7 Farmers Markets To Visit This Summer

BY LAUREN KRAMER

Farmers markets deliver a burst of color, expression, personality and local fare wherever their location. Magnets for locals and visitors, they promise not just delectable food but also a safe, enjoyable opportunity for conversation with growers and artisans. Whether you’re looking for a quick, healthy snack, inspiration for your next meal, art, lotions, pottery or other unique handmade items, you’ll find them all at a farmers market. In a world still reeling from the isolation of the pandemic, markets are a place where folks of all backgrounds can connect and reduce the loneliness while shopping for food in an environment that radiates warmth, friendliness and the fresh bounty of its terroir.

Every market has a unique personality and character, but below are some markets throughout the PNW that shine.

Washington

Washington state’s second largest market, the Olympia Farmers Market (olympiafarmersmarket.com), has four market days per week, each one featuring live music. Open year-round, the market rotates between 55 and 75 vendors, offering produce, dairy, meat, seafood, flowers and artisanal products. This market had its beginnings way back in the 1970s and is considered the jewel of Olympia, drawing farmers from three counties. It works hard to create partnerships in the community, for example with Youth Farmers of America. “We believe youth is the future of farming, and we’re exploring a youth ambassador program for our market that would bring farmed products grown by youth to market,” says Wren Green, the market’s general manager.

700 Capital Way, Olympia. Open Thursdays-Sundays, 10-3, year-round

The Green Bluff Growers (greenbluffgrowers.com) is a collective of 30 family-owned farms in the rolling hills just north of Spokane. The farmers operate independently, have different offerings and differing hours of operation. Many offer u-pick in season, allowing visitors onto their grounds to select their produce straight from the source. This is the quintessential old-fashioned farm experience, and its goal is to increase the exposure of the farms and offer the freshest fruit and vegetables. Offerings include produce straight from the orchard, cider, homemade pies and country hospitality. One of the farms, Hierophant Meadery, is connected to the Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary and will also be offering yoga with goats this spring and summer.

Spokane area. Hours range between May-December

Featuring over 250 vendors of produce, plants and art, the Vancouver Farmers Market (vancouverfarmersmarket.com) is a lively destination filled with music, entertainment and conversation. The market had its roots back in 1990 and operated March through October, until this year when it became a year-round staple on weekends in Vancouver. Stroll through the park venue on any weekend and you’ll see up to 175 vendors each market day. Offerings range from hummus to floral wreaths, coffee to sprouts and ceramics to glass art. The market emphasizes the work of local makers and artisans and works hard to provide food education and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit redemption to low-income households. They also donate surplus produce to food pantries and local shelters.

8th & Esther Street, downtown Vancouver. Open weekends year-round

The Bellingham Farmers Market (bellinghamfarmers. org) began in the 1970s in various iterations, and as of 2006, found a permanent home in the Depot Market Square. The Saturday market, a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors, features 100 stalls offering a wide range of products as well as buskers and music. Shoppers browse for plants, produce, lavender products, cheese, seafood, beef and art. Look out for the kids programs offered on some market days, where children can learn about plants, pollinators, composting and healthy eating choices. Participants can even receive “kid coins” to spend at the market.

1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham. Open Saturdays, 10-2, April-December and the third Saturday in January, February & March

Oregon

Philomath Farmers’ Market (philomathfarmersmarket.org) is one of the state’s newest markets with around 40 vendors. It opened in 2018 in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, and in a town with no grocery stores, it provides vital, close-to-home access to fresh food. Its goal is to bring neighbors together, empower small farmers and provide a localized economy in an environment filled with music, chatter and friendliness.

1050 Applegate Street, Philomath. Open Sundays, 11-3, May-October

Eugene’s Lane County Farmers Market (lanecountyfarmersmarket.org) is one of the largest markets in the state, with over 120 vendors operating out of a permanent, covered market space. Deeply integrated into the community, this market processes thousands

Green Bluff Growers

of SNAP dollars each market day, provides an important opportunity for vendors to make a living wage and allows the community to show its support for local food. Offerings include wine, baked goods, goat milk, meat, vinegar, cider and more.

85 East 8th Ave, Eugene. Open Tuesdays, 10-3, May-October and Saturdays, 9-3, February-December

Canyonville Farmers’ Market (canyonvillefarmersmarket.org) in southern Oregon was voted one of the state’s outstanding rural markets in 2021. It combines food, artisans and music in a fun, friendly environment, offering everything from quilts to nuts and honey, flowers to homemade confections, oils and spices. While its 50 vendors define it as a relatively small market, the Canyonville Farmers’ Market provides important grocery availability in an underserved area, striving to educate shoppers on the health benefits of consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. It allows small producers to sell directly to customers close to home, and its acceptance of SNAP benefits gives its many low-income residents access to healthy, fresh produce.

146 Chief Miwaleta Lane, Canyonville. Open Wednesdays, 9:30-1:30, May-October

Idaho

Boise Farmers Market (theboisefarmersmarket.com) is a food-centric market that celebrates local growers and producers, with 95% of the vendors selling food or agricultural products. Their Sprouts Kids Club focuses on empowering kids to make healthy food choices and the market also offers a drive-up option where people can shop online then conveniently pick up their selections on market days.

1500 Shoreline Drive, Boise. Open Saturdays, 9-1, April-October