Always bring lots of small bills and change. You will be paying at each individual farmer's stand and there is no central checkout or ATM.

Bring large cloth or net shopping bags. It will save multiple trips to your car to unload.

Old baby and toddler carts make good shopping carts. They fold up nicely in the trunk. If you use wire folding cart, put in a box or liner or your produce will work through the wire squares.

Fanny packs are the best way to keep money and keys. You don't have to worry about setting a purse or a wallet down and you have both hands free to shop and carry bags.

Make sure you know where your car keys are. The number one lost and found items are car keys. Nine times out of ten the shopper unconsciously puts the keys in one of the produce bags.

When you first arrive, walk through the entire market and look at all the offerings before you buy. There are many differences in prices for the same produce type and quality.

These are outdoor markets. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Bargaining for small amounts is not well received. Bargaining for big boxes or great amounts is usually acceptable. Remember that these are the growers of the produce you are bargaining for. Do not insult them. They worked very hard to sell so cheap.

Most of the produce is unsorted and field run. Some of the best tasting fruit is cosmetically challenged.

Most of the produce is vine or tree ripened. This means they can be delicate to the touch. This is fruit only found direct from the grower. It is too fragile to ship to the wholesale market.

If the farmer is not too busy, do not hesitate to ask questions about recipes or growing methods. You might even get to know each other's name.