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Photo: K. Voloshïn
Photo: Tabb Lynn
The Fresh Market
★4.3(564 reviews)$$$Activity
🕑 30-45 minutes👶 Best for ages 2-8. Toddlers and preschoolers are delighted by the free cookies and sensory experience of seeing, smelling, and touching fresh foods, while early elementary kids enjoy helping select items and trying new samples throughout the store.🧡 Saved by 7 families
About
The Fresh Market in Crabtree Valley transforms grocery shopping into a fun family outing with its welcoming atmosphere and kid-friendly perks. Children love receiving complimentary cookies from the bakery, exploring the colorful produce displays, and sampling fresh items throughout the store, making it a surprisingly enjoyable stop when you need to combine errands with family time.
Highlights
- ✓Complimentary fresh-baked cookies for kids from the bakery department
- ✓Regular food sampling stations throughout the store
- ✓Beautiful, eye-catching produce displays that engage children's senses
- ✓Friendly staff who welcome families and children
- ✓High-quality prepared foods section perfect for grabbing family dinner
Pro Tips
- 1.Head straight to the bakery when you arrive to grab your kids' free cookies,it sets a positive tone for the entire shopping trip
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings (8-10 AM) for fewer crowds and fresher sample availability
- 3.Let kids pick out a unique fruit or vegetable they've never tried to make it an educational experience
- 4.Bring hand wipes since kids will be touching and sampling various items throughout the store
- 5.The floral section near the entrance is particularly captivating for young children,consider letting them help choose flowers for home
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 8:00-10:00 AM offer the calmest shopping experience with readily available samples and staff attention. Avoid late afternoons and weekends when the store is busiest and lines are longer.
What to Know
This is an upscale grocery store with premium pricing, so budget accordingly. Ample parking is available in the Crabtree Valley shopping area, and the store is stroller-friendly with wide aisles and accessible layout.
Seasonal Notes
Holiday seasons (Thanksgiving, Christmas) feature special decorations, themed cookies, and expanded sampling that kids particularly enjoy, though the store will be busier during these times.
Real Experiences
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Nearby Eats
Crabtree Valley Mall is adjacent and offers numerous family-friendly dining options including Chick-fil-A and The Cheesecake Factory, making it easy to combine a Fresh Market stop with lunch or dinner.
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