Fridays from 2:30 to 6:30, the parking lot in front of Lago Vista Village Shopping Center at 20900 FM 1431 transforms into a vibrant space for growers and crafters to sell their goods.
You never know what you might find at Lago Vista Farmers Market. New vendors join and others might take a week off to replenish supplies, but there are a few stalwarts.
Lago Vista resident Selima Harbison guesses she owns the farmer’s market. She also runs Green Goddess Garden, keeping bees and growing seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, and plants for sale.
An advocate of organic methods free of pesticides and GMOs, Harbison creates canned preserves and apothecary items with her produce. “Every day is magical,” she says.
Harbison’s booth features fresh duck and chicken eggs (she welcomes empty egg cartons if you have them), jars of jam, pots of herbal cosmetics made with beeswax, and freshly harvested vegetables. She also brings flower, vegetable, and herb seedlings ready for transplanting into your home garden.
Baked Goodies
Luanne Hopper was one of the instigators of the farmer’s market. She calls herself a food concierge, and her business is Evolutionary Eats.
“I teach people about food, where it comes from, where it’s going,” Hopper says. “I’m sort of geeky.”
Hopper has a degree in culinary arts and has worked with “some amazing chefs, internationally known people.”
At the farmer’s market, she sells an assortment of gluten-free goods she bakes herself.
In addition to what she brings to the market, Hopper offers nutrition consultations, meal planning, and cooking classes. She’ll even come to your home and organize your pantry — or take you grocery shopping. It’s all part of her plan to make healthy eating a natural part of your life.
If you don’t feel the need to be free of gluten, check out Flake and Crumb.
Allegra Liddell says her all-organic, wild yeast sourdough bread is “all kneaded by hand, no machine.”
Liddell moved to Lago from Austin, like many of the town’s residents, because it’s so affordable. She makes seven-grain bread, mini cakes, and a pastry of the week.
Fresh and Refreshing
Another keystone in the farmer’s market is Kuxtal Coffee and Tea.
It’s a great first stop: pick up an icy hibiscus lemonade or coffee drink to sip on as you make your way through the booths. And just try to resist the adorable woven goods from owner Regina Bogart’s native Guatemala.
For a treat with roots south of the border, drop by Beba’s Pfresh Salsa.
You’ll get a taste of each salsa — hot or mild, red or green jalapeño, tomato or tomatillo — prepare to be wowed. And if you make your own salsa, you’ll have a lot to talk about with Beba (María Silva), who knows her stuff.
Protein Power
Coming all the way from a ranch in Southeast Austin is Ranger Cattle.
Josh Eilers and Kellen Cantrell bring a cooler full of Wagyu beef — all USDA Prime — to the market. This tender, exceptionally marbled beef goes fast.
If you’re interested in a certain cut, they are glad to bring it to the market for you. Just call 512-900-1108 with a few days’ notice.
If seafood is on your grocery list, you’re in luck. Quality Seafood brings plenty of fresh shrimp, salmon, and trout to the market.
Every week will be different, but you might also find black drum or gulf oysters. Crawdad tamales and seafood salad have been among the prepared dishes on offer. Cocktail and tartar sauce are also nestled among the ice packs.
If you’d like to hear what they are bringing or have a special request, call before the market 512-454-5827.
Wearable Art
DigiThreadArt, run by Don and Barb Steward of Cedar Park, has over six hundred designs to choose from. They do embroidery, rhinestone appliqué, and heat-transfer vinyl on everything from tea towels to baby onesies and hooded sweatshirts.
They can also create custom designs using your logo or monogram. In addition to designs on fabric, they make vinyl window decals and signs to order.
Juiseppe and Codie Copeland of Liberty Rings On create jewelry out of coins.
The Jonestown couple fashion rings, pendants, key chains, and other decorative items that show off the original coin’s design.
Greg Berglund is another jewelry maker represented at the market. This retired machinist from El Paso now lives in Lago.
“I always had an interest in minerals,” he says.
Now he uses his knowledge to make art.
On the back of some gemstone pendants, which are stunning in their own right, he adds a special touch: a lizard design in the sterling silver.
Dress Up Your Pets
And don’t forget the furry people.
Brittanie Varena of Leander brings her Fabulous Paws creations to the market each week.
Belled collars for kitties, quilted pet beds made of suitcases or dresser drawers, and whimsical bow ties and collars for dogs are among her creations. You can even bring your pet to the market for her to take measurements for a custom harness.
Get a Booth
If you’re interested in selling as well as buying, just check off the vendor requirements and you’re ready to ply your trade on the North Shore of Lake Travis!
