Who knew shopping for produce could be so fun? Northern California’s farmers’ markets are some of the best– and there is so much to see and taste! Living in a state that produces more than 13 percent of the nation’s produce has some big advantages. Our farmers’ markets usually have many vendors selling farm-fresh produce, cheese, meat, nuts, and more! It’s not uncommon to see vendors selling flowers, crafts, and homemade foods, too. You can buy locally made tea and pastry, and spend all morning browsing the various stands at the market. These Northern California farmers’ markets have a wide selection of vendors and are just plain fun to explore.
1. Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market, San Francisco
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, One Ferry Building #50, 1 Ferry Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
You can easily spend an entire morning at this farmers' market. Located in a prime location -- right in front and all around the Ferry Building in San Francisco, this is the market of all markets. Start your shopping day with breakfast inside the Ferry Building, or grab a coffee to-go from one of the businesses inside. Outside you’ll find lots of vegetable and fruit vendors, honey, nuts, mushrooms, sprouts, and flowers, plus many vendors selling hot prepared food. The market takes place Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a great time to grab a few items for your dinner. The largest market takes place on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2. Vallejo Farmers' Market
Vallejo Farmers' Market, 400 Georgia St, Vallejo, CA 94590, USA
Vallejo’s year-round farmers’ market is one of the liveliest markets around. In addition to produce and to-go food, there are many vendors selling their artwork. Live music is common at the Vallejo Farmers’ Market and people enjoy spending hours here. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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3. Davis Farmers' Market
Davis Farmers Market, 301 C St, Davis, CA 95616, USA
This Saturday farmers’ market takes place rain or shine! Located in Davis’ Central Park, vendors sell seasonal produce, nuts, honey, and seafood. If the weather permits, bring a blanket and enjoy lunch from one of the vendors selling empanadas, tamales, hot dogs, coffee, juice and more! The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Historic Folsom is a fun place to spend a weekend day and made even more enjoyable with the farmers market. The market in Folsom has many vendors selling jewelry, artwork, gifts, plus homemade foods like bread, pastries, hot or iced tea, and more. There are also vendors selling in-season produce and fresh-picked flowers. The market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Historic Railroad Turntable.
5. Chico Certified Farmers’ Market
Chico Certified Farmers' Market, E 2nd St &, Wall St, Chico, CA 95928, USA
There are three farmers' markets operated in Butte County but the best one takes place in Downtown Chico on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This small city market is loved by locals. Northern California farmers sell their seasonal produce, plus flowers, nuts, honey, meat, and crafts. Know what is in season at the market by viewing the Chico Certified Farmers’ Market website.
6. Napa Farmers' Market
Napa Farmers Market, 1100 West St, Napa, CA 94559, USA
Need some fresh fruit to pair with your wine? The Napa Farmers’ Market has vendors selling all the things you’d want to pair with wine and so much more. In addition to fruit and vegetable vendors, visitors to this market can also buy cheese from small local dairies. The market is always adding new vendors so you never know what you’ll find next. The market runs year-round on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
7. Arcata Plaza Farmers' Market
Arcata Plaza Farmers' Market, G and, 8th St, Arcata, CA 95521, USA
This Northern California farmers’ market takes place by the coast so it should be no surprise that you can buy grilled oysters to eat as you walk around and shop. Shop for produce, plants and flowers, homemade foods, and home decor. Arrive early since some of the smaller vendors can sell out quickly. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Shopping at Northern California farmers’ markets has become a fun weekend activity and something many people look forward to. It’s not just a shopping trip but a chance to meet local farmers and enjoy freshly made food with friends. Plus, knowing where our food came from increases our awareness and gratitude for local farmers.
Do you shop at your local farmers’ markets? Which Northern California farmers’ markets do you like best?
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