Fresh Local Finds: A Review of the Overland Park Farmers Market

All the tents were arranged in a rainbow of colors that managed to bring a cute feel to the plain parking lot. I admired the various foods and unique handmade goods at each vendor. No matter when I go, I will always find something to get, whether it's a crisp apple or a cute woven bag. The Overland Park Farmers Market is the perfect morning outing.

I started my Saturday excursion at The Pastry Cottage. The chic tent and intricate display were eye-catching and inviting, and I found myself drawn to the beautiful array of cookies and tarts. However, the big smile that illuminated co-owner Jordan Mann's face is what drew me in the most. She opened the bakery one year ago with her sister-in-law, Elaine, and they take custom pastry orders in addition to selling at the market. 

I ordered a gluten-free lemon curd cookie. The cookie was petite and had a perfect circle of lemon curd surrounded by a beige crust dusted in powdered sugar. I loved how the lemon flavor was tart and strong, and the soft sweetness of the cookie created a perfect balance. 

As impressive as the pastry was, I most enjoyed talking to Mann. She gave a vivid description of the strong community that is the backbone of the market. Each vendor makes lifelong friends, and she described how her favorite thing is getting to see the people that support all aspects of her bakery. These conversations added an authenticity that made it a special experience for me as a customer.

After my conversation at The Pastry Cottage, I headed over to Hugh Family Farms. A spread of peaches, cucumbers and other produce was displayed under a bright yellow tent. Even so, the star of the show was the variety of honey. I had the opportunity to talk to the owner, Robert Hughes, who said he feels like “the candy man of the market.” 

Of course I couldn’t leave without trying some honey, and demonstrating even more kindness, Hughes gave me a sweet, smooth and satisfying pink lemonade honey stick free of charge. This type of care isn’t something that you’ll find at an everyday grocery store.

I made my way over to a food truck that was the epitome of summer. The pinks and yellows that complemented the name Neon Palm Ice gave the truck a tropical and fun feel. I was greeted by Tim York, who owns the truck with his wife. They sell a selection of Italian ice, a sweet creamy ice treat, which is made with fresh fruit sourced from various vendors in the market. They hold an emphasis on clean ingredients that are also dairy and gluten-free.

I tried a combination of the watermelon and piña colada flavor and it did not disappoint. I find that ice cream tends to hurt my stomach, and shaved ice lacks depth and flavor. However, the Italian ice surprised me because it was the perfect combination of the two, leaving me happy, satisfied and stomach ache free. 

After talking to York, I moved onto my next stop.

I visited Noble Skincare’s tall black tent, which houses a wide selection of skincare products free of artificial fragrances and hormone disruptors, owned by Mary Beth Blanton.

Blanton expressed how she aims to reach young kids and teens who typically use products full of irritable and artificial ingredients. She gifted me a chapstick scented orange cream that glided onto my lips easily and left them hydrated with a perfect pink tint. 

My mission was to review four stands, but I couldn’t help approaching one more that caught my eye. 

To end my trip, I made a stop at Mount Vernon Blueberries. I chatted with Robert and Giselle Martin, who have been at the market for four years and recently started selling homemade popsicles from their blueberry stand. They decided to use fruit that would otherwise go to waste. If there are leftover blueberries or if other vendors have fruit that is about to be tossed, Martin processes them with simple ingredients into a cold, tasty and ecological treat.  

I love this concept and find it a perfect option for someone like myself who struggles to find an easy way to help the environment in a time where it is desperately needed.           

No matter what business I visited, I was always welcomed. I learned two very important things. First, if you want to treat yourself to food that is delicious, homegrown and good for your gut, go to the OP Farmers Market. But I also learned that the market is more than just individual vendors, it is the story and passion of each that creates a community.