Summer is rapidly approaching us and sometimes we wake up one morning during the weekend and wonder, "What should I do today?"
Well, if you're ever in the mood to mill about among a small throng of people and get some great, fresh fruit and produce in the process, check out your local North Seattle farmers market.
There are 2 markets on the East side of I-5 that I know of. The first is in the University District on the corner of NE 50th and University Way. It's set upon the playground of the University Heights Community Center.
You can go there any Saturday of the year between 9am and 2pm.
Here's a quote from seattlefarmersmarkets.org,
"The University District Farmers Market is Seattle's oldest and largest "farmers-only" neighborhood market. Founded in 1993, this Saturday market offers a place for more than 50 Washington State farmers to sell their fresh produce and quality products each week. The market is now open year-round, with a great selection of fall and winter produce, eggs, meats, poultry, seafood, baked goods, preserves and more throughout the holiday season and chilly winter days.
Featured items at the market include an astounding variety of local, seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables from both sides of the state, herbs, wild mushrooms, fresh farmstead cheeses, free-range chicken and eggs, pastured organic beef, pork, fresh oysters and salmon, nuts, ciders, honey, fresh cut flowers, nursery stock, fresh bread and other baked goods, as well as numerous jams, fruits spreads and condiments from local farm-grown products."
The second farmers market is located in Lake City by the library on the corner of NE 125th and 28th Ave NE. This one will start up its 2009 season on June 4th and will go through October 29th. But you won't find this market open on the weekends. It's only open on Thursdays between 3 - 7pm for all you who may work on the weekends but still want fresh produce from a local market.
Here's another quote from seattlefarmersmarkets.org about the Lake City Farmers Market.
"The Lake City Farmers Market has become a much-loved weekday event, and a great place to pick up delicious, fresh, and healthy fruits and vegetables for dinner and the weekend ahead. This market is also frequented by shoppers from other neighborhoods looking for a mid-week replenishing of seasonal goodies.
Each Thursday afternoon shoppers can delight in the bright colors and heady aromas of beautiful flowers, berries, tree fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs, tomatoes, greens, nuts, organic meats, seafood, baked bread and pastries, preserves and other Washington-grown foods. Shoppers can also enjoy cooking demos, produce tasting, live music, and activities for kids throughout the season (see Events page for schedules during the market season). The park also offers a playground and grassy picnic/play area right next to the Market."
Farmers markets are yet another great way to spend the few sunny days we get here in Seattle. So don't forget to stop by and keep some of our local growers in business! :-)
- Jay
Fireplace
