Locally Grown

Houston sprouts up as a top U.S. city for winter farmers markets in new report

Markets such as Urban Harvest's are great this time of year.

For much of the country, winter means cold and snow and a whole lot of ick: roads get icy, sidewalks get slushy, and everyone heads indoors, hibernating like bears, until spring.

Obviously, Houston doesn't have this problem. One epic freeze aside, Houston's temperate climate means life here goes on pretty much the way it does the rest of the year: wine on the patio, strolling the beach, yoga in the park.

And while Houstonians didn't need anyone to tell them this, it was cool all the same to wind up No. 4 on the list of Lawnlove's Best Warm Cities for Winter Farmers Markets. It also placed second on this list for cities with the most winter farmer's markets, finishing behind L.A.

Lawnlove, a company that offers lawn and yard care, and has an extensive blog in its website, ranked 101 of the biggest cities in the U.S., dividing them into warm and cold, which they determined based on the mildness of a city's winter. To tally the availability of farmers markets, the team looked at USDA-registered farmers markets that operated at least once between November and March.

Houston's overall ranking of No. 4 put it behind Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Miami. Lawnlove gave big love to the Bayou City, which topped San Diego, San Antonio, Atlanta, and others, for the sheer availability of its farmers markets, along with its temperate climate. Houston ranked No. 2 overall for access, No. 15 for walkability, and a (surprising) No. 33 for climate.

Visit these winter Houston markets
In springtime, locals can check out our list of top spring farmers markets.

Meanwhile, Lawnlove (rightly) cited H-Town's Urban Harvest Farmers Market, open every Saturday from 8 am to noon at 2752 Buffalo Speedway as a standout. Head there for veggies, breads, honey, dairy products, meats and more from more than 100 vendors who hail from a 180-mile radius around the city.

Look for produce from Atkinson Farms and Finca Tres Robles, pasta from Casetta Cucina, beautiful greens from Animal Farm, coffee from Java Pura, eggs from Dustin's eggs, fresh fish from Airline Seafood, and juices from Juice Girl. A list of the epic number of vendors is here, and it's easy to spend a morning noshing and shopping at this weekly event.

Every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm, Coltavare turns itself into Eleanora's Market. More than 100 vendors are there, offering fresh produce, cheese, homemade baked goods and more. Nando's Honeybee Farm, Gundermann Acres, Urban Dog Bakery, and Boomtown Coffee are among the vendors, and the atmosphere is family friendly and fun.

The Westchase District Farmer's Market, at 10503 Westheimer Rd. next to St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, is perfect for those looking for a weekday farmer's market option. From 3 to 6 pm, vendors such as Conroe's PEAS Farm, Houston Winery, and Pure Texas Honey offer a variety of artisanal foods and home goods.

Around the Lone Star State
Other Texas cities also fared well on Lawnlove's list. San Antonio ranked number 6, while Dallas cracked the Top 30 at 29, and Austin came in at 32. Lubbock (20), Corpus Christi (31), and Fort Worth (35) also made the cut.

Standout Texas markets

Pearl Market (San Antonio)
Held every weekend at the Pearl Brewery, this lively market brings together grower/producers unique to South Texas. Ranked one of the country's top farmer's markets by USA Today, the market is as much gathering spot as it is a chance to get local food and produce. Look for vendors such as South Texas Heritage Pork, Freshwater Farms, Alamo Gristmill, and Swift River Pecans.

The Dallas Farmers Market at the Shed is open weekends and has a great newsletter that lets visitors in on who's going to be there, as well as offering recipes and other foodie tips. Some vendors also set up shop at the nearby Market, which is open seven days a week.

The Barton Creek Farmers Market in Austin has two locations, both open Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to producer and prepared foods, there are vendors offering jewelry, clothes, and gifts, making it a terrific one-stop shop for stocking the cupboards and finding that special something for a special occasion.

Note: Most farmers markets are closed this Saturday, December 25, in observance of Christmas Day. Check local listings for more details.

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always be prepared

Texas tax-free weekend lets shoppers stock up on emergency supplies

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Emergency supplies like first aid kits that cost less than $75 are eligible for a tax break this weekend.

The best time for Texas residents to stock up on supplies to prepare for natural disasters is coming up this weekend. The annual statewide Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday runs from April 25-27, when Texans will be able to purchase critical emergency supplies — plus household necessities like batteries and fire extinguishers — tax-fee.

Shoppers can purchase certain emergency supplies tax-free starting at 12:01 am on Saturday, April 25, and the "holiday" runs until midnight on Monday, April 27. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased during the weekend, and purchases can be made in store, online, through the mail, and via custom order.

Saving on emergency supplies
Emergency preparation supplies must be purchased under certain price brackets to qualify for the tax exemption. For example, portable generators must have a sales price less than $3,000 to qualify for a tax break. Ladders and hurricane shutters that cost less than $300 also qualify.

Delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are included in the sales price, according to the Comptroller. So if a shopper buys a $299 rescue ladder and is charged a $10 delivery fee, the total sales price for the purchase is $309, and tax would need to be paid for that sales price.

Additional items that qualify for a tax break as long as they cost less than $75 include:

Axes
Batteries – single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
Carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguishers
First aid kits
Fuel containers
Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
Hatchets
Ice products – including reusable and artificial ice
Light sources – including those that are battery operated or portable self-powered sources; candles, flashlights, and lanterns
Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
Non-electric can openers
Non-electric coolers and ice chests for food storage
Radios – including portable self-powered radios, battery operated radios, two-way radios, and weather band radios
Smoke detectors
Tarps and other plastic sheeting

The full list of qualifying items is available on The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' website.

As a reminder, over-the-counter items like antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, and spray and wipes are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a "Drug Facts" panel in compliance with Food and Drug Administration regulations.

Non-qualifying items that will still be taxed
Medical masks, face masks, and gloves of any kind do not qualify for a tax exemption. Other taxable items including toilet paper, cleaning supplies (such as disinfectants and bleach wipes), vehicle or boat batteries, chainsaws, plywood, extension ladders, and stepladders. Camping equipment and supplies, including stoves and tents, are also not eligible for a tax break.

Additionally, any repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies do not qualify for tax exemptions, and neither do any services that are performed on or related to those supplies.

What to do if a qualifying item is taxed during the holiday
If customers buy a tax-exempt item between April 25-27 and are still taxed, they may request a refund from the seller on the tax paid for the item. The seller can grant the refund to the buyer, or provide them with Form 00-985, Assignment to Right to Refund, which would allow the customer to file a claim for their refund through the Comptroller's website.

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