Farmer's markets starting their seasons in south metro

The scent of fresh-baked goods fills the air. Tender greens cover tables. A band plays as visitors tap their feet. And taste buds water at the prospect of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Now that spring has arrived after one of the longest, hardest winters in memory, outdoor farmers markets are opening around the Twin Cities metro area. Each week this month and into June, more markets will open, expanding the number of places to find locally grown foods, handmade arts and crafts, and cheerful company. Here's a list of many farmers markets around the area. If you know of others, e-mail events@startribune.com.

Location 1: 7100 W. 147th St.

Hours: Saturdays from June 14 to Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location 2: Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd.

Hours: Wednesdays from July 9 to Aug. 27, noon to 4 p.m.

Location: Court Square Park, 410 N. Cedar St.

Hours: Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Hours: Saturdays from June 7 to Oct. 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location 1: 200 W. Burnsville Pkwy.

Hours: Saturdays from June 14 to Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location 2: Mary, Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Rd.

Hours: Thursdays through Oct. 30, noon to 5 p.m.

Hours: Saturdays from May 31 to Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: At the County Government Center parking lot in Chaska.

Hours: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. No start date is set, just June through October.

Location: Eagan Festival Grounds at Central Park, 1501 Central Pkwy.

Hours: Wednesdays from June 4 to Sept. 24, 4 to 8 p.m.

Hours: Thursday, June 19 to Sept. 18, 2:30-6:30 p.m.

Location: Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Av.

Hours: Sundays from June 22 to Oct. 5, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: 208th Street W. and Holyoke Avenue.

Hours: Wednesdays June 11 to Oct. 29, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from June 21 to Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:45 to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m., from mid-May to the end of October.

Location: Hwy. 13 and County Road 21

Hours: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through October.

Location 1: Veterans Memorial Park, 64th Street and Portland Avenue S.

Hours: Saturdays from May 17 to Oct. 25., 7 a.m. to noon until September and 8 a.m. to noon during October.

Hours: Wednesdays from June 4 to Sept. 10, 2-7 p.m.

Location: 13885 S. Robert Trail.

Hours: Tuesdays June 17 to Sept. 30, 1 to 5 p.m.

Location: Quentin Avenue and Hwy. 13.

Hours: Sundays from June 1 to Oct. 26, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hours: Wednesdays from July 2 to Sept. 24, 3 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: Signal Hills Mall, 1201 S. Robert St.

Hours: Fridays from June 13 to Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to noon.

Danielle Dullinger is a University of Minnesota student reporter on assignment for the Star Tribune.