Summer is still reigning and we can enjoy the outdoors (unless the rain chases us inside...) What better way to celebrate the good weather than an outing to a local market. In the last few years more and more organic markets have sprung up in Pretoria. The original one, Die Boeremark, has evolved into a weekly hub of fresh produce bargains, with people streaming in at 5:00 on a Saturday morning to stock up for the week. Recently, short on its heels, the Hazel Food Market has expanded into the new hang-out spot for the health-conscious shoppers. And the ever popular Irene Village Market will cater to your every need – from fresh produce, to the latest artistic find.

The markets are scattered all over town, ensuring that you are bound to find one close to your home that you can make your regular stop-over for home-made goodies or unique artwork. These markets are perfect spots for a family outing, with quite a few markets catering for the kids. Or make it a couples outing and take a picnic basket along.

Take the time to stop and chat to the stall holders, each have their own story to tell of the handiwork that they sell. It's a unique sub-culture in Pretoria, many marketers travelling from one market to the next with their products, building friendships as they go.

With fluctuating supermarket prices and increases in the regular franchise mall shops, you might want to consider browsing at markets to cut down on costs. And instead of generic products you are guaranteed something special not to be found anywhere else.

Below listed a few markets to investigate. Tell us about your favourite market if it's not listed, and why you like visiting it.

Quiz Question: which popular art market is not listed below (one of the oldest markets in Pretoria)

Pretoria Boeremark
Every Saturday 05h30 to 09h30
Fresh produce, straight off the farm, with traditional bazaar treat like jaffles, kaiings with pap, and boerewors rolls. A proper boeremark with proper boere! Voted The Eat-In Produce Awards Best Market in the North for 2009.
Address: Pioneer Open Air Museum
Tel: 012-3491227

The Hazel Food Market
Every Saturday from 08h00 to 13h00
This market focuses on fresh produce straight from the producer. Enjoy your shopping with a good cup of coffee and something tasty and delicious to nibble on.
Address: Greenlyn Village Centre
Tel: 0835545636

Irene Village Market
On the second & last Saturday of every month from 09h00 - 14h00
This accolade winning market is an art-focused market with a great entertainment on offer for kids, a fully licensed tea garden for the adults, food stalls and over 300 stalls offering only original art, crafts, antique, flowers and curios. Well worth a visit to the North for this one.
Address: Smuts house Museum, Irene
Tel: 012 667-1659

Market on Lynwood
Every Saturday from 10am to 3pm
A fun experience with a carnival atmosphere where you will have an opportunity to buy good food and quality products. Kids playground on the premises. Ocasional live music.
Address: Plot 5 Shere, Lynnwood Road, Lynnwood Extension
Tel: +27 82 447 5615

Klip Klap
Every third Sunday of the month from 09:00-15:00
A market with a passion for art and antiques, set in a tranquil setting on the edge of Pretoria East.
Address: 78A Leander street, Olympus, Pretoria East
Tel: 082 755 0586

A recent addition to the Pretoria markets -
The Green Market at the Botanical Gardens
Sat 07 February, 09:00-14:00, Sat 07 March, 09:00-14:00
An initiative to promote awareness of the importance and benefits of a greener lifestyle. Live music, fun demos, green gardens and cool green products. Cost: R10 adults, R5 kids
Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Info courtesy of www.thislittlepiggy.co.za, check it out if you feel like a road trip to explore the Joburg markets