2 minute read
Best Farmers Market
1. Great Park Certified Farmers Market
Orange County residents have no shortage of great farmers markets, and, according to readers, the greatest is the Great Park Certified Farmers Market. The market offers the requisite wide selection of certified fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from 30 to 45 vendors and whatever you need for the latest diet craze.
“I like to describe us as the Las Vegas buffet of markets, because we have a little everything,” said Mary Senske, market manager. The market also features live entertainment, artisan crafts and arts, bread, flowers, plants and packaged foods. In addition, gourmet food trucks serve breakfast and lunch.
Part of what distinguishes this market — which attracts 1,200 to 1,500, more on big sports days — is a laid-back Sunday vibe with lots of multi-generation families.
And, oh, yeah, adds Senske, “We have the best parking ever.”
Visitors can also check out the nearby giant Great Park balloon and carousel. Another popular nearby feature is the Farm + Food Lab, where visitors can learn home gardening tips and see presentations from University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) master gardeners.
Features include raised-bed gardens, fruit trees, vertical gardening, a worm compost bin, chicken coop, butterfly garden, solar and windpowered lights and classes on pickling and canning.
MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Pedro De Santiao with Chavez Farms keeps the veggies fresh during the weekly Great Park Certified Farmers Market in Irvine.
— Greg Mellen
2. Irvine Farmers Market
Mariners Church, 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine 949-769-8262; ocfarmbureau.org
The Irvine Farmers Market, not to be confused with its Great Park neighbor, is consistently at the top or near the top of the list for local farmers markets. The biggest of the Orange County markets, it features more than 100 vendors spread across the expansive parking area at Mariners Church..
Split about half-and-half with growers and artisans, the market is notable for its large number of farmers. There are also artisan baked goods, hummus spreads and vegan meals.
Although farmers markets were hard hit by the pandemic, they are hoping to rebuild to pre-pandemic numbers of 5,000 to 6,000 shoppers.
The Orange County Farm Bureau, which was established in 1917 and operates nine certified markets, ensures vendors are certified by the county and state and sell homegrown produce. The Bureau also advocates for farmers and the challenges they face.
It may be tucked into a cozy locale, but the Downtown Anaheim Farmers market continues to draw a devoted contingent of customers to its digs.
Established in 1995, the market offers a wide selection of produce and fruit all from certified growers. In addition there are gourmet foods, artisan breads and live entertainment. Local artists and craftspeople have handmade leather, jewelry and clothing for sale.
Located in the heart of downtown Anaheim, the market is accessible to entertainment and attractions. There are 16 dining vendors and adjacent retail shops, boutiques and restaurants open right out onto the market area. In addition, Center Street is closed off to vehicle traffic during the market, creating a comfortable walkable space.
Two-hour validated parking is available at the Anaheim Boulevard parking structure.
3. Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market
435 W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim downtownanaheim.com
