leaves the Freight House Farmers Market with something totally unique. At the same time, they support their community.

The Christkindlmarkt takes place from December 3 to 5. You can find more information on the Freight House Farmers ‘Market website, and you can read Holidu’s article on the top ten farmers’ markets in the country here.