Follow This Awesome Wyoming Farmers Market Trail For An Unforgettable Summer Road Trip

If there's one thing that goes as well with summer as roadtrips, it's farmers markets. It's relaxing and fun to peruse the open-air shops, looking over the farm-fresh produce at a particularly unhurried pace.

As an agricultural state, Wyoming has tons of farmers markets spread out from border to border. There are so many, in fact, that it would take you several summers to visit them all. However, we've selected a handful of top-notch markets in the southeastern corner of the Cowboy State that should be on everyone's list of places to visit. The best part is that you get to enjoy a road trip through amazing Wyoming wilderness on this trail from one market to the next. It will be a summer adventure you won't forget.

This farmers market trail covers just over 300 miles and includes nine markets along the way.

Natrona County Master Gardeners Farmers Market, 2011 Fairgrounds Road, Casper

The trail starts in Casper, Wyoming, at the Natrona County Master Gardeners Farmers Market, the first of two markets you'll visit in the city. The market is open every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon, July through September. Not only can you purchase delicious fresh produce here, but the master gardeners manning the booths are always happy to offer advice on gardening in Wyoming and answer questions beginners might have.

Food for Thought Summer Market, 342 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper

The Food for Thought Summer Market is open Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., June through the beginning of September. The Wyoming Food for Thought Project enjoys shining a spotlight on local growers and producers of a variety of food items. Naturally, you'll be able to buy locally grown produce from backyard growers as well as professional farmers, but you'll find other foods, as well, such as locally bottled olive oil.

What's more, Food for Thought doesn't let the winter stop them. The organization also hosts a winter market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, January through May at the Wyoming National Apartments on South 2nd in Casper. This is a "Makers Market" where you can purchase locally produced honey, raw milk, jellies and jams, baked goods, and a variety of handmade items.

Jackalope Square Farmers Market, Center and 3rd Street, Douglas

Leaving Casper, you'll head south on I-25 to Douglas. There, in Jackalope Square, the market is open on Saturdays in August and September from 9 a.m. to noon. You'll want to load up on everything the local vendors have to offer, from freshly harvested, locally grown produce to homemade goods, baked items, and hand-crafted wares.

Platte County Farmers Market, 9th Street, Wheatland

The farmers market in Wheatland, Wyoming, starts at the beginning of July and leaves the end date open, allowing for the season to run as long as nature and the weather cooperate. Every Saturday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Pocket Park, local farmers bring in the best of the harvest. You'll want to arrive early to make sure you get the pick of the crop.

Guernsey Farmers Market, Dakota Avenue and Sunrise Street, Guernsey

Every other Saturday between noon and 2 p.m. from mid-July through September, local farmers, bakers, and artisans set up shop in Davis Park. You'll find mouthwatering fresh produce, home-baked goods, handmade items, art, and more on display and for sale.

Torrington Farmers Market, West C Avenue and US 26/85, Torrington

City Park is where you'll find the Torrington Farmers Market Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. starting in mid-June and running until the weather dictates the end of the season. As with most other markets, the one in Torrington features a variety of goods beyond locally grown produce, although there is plenty of that to be found. Additionally, you'll also see one-of-a-kind handmade items like colorful wreaths crafted from locally sourced materials, and the Torrington Farmers Market is an awesome resource for great recipes.

Tuesday Farmers Market, 1400 Dell Range Boulevard, Cheyenne

Cheyenne is another city that enjoys farmers markets year round. First, there's the summer market held on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. starting mid-June and running through early October. You'll find this one at the Frontier Mall in the parking lot west of Sears. There are a variety of vendors who bring in loads of delicious and delightful items in addition to fresh produce such as salsas and sauces, farm-fresh cheese and eggs, local honey, homemade jams, baked goods and local meats. Be sure to schedule enough time to spend at this market so you don't miss the non-food offerings including handcrafted bath and body products, handmade crafts and specialty items.

From November through the beginning of May, the winter market is open at the Depot at 121 West 15th Street in Cheyenne. It runs two Saturdays in November and December, then one Saturday a month January through May, once the holidays are over. The hours for the winter market are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday Local Market, East Ord and South 7th, Laramie

Laramie is another lucky town that has two farmers markets. The first one, open from 3 to 6:30 p.m. mid-June through September at Undine Park, is more than a market - it's an event. Of course you'll be able to purchase fresh produce, homemade goods, and artwork, but there are also children's activities, raffles, and educational workshops, too. Plus, there are a number of delicious options to choose from for dining right there at the market.

Downtown Laramie Farmers Market, 2nd and Grand, Laramie

The second farmers market in Laramie is sponsored by Laramie Main Street, a community organization that focuses on bringing people back to the downtown area. There's no doubt that a farmers market showcasing locally grown produce is a terrific way to do that. Every Friday between 3 and 7 p.m. from July through September, you can join the festivities downtown, browsing local growers' booths, enjoying live music, and eating delicious food.

What awesome Wyoming farmer's markets do you like shopping at?