Buy Local: Support Your Local Business people

When you run to the store, convenience is your priority. We all get that. But when you stop to think about where you spend your time and money, what’s really important? At Ideal Homes, we build homes that spark a lifestyle change for families. Our neighborhoods are like small towns. You get to know the people who move in and the importance of “community”. We support the initiative to buy local because you support your local business people—friends, family, and neighbors who are doing their best to do what they love. To help you buy local in the Oklahoma City region, here are some ideas. Farmer’s Markets You can’t get anything fresher than fresh from the farm. Farmer’s markets feature produce from local growers and small businesses—artisanal cheeses and breads, baked goods, plants and flowers, homemade honey, jams, preserves, herbal blends, soap, and arts and craft. Here are some of the local farmer’s markets near Oklahoma City: Choctaw Farmer’s Market, Choctaw Creek Park (2001 North Harper), Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., mid-June through October. Edmond Farmers Market, Festival Marketplace (26 West 1st St., Edmond), Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., from April 14 through October 27. Farmers Market, Historic Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market (311 South Klein Ave, OKC), Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Norman Farm Market, Cleveland County Fairgrounds, Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, and Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m., from the first Saturday in April through the last week in October. OSU-OKC Farmers Market, Horticulture Pavilion (400 North Portland), Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., all year round. Local Favorites The Farmers Market District is an essential stop when you’re looking to shop local. This downtown OKC area spans several blocks—east to west from Pennsylvania Avenue to Shartel Avenue and north to south from Oklahoma Boulevard to I-40. The Farmers Market District is home to a range of shops, eateries, and services that stretches from a locally grown food hub, craft breweries, and food truck park to a yoga studio, furniture makers, and boutiques of locally made crafts, clothing, jewelry, and so much more. With a KeepItLocal card, you can explore locally-owned businesses throughout the Oklahoma City metro region. Get a taste of the fare from different restaurants and food trucks—including  Katiebug’s shaved ice—take part in a game night at The Boarding House, or find a one-of-a-kind decorative piece for your home. Millie’s Table is a local (and Ideal Homes) favorite in Edmond, famous for Millie Shores’ family-style, home cooking. Nonesuch, a restaurant that opened recently in Oklahoma City, uses hyper-local ingredients—sourced close to home. Bon Appetit named Nonesuch “America’s Best New Restaurant”. The first Friday evening of every month, take a walk through The Paseo Arts District for, of course, the First Friday ArtWalk. Visit the galleries, studios, and shops of more than 80 artists and 25 distinctive businesses. Buy Local, Build Local When you’re ready to build or buy a new home, keep the same focus on choosing a local business. Ideal Homes began in Norman more than 20 years ago, created by three local entrepreneurs with a vision for building homes. More than that, this leadership made it their mission to become part of the communities—the ones they built, and beyond. Our team has grown and our roots are deeper than ever here. We’re making things grow, not just with construction but in giving back. We welcome you to look at our new construction homes and then talk to us to see how we can be among your “buy local” favorites.