This is the start of a new series of articles about our favorite things in the Chippewa Valley. Today's is the Menomonie Winter Farmers Market.  For the winter, the Menomonie Farmers Market moves indoors, and features a variety of winter foods, crafts, art, baked goods and more.

We are very sorry to hear that local organic dairy pioneer Castle Rock Organic Dairy is closing down. Castle Rock was one of the first dairies in the area to ship organic milk in returnable glass bottles and has since expanded to produce ice cream, eggs, and butter.

For centuries, gardeners have depended on tradition and long-honed folk knowledge to inform their spring planting decisions. Although many American gardeners may still prefer to sow their seeds guided by the advice of their forebears today they have another source of information.