Farmer's Mooket

 Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary's Monthly Farmer's Mooket

Question one: Do you like cows? 

Question Two: Have you been to the Farmer's Mooket at the Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary yet? 

If you answered yes to question one and no to question two, what are you waiting for?! The Farmer's Mooket (and yes, "mooket" is a cute cow-themed play-on-words for "market") happens every month, so if you miss it, you can count on it happening around the same time the next month! Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary is located around 15-20 minutes north of the University of Florida. There are a few long stretches on the way, so I wouldn't recommend biking, but it's a pretty accessible and a fairly short distance considering it is, after all, an entire farm! The farm is open regularly and offers private tours upon request, but the market only takes place one Sunday a month. 

Each market lasts from 12-4 and has something for everyone! The market itself encompasses a variety of vendors, including food trucks, baked items, earrings and crafts, pet treats, and more! Everything is completely vegan, so it's also perfect for those with dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance. There are enough options for everyone to enjoy and it's perfect to come with the family and eat lunch before perusing the market or rest of the farm. 

Aside from the market itself, there are plenty of animals to observe and interact with! You can walk over towards the cow fields and take pictures with, pet, and even feed treats to cows of all sizes. Some cows may accidentally slobber all over you (or lick you!), however, so you might want to bring some wet wipes! The cows just come to accept treats at the fence and anyone can walk up, but the pigs and donkeys are in fenced-in enclosures. If you want to see them, it's best to go early or else you'll have to wait in line as there is a limited capacity of visitors allowed at a time. Pro tip: be careful not to walk into a large pile of pig or donkey poop or approach a donkey from behind; they might kick you! The pigs seem somewhat aloof or lazy, but many are pretty friendly and just wish to be pet. If you've ever seen the scene in the Cars movie where they tip over the "cows," the pigs here sort of remind me of that because if you rub their bellies a certain way, they'll tupple over and fall on their sides. Pigs are apparently social creatures as well; many of them lay right next to each other or cuddle with one another. 

OK. Have I convinced you yet? Listed above are a lot of reasons why you should go to the market, so I think it's only fair we discuss reasons why you shouldn't go. The drive is a little far for those without a car, but many individuals and some organizations such as UF Thrift Swap attend the market regularly, so there is always carpooling as an option! The only other downside of the market is that it may be postponed. Due to the dirt-filled nature of the farm, whenever it rains (which happens an awful lot -- thanks Florida!), the roads become very muddy and not 100% safe. For example, last month's market was postponed due to the weather. 

The market is always a wonderful time -- I highly suggest experiencing it if you have not done so before! I'll see you at the next mooket!