~ A Saturday Pilgrimage to Iowa’s Oldest Farmers Market ~

Grab a girlfriend, parent, spouse, or ride solo for this fun-filled Saturday pilgrimage to Iowa’s oldest farmers market located in Dubuque, Iowa. The Dubuque Farmer’s Market is a Saturday market that runs from May through October (rain or shine!) in the Upper Main District near City Hall and has been running since 1858. It’s had its ups and downs throughout the past 1.5 centuries, but it has remained true to bringing fresh produce, unique arts, and expanded services to the city of Dubuque and tourists from near and far!

This market expands throughout multiple blocks, but a great address to type in to find the market would be: 1200 Iowa Street | Dubuque, IA 52001. It shouldn’t be hard to find once you get in the vicinity, as there are sometimes 100+ vendors and anywhere from 2,000 -3,000 visitors throughout the 7 AM – Noon time frame. For more history on the market, information on the specific vendors for the year, and some photos of the products – check out their website: https://www.dubuquefarmersmarket.org/

This was my first time at this market, but it came highly recommended as my cousin is one of the vendors. I may be a bit biased, but if you’re looking for some stunning blooms to brighten your house and mood – grab a bouquet from Clara Joyce Flowers. Be sure to say hi to my cousin, Drew Groezinger, who has been an entrepreneur and passionate about farming since a very young age! https://www.clarajoyceflowers.com/

My first tip would be to get to the market early. We arrived mid-morning and I was surprised that some of the booths were already picked over. They say “the early bird gets the worm”, and in this case “the early folks get the primary pick on the fresh goodies”.

I appreciated the large variety of vendors at the market; and this wasn’t even a full market due to the early COVID re-entry restrictions. However, it was much larger than other markets I’ve recently been to, and I know they continue to expand each week. There was plenty of cheeses, honey, produce, baked goods, fresh bouquets, plants, wine, and more! I picked up some kale to bring home to make BLT sandwiches. (If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend!) My mom bought some honey, lettuce, spinach, and a smaller pecan pie. Everything tasted great and was perfect for the week’s meals ahead.

Some of the most unique things I saw at the market: wine pouch necklaces (need I say more 😊) & homemade pizza crusts that you could then take home and bake a pizza with the family!

Once we finished walking both sides of the market, we ventured over to the Dubuque Riverwalk for some exercising with a great view. We walked up and down the Riverwalk multiple times, soaking up the sun and enjoying the mighty Mississippi River. We saw a train pass by on the other side, and really enjoyed the friendly smiles of the other walkers of all ages.

Our next destination: Galena, IL. If you have not been to Galena, Illinois – I would highly recommend. It is a gorgeous town with so many shops and restaurants, and older historic buildings that have been well-kept and well-managed throughout the years. Galena has plenty of Bed & Breakfast locations to choose from as well if you’d like to make this a weekend road trip.

My mom and I walked the shops, took in the scents of fresh chocolate, strong coffee, and burger joints, and watched the tourist go by on both sides. When we worked up an appetite, we decided to try the Desoto House – Green Street Tavern. I give major kudos to the city of Galena and all its restaurants for really making do and providing such great experiences in June even with COVID going on.

Almost all the restaurants featured outdoor dining – some with covered tents, some with white tablecloths and candles, others with high top tables, etc. Never in my life did I imagine that I could take a trip to Galena and eat right on the Main Street. It’s usually crowded with parked cars, but a portion of the blocks were safely blocked off to support an atmosphere where meals could be enjoyed, laughter could be thrown throughout the air, and memories could be made!

So we ate outside at the Green Street Tavern. As part of their special with COVID going on, they were offering a buy 1 entrée get 1 half-off, which was great! Pattie (my mom) ordered the cheesesteak sandwich and I ordered the brisket sandwich; we both elected for the sweet potato fries as our side. The bbq sauce that they had was really good, and the brisket was tender as well. I would definitely recommend to others! Staff was attentive and did a great job ensuring cleanliness during a time of concern for many.

We then checked out a few more shops after lunch. Bangles & Bags is a fun shop, and a few bucks were dropped there. 😉

No Saturday pilgrimage is complete without ICE CREAM. We had heard of a new coffee shop that opened in town, and wanted to support them and welcome them to Galena. It wasn’t on Main Street, but just off a block. Check out Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co.. The second that you walk into this place, you’ll fall in love with the vibe. If the smell of coffee doesn’t immediately embrace you, have a seat on their retro red velvet couch. Pattie ordered a caramel macchiato, and I was grinning ear to ear as I enjoyed my Waffle Cone with Amaretto Cherry & Cow Tippin’ ice cream. They serve Ashby’s Ice Cream which isn’t very common around this area, which is also greatly appreciated (coming from an ice cream connoisseur). If you like cherry ice cream – I highly suggest you try the Amaretto Cherry! Trolley Depot served the perfect amount to fill the waffle cone, and I know I am being picky – but the temperature that they kept the ice cream at left it a perfect texture and consistency to serve and also to enjoy. Nicely done for a newer establishment!

So I hope you venture on out to support both old and new: the oldest farmer’s market in IA and one of the newest establishments in Galena, IL. All small businesses need our love and support during this time, and I promise you it will be quite a memorable experience for you as well!

Love,

Blonde Ambition