August 7-13 is National Farmers Market Week

A trip to the farmers market is an adventure of the senses: You’ll encounter a rainbow of colors, a bouquet of aromas, and a full-service menu of tasty treats. And late summer into early fall is the best time of year to check out local offerings.

These weekly gatherings began as a way for farmers to sell their crops directly to local communities, but in recent years, their popularity has exploded. According to the Department of Agriculture, there were more than 6,100 farmers markets operating last year, including nearly 900 throughout the winter.

Foodies crave that fresh-from-the-farm flavor, the environmentally conscientious appreciate the local element, and then there are those who just like shopping. What’s more, because the produce, flowers, and baked goods aren’t shipped in from parts unknown, you’ll get an authentic sampling of a region’s flavor: Taste maple syrup in Vermont, citrus in Florida and California, or cheese curds (that squeak) in Wisconsin.

While strolling past the many tables of interesting items is a pleasant enough experience, if you’re serious about buying, there are a few secrets to make it worth your while.

• Timing is everything

If you want the most for your money, go late—vendors are more likely to strike a deal later in the day so there’s less for them to take back to the farm. But if it’s the best of the harvest you’re looking for, go early. You’ll find the freshest and largest selection at the market’s opening.

• Manage your money

Cash works best. Also, prices may not beat out supermarket sales. Some vendors may bargain with you, but there’s an intense, homegrown flavor that comes with farmers market produce that you don’t usually find in grocery stores, and that is worth the extra pennies.

• Arrive prepared

Check the forecast and dress accordingly. Rain? Bring an umbrella. Hot? Bring water to stay hydrated. Also, bring a cooler or insulated reusable bag to keep purchases cool, especially if you’re not heading straight home.

• Ask the experts

Farmers markets can introduce you to unique or unusual products that may intrigue your taste buds, but what if you’re unsure how to serve them? Ask the experts. The vendors can suggest cooking tips and may even have a few recipes for the taking. You can always log on to Foodnetwork.com or Allrecipes.com for inspiration.

To find the nearest farmers market where you’re assigned, search the National Farmers Market Directory.

Anne Baye Ericksen is a freelance writer based in Simi Valley, Calif.

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Starting out as a Travel Nurse

Starting out on the journey to becoming a travel nurse can seem a little overwhelming. One of the biggest areas that new travelers find overwhelming is choosing a company (or companies) to work with. There are literally hundreds of choices and finding someone else who has worked with one of them firsthand can be difficult. Here are some resources to help you research and hopefully connect with nurses who have worked with a company in the past.

Travelnursingblogs.com: Here you can find quick and easy ratings on travel nursing companies and check out the site’s new travel nursing companies review section.

HealthcareTravelbook.com: This is a social networking site devoted to traveling professionals. It has a pretty robust review section that you can access if you have an account and are logged in.

DelphiForums.com: The “Travel Nurses & Therapists” forum here is a very active forum full of experienced travel nurses who will gladly let you know about any experience they have had with a company.

UltimateNurseForums.com: This is another nursing forum with a healthy travel nurse population willing to offer their advice about agencies to work for. The site also has a review section you can check out.

HighwayHypodermics.com: This travel nursing website has two great resources for travel nurses looking for a new company. First, it has its Ultimate List of Travel Companies that rates companies across 21 different factors. Second, it has an annual top ten companies list that you can check out. Typically smaller companies make this list, so if working with a bigger company interests you that is something to keep in mind.

These are all good resources to get you started, but one final thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel nursing company is that the best company is the best one for you. Everyone has different needs so make sure you a find a company that fits yours.

Jeff Long is the Marketing Manager at Medical Solutions, one of the leading travel nursing companies in the industry. He has never been a nurse and is not a recruiter; his goal is to help you meet your career goals by sharing information, advice, and the benefits of travel nursing with you. He also blogs regularly at TravelNursingBlogs.com.

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