The Cream of the Crop: Farmers’ markets offer fresh options for travelers
Posted by admin on May 6, 2009
The long, lazy days of summer are right around the corner, which in Northern California means a bumper crop of farmers’ markets springing up in virtually every town.
Each market boasts different selections of succulent fruits and vibrant vegetables (often picked that very morning) and — even more importantly — the opportunity to chat with the folks who grew the food you’re taking home to your table. By eliminating the "middle man" of a grocery store, the farmer saves on the cost of packaging and shipping, and the money you spend at the market goes straight into their hands.
Among the numerous stalls, you’ll find produce, nuts, and sometimes other delicious, nutritious treats, which can range from honey and jam to homemade naan and chutney. In some locations, area musicians and performers come along to join the fun, giving the market a festive, community vibe.
If you’re planning a trip to one of our hostels, these local markets are a great place to stock up on goodies for your stay. You can whip up a farm-fresh meal in the fully equipped guest kitchen, or just stock up on sightseeing snacks for the road. Either way, the farmers’ market is a destination in and of itself, so leave yourself enough time to check out all the vendors before you buy (and be sure to bring cash in small bills).
Even if you’re not planning a hostel stay, find a farmers’ market in your area and enjoy the harvest at home.
San Francisco Hostels
Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market
Surrounding the Ferry Building, at the intersection of the Embarcadero and Market Street
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Open year-round
Operated by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA), this farmers’ market has been in operation since 1993. With more than 75 farmers and over 30 food artisans, this is a foodie mecca, with goods ranging from organically grown oyster mushrooms to fresh, small-batch yogurt. cuesa.org
If you can’t make it down on farmers’ market days, the Ferry Building Marketplace is open every day, and is a destination in and of itself for fresh organic produce, gourmet treats, and fine dining. With a focus on small, regional food producers — and many eateries and small businesses owned by well-known top chefs — you’ll be able to sample local artisan cheeses, chocolates, breads, and more. Check the schedule for events such as cooking demonstrations, classes, and book readings. ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
Heart of the City Farmers’ Market
United Nations Plaza, Market Street (between 7th and 8th)
6 blocks from the San Francisco City Center Hostel
7 blocks from the San Francisco Downtown Hostel
Wednesdays, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sundays, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Open year-round
The oldest farmers’ market in San Francisco, Heart of the City serves the urban community in the Civic Center area. Browse for a variety of affordable produce, cheeses, nuts, eggs, and more while taking in the majestic view of City Hall. On Wednesdays, a popular Belgian waffle truck makes a stop at the market, selling freshly baked waffles. For more info, call (415) 558-9455.
Sacramento Hostel
Sacramento Certified Farmers’ Market
Cesar Chavez Plaza, 10th and J Streets (in front of City Hall)
2 blocks from the Sacramento Hostel
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Open May through October
OR
Downtown Plaza, 4th and K Streets
7 blocks from the Sacramento Hostel
Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Open May through October
Boasting ten locations in the area, Certified Farmers’ Markets of Sacramento County (CFMSC) brings a bit of the farm into the heart of the state capital twice a week. CFMSC also offers a field trip program to local schools to teach youngsters about the value of eating "in season" and the geography of California’s growing regions. californiagrown.com
Marin Headlands Hostel
Sausalito Certified Farmers’ Market
5 miles east of the Marin Headlands Hostel
Sausalito Ferry Landing, Bridgeway and Tracy
Fridays, 4 - 8 p.m.
Open May through October
Buy your just-picked produce, organic foods, and freshly cut flowers in the picturesque, bayside town of Sausalito. For more info, call (415) 382-7846.
Point Reyes Hostel
Point Reyes Certified Farmers’ Market
Toby’s Feed Barn, 11315 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station
8 miles east of the Point Reyes Hostel
Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Open June through early November
Aside from fresh, organically grown produce, the Point Reyes farmers’ market boasts demonstrations by guest chefs, live music, and activities such as pie baking/eating contests, seed swaps, and "ugly produce" contests. pointreyesweekend.com
Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
Coastside Farmers’ Market
200 Rockaway Beach Avenue, Pacifica
7 miles north of the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
Wednesdays, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Open May through December
OR
Shoreline Station, 255 Cabrillo Highway South, Half Moon Bay
7 miles south of the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Open May through December
Setting up at two shoreline locations in one week, the Coastside Farmers’ Market showcases the diversity and splendor of coastal region crops. Stop in and snag organic olives, locally made goat cheese, and salt-air seasoned strawberries. Enjoy the sounds of crooner Santiago Marin, and keep an eye peeled for the Mayor’s booth at the market in Half Moon Bay. coastsidefarmersmarket.org or pacificariptide.com
Redwood National Park Hostel
Arcata Plaza Farmers’ Market
Arcata Plaza, G and 8th Streets
55 miles south of the Redwood Hostel
Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Open April through November
Though an hour’s drive from the Redwood Hostel, the Arcata Plaza Farmers’ Market makes a good pit stop on your way either up to the secluded hostel or back down south.
Perhaps it’s in contrast to the perpetual cloud cover that defines the Lost Coast, but the wares at this farmers’ market seem a little more colorful than usual… about as colorful as the vendors themselves. Read for yourself what the manager of the Redwood Hostel has to say about this beloved area market.
In addition to the Arcata Plaza market, the North Coast Growers Association presents a second Arcata market on Tuesdays, and two more in nearby Eureka and McKinleyville. humfarm.org
Crescent City Certified Farmers’ Market
Parking lot of Del Norte Fairgrounds
13 miles north of the Redwood Hostel
Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Open June through October
This weekly market in small-town Crescent City is your closest location for a farmers’ market fix while staying at the Redwood Hostel. For more information call the fairgrounds at (707) 464-3174.