Averaging 25,000 visitors per Saturday, the downtown summer farmers’ market attracts statewide Iowa vendors. The Daily Meal, a food lovers guide to all things food-related, has ranked the Iowa Farmers’ Market as the second-best farmers’ market in the nation. So what are foodies to do about when the summer farmers’ market closes for the season? The winter market, of course.

The winter market took place on Nov. 20 through the 21st in Capital Square and was connected with a skywalk to Kaleidoscope at The Hub.

Although the buildings worked great, the hassle to find parking took away from my overall experience. However, the multiple signs that directed the crowds to the market made it easy to find my way and made up for the parking inconvenience.

As soon as I walked into the winter market, I heard a beautiful violin echoing throughout the building and
saw event attendees bundled up in their winter wear. Holiday vibes filled the air. The Winter Market offered fresh-cut wreaths, handmade holiday ornaments and home décor for the holidays. Dried flowers, soaps, wines and bread were also available.

I made some great finds at the winter market and I left with a bag full of salsa, fudge, wine and a new cutting board. The winter market was a great place to find unique gifts for the holidays and it was fun to support local, talented Iowa vendors.