No, I’m not going back to school. At least not for marketing…


After our recent visit to the Saturday morning farmer’s market in Santa Monica, CA, I’m feeling nostalgic about fresh markets and farmer’s markets visited in other cities. Minneapolis has some pretty good farmer’s markets in the warmer months (I’m partial to the Lyndale, the NE one if only because it’s by Emily’s Lebanese, and the small one on Nicollet for the juxtaposition between skyscraper and fresh berries or flowers…) and I’ve embarrassingly enough never been to the downtown St. Paul market, which I hear is the one to beat in the area… but I seem to prioritize fresh local food when I travel, so that I can save some of the “dining out” money, and check out the local growing scene.


I enjoyed the petite Santa Monica market when we visited. It was only one aisle with stands on either side, which made it a quick and easy market with some delightful treats nonetheless. 

trolling for citrus fruits…

rosemary dried plums all juicy in the sunny cafe window!

and of course, a market wouldn’t be a market without flowers!

 

 

Man-go-round and I had fun strolling up and down the market, sampling the mint honey sticks, cheese, and ultra juicy red dried plum slices.


I also had the opportunity to meet up with Eden, whose blog I read daily and who was kind enough to give us lots of tips for our trip! She’s charming in real life as in her blog, and we sat and had a cup of coffee after picking up some foods, and watched the market dissemble as the day turned into afternoon.


What other markets have I enjoyed? Well, I’ve been to tons of smaller markets hocking breads, produce, jewelry, handmade soaps and clothing, and flowers. Of these, the more traditional markets that are similar to ones at home but with variations in seasonal produce and/ or specialty eats such as hot rolls, fresh roasted nuts, or delicious coffee usually strike my fancy.


For example, when visiting San Francisco last year man-go-round and I were lucky enough to stay in a relatives’ high rise overlooking the bay bridge and embarcadero. Due to this prime location we were able to hit the Ferry Building market twice in our 5 day stay. 


One visit was dedicated (for me, at least) to trying all of the fruit and dried fruit I could pack in my little tummy. They say you can get a meal by sampling things at this market, and I was doubtful. I needn’t have been, the vendors are incredibly generous and outgoing. If, however, you haven’t gotten your fill from the market, you can always stop inside the Ferry Building and get some Blue Bottle Coffee or stop at one of the restaurants inside.  Or you could walk down the embarcadero a few piers and stop at TCHO chocolate for some of the best chocolate made in S.F.! They also give samples of their delicious choc, and apparently tours (although we bypassed this).

Finally, I’m fixing on reliving my short afternoon spent in Seattle after my cousin’s wedding a few years ago. We spent the weekend in Bellingham, which is a very unique place, and hit the farmer’s market there. It was typical of a smaller city market, and enjoyable. We had a morning to kill before our flight, so we headed to the city to investigate the Space Needle and Pike’s Place market…

No better place for tulips than Washington!

Freeeeesssshhhhh FISH!

So of course we did the cursory “fish throwing” skit, and wandered around in the hazy morning. This market probably beats all other markets I’ve visited in my life for location- it’s pretty hard to beat. We got some coffee, walked around some more, and enjoyed taking it all in. On my way out I picked up a croissant with jalapenos and cheese melted into it. I am not crazy about pastries/ breads, but I knew I wouldn’t get fed on the flight and airport food can be sketchy at best. I was pleased to find that this treat was absolutely delicious, and made my trip home much more bearable!

So there you have it- a few local markets to check out if you are in the area. Stop by one to pick up some locally grown food… it usually tastes great and saves you a bit of money while traveling. Plus, the people watching…

‘Nuff said 🙂

Alright loves- tell me about the markets in your town or markets you’ve visited on vacation… I’m going to start a list!

Happy Saturday!

Meri