I’ve always thought of Brandywine Park as one of the city’s best-kept secrets – a secluded, soothing zen garden, tucked into the steep valley where the Brandywine trickles through downtown Wilmington. The vibe is shady and leafy, dappled with sunlight. Beneath the cherry blossoms, a graceful statue of a maiden invites us to forget the bustling city over our shoulders. It’s that sense of comforting, composed natural beauty that makes this the perfect spot for the newly launched Brandywine Park Farmer’s Market, surely the best spring surprise that a city-bound foody could hope to find. Each week will bring new seasonal delights, full of that homegrown wholesomeness that is the envy of supermarkets everywhere. 

Happily, the new market is also about more than just food: This is how neighbors can support neighbors, and where the mutually supportive sense of community can grow and thrive. It’s also a place where you’re likely to find fun along with food, whether it’s a live music session, an off-beat food truck, or the Women-Only Walk Club (a 2.6-mile trek every Saturday at 8 a.m.). For now, the newly launched market is on a limited schedule – it’s open from 9 a.m.-noon on most Saturdays from May 3 through October. (Note that open days switch to Sundays in September, and on June 8, Aug. 3) 

Arrive ready for a stroll, just in case you care to check out these stroll-worthy attractions: Wander through the historic Jasper Crane Rose Garden, or rev up along the new fitness trail. Be sure to check out onto the “swinging” footbridge over the stream, or climb steep Monkey Hill to enjoy the Brandywine Zoo. The Delaware Center for Horticulture is right on the park’s edge, and any number of eateries are within reach at nearby Trolley Square. 

In Greater Wilmington and Brandywine Valley’s thriving food market scene, Brandywine surely has the buzz right now, but remember: It’s also a time of renewal and reinvigoration for these other farm-fresh local favorites: 

Downtown Wilmington Farmer’s Market at Rodney Square, 10th and Market Streets, Wilmington.
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Glasgow Park Farmer’s Market, 2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark.
​Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. 

Carousel Park Farmer’s Market, 3700 Limestone Rd., Pike Creek (at Carousel Park Equestrian Center).
Fridays, 2-6 p.m. 

Bellevue Farmer's Market, 510 Duncan Rd., Wilmington (in front of Bellevue Community Center). 
Fridays, 3-7 p.m. 

Middletown Farmer’s Market, 204 E. Main St. Middletown (Appoquinimink Library parking lot).
Saturdays 9 a.m.-12 p.m.