It’s that time of year again! The days are getting warmer and longer. The sun is shining higher in the sky. Signs for your local farmers market are popping up around town reminding you that the time has come to shop local and support your farmers markets.
In Marin County, California, there are several farmers markets to choose from. The largest farmer’s market in Marin is the year-round location at the Civic Center in San Rafael. Hosting a Thursday evening as well as a Sunday farmers market, the Civic Center market is the place to shop! Just off highway 101, the Sunday market is the third largest in California boasting booths from almost 200 local farms, fine food, and specialty items. You can walk through the farmer’s market tasting artisan organic produce from local farms such as Star Route Farms and Little Organic Farm, smell local hand-made beeswax candles, and sample local meats from Marin Sun Farms. The Sunday market also hosts an amazing combination of other events such as local musicians, horse riding for the kids, and face painting. The Sunday farmer’s market at the Civic Center is a family event as well as a destination for any local and visitor in the Marin County area.
San Rafael also hosts a downtown farmer’s market on Fourth Street during the summer months from April through September. Thursday nights, rain or shine, you can find a wonderful assortment of local produce and specialty items. For $20, you can purchase all the ingredients for the makings of a wonderful organic meal. Not only is shopping your local farmer’s market an economical experience; it is supporting your local farmers helping to create a strong community. Bring your own bags to help make your farmer’s market shopping even greener!
Other towns in Marin host farmer’s markets such as Novato’s Tuesday night market. From 4-8pm May through September, locals make their way down to the recently renovated Grant Avenue to listen to music, purchase products from local farms, and enjoy samples from vendors. You can find items such as Sonoma Olives, breads from Cornerstone Bakery, and an amazing assortment of fruits and vegetables from local farms.
Fairfax started their own unique farmer’s market, which is small in size but a fun and special event! To attend a Fairfax farmer’s market is like visiting a BBQ with an amazing assortment of food – for a reasonable cost – and a wonderful combination of new friends. I enjoy spending time at the Fairfax farmer’s market on Wednesday evenings from May through September meeting up with friends and sampling, and purchasing, great produce from the farms just over the hill in West Marin. The strawberries here can’t be beat!
Downtown San Anselmo recently started a small farmers market Wednesday evenings during the summer months hosting a handful of local farmers. You can find a small group of people in front of the Town Hall sharing their precious produce. A short drive to the small Western Marin town of Point Reyes is a special visit. Their annual market starts in June and runs through September on Saturday mornings. You just can’t beat the drive through the hills or along the coast emerging through a lazy morning fog arriving in Point Reyes. While enjoying an amazing cup of coffee, you can walk through the venders tasting some of the most beautiful local produce! I especially enjoy finding the fantastic venders with unique items, such as gorgeous hand dyed and spun yarns made from local wool at the Point Reyes farmer’s market.
Buying from your local farmers markets is great way to support your local farms, eat healthy, and to enjoy your community! Bring your own bags to put your purchases in, walk or ride your bike, or bring a group of friends with you on the drive to make the experience even greener! Marin is a true destination for fantastic farmers markets!
http://pointreyesweekend.com/point-reyes-farmers-market-2008
http://www.marinfarmersmarkets.org/
