to market, to market. . .

Today was another one of our monthly business tours. This time we visited our local organic market.

We’ve been there tons of times but today were lucky to get a behind-the-scenes look at our favorite place to pick up new-for-us natural snacks, Pirate Booty, and our fishy pills.

Market Tour: We met some pals from our local moms’ group and were on our way.

One of the managers greeted us and began the tour by pointing out the Fair Trade chocolate display and teaching us a little bit about why purchasing Fair Trade goods is so important.

She showed us around the produce area and the huge refrigerators, and we said a quick ‘hello’ to the woman who was in charge of creating the yummy prepared foods.

We watched in awe as the sushi was prepared, and we examined the hundreds of cheeses, even tasting an awesome cheddar.

cheese, glorious cheese

Two of our little pals were recently diagnosed with peanut and tree nut allergies, so the manager showed us to the aisle where they could find tons of safe, nut-free foods. We were amazed at how varied the choices are.

After a spin through the vitamins and supplements (and even trying a few!), we took a look at the earth-friendly water bottles and snack taxi’s. Yep–snack taxi’s.

Owen and Cora each picked out a pattern they liked (there are a ton of choices!), and we choose one for Maddy.

SnackTaxi’s are reusable bags for snacks and sandwiches. They’re food movers for a happy planet, which just makes me smile and want to buy twenty. I had to grab some. I love them already. Super-cute patterns, tough velcro holding them shut so snacks won’t fall out, washable, durable, reusable, and Mother Earth likes ’em. Woo-hoo!

On our way out, the super-kind manager gave each of us a bag full of goodies–snacks, samples, Horizon and Stonyfield Farm activity books, a silly straw, and tons of helpful and informative information on all things organic and natural.

It was a short tour, but I know at least for Owen, Cora, and me, it was really fun to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of our favorite stops and to be made aware of some really awesome products we otherwise might not have stumbled upon.

These tours are easier than easy to organize, and we always find that the owners or managers are more than happy to show a group of thankful moms–and dads–and their too-cute kiddos around for a bit. All you have to do is ask. Learning about the people and places in their community is definitely a worthwhile lesson for our little ones!

Some of our teachmama.com logged tours: