GREAT FALLS AND THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT - Montana and Wyoming - page 121

GREAT FALLS FARMERS MARKET
During summer, wander over to the Great Falls Farmers Market (Civic Center Park, 2
Park Dr. S., 4:30pm-6:30pm Wed. July-Sept.), which was started in the 1970s by some of
the local Hutterite colonists. Claiming to be the largest farmers market in the state, more
than 135 vendors gather to sell their goods, and you'll find the best homegrown fruits and
vegetables, delicious jams, tasty baked goods, and handmade gifts and crafts. There are
pony rides for the little ones and musicians wandering among the stalls to keep you enter-
tained. The Saturday markets (7:45am-noon Sat. June-Sept.) are a smaller affair with 25-30
vendors selling produce, baked goods, crafts, and concessions.
SHOPPING
Great Falls has a number of unique specialty stores that line either side of Central Avenue
downtown. You can start at the beginning of Central Avenue at Park Drive and stroll down
the avenue; you are sure to find something that delights you. If you have a sweet tooth,
don't miss Candy Masterpiece (120 Central Ave., 406/727-5955, 9:30am-5:30pm Mon.-
Fri., 9:30am-5pm Sat.), truly a treat for your senses. You'll be greeted by friendly staff
who are extremely generous with the samples, and you'll find a delicious array of sweets,
from childhood favorites straight off the candy rack to mouthwatering handmade chocol-
ates. There are 30 different types of fudge available: Try the Heavenly Goo (chocolate with
marshmallow and caramel) or, for the more adventurous, jalapeño fudge.
Next door to the candy store is the fun and funky Planet Earth (116 Central Ave., 406/
761-7000, 10am-5:30pm Mon.-Fri., 10am-5pm Sat.), a shop full of eclectic, unique, and
trendy gifts. Browse their assortment of cards, accessories, and stunning jewelry. They also
have a fabulous fragrance bar where you can create your own scent from essential oils and
even add it to specific bath or skin-care products.
Every town should have a great toy store, and Great Falls certainly does. The aptly
named Amazing Toys (515 Central Ave., 406/727-5557, 9:30am-5:30pm Mon.-Thurs.,
9:30am-6pm Fri., 9:30am-5pm Sat.), has an abundance of games, puzzles, and other toys,
and has been a local favorite for more than 25 years.
RECREATION
River's Edge Trail
The River's Edge Trail is the envy of nearly every town in Montana. With 45 miles of trail,
17 of which are paved for wheelchair access, the River's Edge Trail accommodates single-
track and double-track riders on 19 miles of dirt, as well as walkers on graveled paths. Star-