Here's something to be thankful for: the St. Paul Farmers Market.

Instead of braving the mob scene that undoubtedly awaits at your friendly neighborhood supermarket, consider taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and shopping the market's annual pre-Thanksgiving edition, taking place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the market's downtown St. Paul location.

Several vendors -- Bar 5 Meat & Poultry, Farm on Wheels and Otis Family Farm -- will be selling fresh turkeys; supplies are limited. And other vendors will be offering key T-giving ingredients such as Brussels sprouts, potatoes, squash, yams and carrots, along with holiday pies and other essentials, all raised or produced in Minnesota or western Wisconsin.

Two additional tips:

* Be sure to tuck a few quarters into your pocket, to feed the plentiful nearby parking meters.

* Can't find what you need? Head across the street to the Farm Direct Market, inside Heartland Restaurant, where chef Lenny Russo stocks an impressive array of locally grown produce and offers a wide variety of house-made products, from full-flavored stocks to beautiful baked goods. Grab a to-go lunch, too.