Sedro-Woolley T
Farmers Market
ake a mid-week break at the Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market. The pint-sized market is ideal for mid-week stocking-up on local ingredients and for an hour or two of relaxing. Their goal to revitalize the community by offering customers locally produced food and artisan products is being realized with an array of products offered by local vendors.
KNOWN FOR
The music. Every week features a new artist who keeps the atmosphere festive and prompts visitors to break out into spontaneous dancing.
NORTHWEST TOUCH
This market takes hospitality to the next level. They regularly host customer appreciation initiatives in the form of giveaways, contests, and potluck dinners — just another way of welcoming customers with open arms.
WHO TO SEE
Check out the cool concrete planters from cc Juls. The hand poured vessels are great for growing succulents or as sturdy candle holders. Visit the Baldham Farm stand to ask about their heritage pigs, Dexter cattle, and Barred Rock chickens. Then bring some of their pork, beef, and fresh eggs home. (baldhamfarm.com) Those with a green thumb need to stop by Shady Pond Tree Farm. Owner Greg Smith brings lush landscape plants to the market. Beautify your garden with one of their Japanese maples or ornamental plants.
MUST-HAVES
Grab a carton of sun-kissed organic berries from Hayton Farms. The fifth-generation farm on Fir Island began in 1876 by Thomas and Sarah Hayton, who sold grain. Today it’s run by Angelica and Robert Hayton and sells berries exclusively. (haytonfarmsberries. com) Munch on a bag of fresh kettle popcorn from Ma & Pa Kettle Corn. The family-owned and operated business travels around western Washington, so you might catch them at other events. Bring home a box of fruit from Martin Family Orchards. The eastern Washington farm grows the juiciest peaches, nectarines, and apples. A bowl full of their Bing or Rainier cherries is perfect on a lazy afternoon, too. (martinfamilyorchard.com) sedrowoolleyfarmersmarket.com
Bow Little Market T
Farmers Market
he Bow Little Market launched in July 2010 with the motto, “Where the little guy is a big deal.” Held in the Belfast Feed Store, the market caters to smaller farmers and producers trying to get their businesses started, which means new and unusual finds for consumers. They have about 30 vendors to shop from, meaning less congestion when compared to larger markets, perfect for people who want the farmers-market experience without the crowds.
KNOWN FOR
Specifically made items and small-batch-produced food sold in a community-minded environment. Because of its small scale and focus on smaller vendors, you’ll get topnotch service, even months after you made a purchase.
NORTHWEST TOUCH
Up-cycling and handmade at its best. You’ll find decor made from repurposed fabric, recycled wood items, and repurposed denim turned into bags and aprons. There’s a value on handmade goods right down to the hand-lettered advertising signs.
WHO TO SEE
A Man and His Hoe for homemade, fresh, firm tofu, and eggs from arguably the most cared-for chickens in the PNW. The tofu is made from water, organic soybeans, and nigari. The eggs are laid by very happy, free-roaming chickens. They will have the egg-laid date written on the shell and sometimes even the name of the hen that laid them. Check out the Spoon Guy’s hand-carved utensils. Allen Berry hand-carves spoons and other utensils from local wood. The result is beautiful, quality serving tools that you’ll be hesitant to cover in marinara sauce.
MUST-HAVES
Berries from Bow Hill Blueberries. If it’s not the season for the sweet nibbles, pick up some of their organic blueberry jam, sauce, and even chocolate-covered berries to snack on. The latest: cold-pressed heirloom blueberry juice. Enjoy a cup of coffee from Mae-B-Market. Owners Bill, Gilda, and Deborah Gorr roast organic beans that arguably make the best cup of coffee in the area. In Washington, that’s saying something. Beautify your space with a house plant from A-n-A Farm, or pick up one of their dog-paw stepping stones. bowlittlemarket.com
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