Local farmer's market round-up
Seattle during the summer is just the best! If you are considering visit, I highly recommend coming in July-September to see what all of the fuss is about. Believe me, few things beat a Seattle summer. One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to visit one of the many local Farmer's Markets. It's the perfect time of the year to venture through the vendor booths outdoors, purchase fresh produce for meals and score a beautiful bouquet for less than $15! I love each local market for various reasons but if I had to choose my top 3, I can think of them without hesitation, and no, it does not include the legendary Pike Place Market.
1. Ballard Farmer's Market [Sundays from 10am-3pm downtown Ballard]
My highlights:
I used to go to this market every single weekend when I lived in Ballard and it was just down the street from me. Although I don't go as frequently as I'd like anymore, I have to say this is the best Seattle market by far, it's also year-round which means produce and vendors change each season.
-In the summer, the produce is to die for. My favorite produce to score at this market is berries (you can literally load up boxes full for under $20), cherries (again, boxes or bags full for a decent price) and heads of corn. I've found market produce outlasts any produce I get from Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, I also love the fact I'm supporting local vendors.
-Entertainment. This market has an array of entertainment while you're shopping from bands playing music, to people who recite poetry (if you want it personalized, it requires cash) and spoken word.
-Food to go. There are so many vendors that make incredible food at this market to eat while you're wandering around, sample before you buy or take to go! There's a pizza stand in the spring I love, an apple cider stand in the fall I adore and crepes year round that make for a yummy breakfast when you're on the go!
2. SLU Market [Thursdays from 10am-2pm on Terry Avenue]
This market is right across the street from my work so it makes it extremely convenient for me to visit on Thursday afternoons during a lunch break. I've been going every week since the start of summer and I love scoring a fresh bouquet of flowers and grabbing lunch from one of the many vendors there!
My highlights:
-$5 to $20 bouquets. GO EARLY! The bouquets (especially the $5 and $10 arrangements) get picked over rather quickly. As soon as the floral vendors are setup by 10:30am, stop by to score your bouquet. They come in a variety of sizes and colors (picking out just one is tough). Each floral vendor (there's usually about three or four) accepts cash or card.
-Get some naan at Tandoozy. Farm to table and SO DELICIOUS this is one of my favorite vendors at the weekly market. I always get the naan bread loaded with everything: lentils, mango chutney, chicken masala and rice. It's extremely filling and a great price compared to other market vendors.
3. Queen Anne Farmer's Market [Thursdays from 3pm-7:30pm off Queen Anne Ave N.]
My highlights:
-Fresh produce and seafood! Tristan and I loaded up on fresh fruit and veggies as well as a few salmon and halibut fillets for dinner (less than $40 total which is so reasonable!) The produce appeared fresh and lasted for weeks making cooking and meal prep easy! Not to mention, this is our local neighborhood market, so it's super convenient for us to go to after work.
-Countless food trucks. If you want to treat yourself to an evening out for dinner, look no further than the market. The last block around the corner is nothing but food trucks (if you miss Tandoozy at the SLU market you can also get it here!) Lots of variety when it comes to cuisine and price.
-Ellenos. I'm just going to say it, it's the best greek yogurt out there, it tastes like dessert! Don't miss visiting Ellenos at this market! Grab a yogurt to snack on as you wander or load up for the week. My personal favorite is the lemon.