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The first thing you notice is the smell and that's not a bad thing when it comes to the Boyce Farmer's Market. In fact it's one of the main reasons Frederictonians go...for the food.

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Whether it's a hot dog or Belgian waffles that make your mouth water, the market has it.

Recently, when I stopped by, the weather wasn't at its best but that didn't mean there weren't tons of people swarming around the vendors and food stands. There's a number of different choices for food but the major selling point for most of it is that you can walk and eat at the same time.

And there's a lot to choose from, including the classic hot dog or sausage to Korean food and kettle corn popped on site. But the most popular and worthy of a taste by any newcomer are the samosas, certainly the hands-down favourite by the weekly crowd.

But you know what? The food is only the beginning.

The Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market is the place to be on Saturday in Fredericton. Since 1951 Frederictonians have been heading downtown to get their fresh vegetables and goodies.

Whether you're a tourist or a local, if you want a taste of Fredericton you need to be at the market.

Tourists looking for a place to start their day and find a unique Fredericton treasure have made the right stop. Though it may be a farmers market there's much more to browse that just apples and potatoes. Everything from jewelry, hand-crafts, and clothes fill every spot...inside and out, of this landmark. If you want hand-made, or organic this is the place to start.

Lisa Maher-Watson brings her hand made purses to the market every week. She chooses to sell her wares there because of the community you get to be part of.

"We have such a crowd of locals who come every single week, but tourist come here like crazy," she said. "You can see why. If you take a look around there are people everywhere so obviously there must be something bringing them in."

The market can be overwhelming at times, that's for sure. And if you're with a big group I'd pick a place to meet since the small hallways make it easy to get separated.

But it's the crowd and community of the place that brings people back. You just never know who you're going to meet.

And you want to meet some characters then you've come to the right spot. That's the thing about the market you'll find everyone there, and I mean everyone. Premier Shawn Graham has been known to stop by when the legislature is in session but you'll also find buskers playing harmonica sitting in the corners as the swirl of people pass them by.

Maher-Watson said the other thing is the market shows the diversity in the city.

"One thing you'll find here is that a lot of vendors are from different parts of the world," she said.

"Tourist who don't speak English might find someone here who speaks their language."

You will find some of the nicest and most welcoming people in the city. There's the woman who sells the four-leaf clovers she finds and turns into sun-catchers or the local historian who sells his books next to one of the many local farmers.

They'll tell you whatever you need to know. The best place to eat, shop, or just experience Fredericton.

These are the people who make up Fredericton and I can't think of a better way to get to know the city than to chat these folks up and really soak it in.

I've always enjoyed the market. It's a great way to be introduced to Fredericton, or find that piece of the city you take home to show your friends.