Best Farmers Markets In North Bay
The San Francisco Bay Area prides itself on offering fresh, seasonal ingredients – from the markets all the way to the dinner table at local restaurants. Lucky for Bay Area residents, there is no shortage of farmers markets offering organic fruits and vegetables. The North Bay might be best known for its many vineyards, but it is also home to some of the Bay Area's best farms, which make regular appearances in the area's farmers markets. Here are a few worth checking out.
Photo Credit: Jenna Broughton
Marin Country Mart Farmers' Market
2257 Larkspur Landing Circle
Larkspur, CA 94939
(415) 461-5715
www.marincountrymart.com
Hours: Sat – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Located across from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, Marin Country Mary Farmers' Market offers a variety of organic produce and flowers as well as fine artisan foods. Capay Organic will meet all of your produce needs from organic, sustainable asparagus to strawberries. Market goers can also enjoy a variety of brunch and lunch options like sweet and savory crepes made from a buckwheat batter from Brittany Crepes or enjoy a cup of coffee and croissant at the Rustic Bakery. The market also has live music, pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids. Marin Country Mart Farmers' Market operates every Saturday year round, rain or shine.
Photo Credit: Jenna Broughton
San Rafael Downtown Farmers Market
Downtown, 4th Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 492-8007
www.sanrafaelmarket.org
Hours: Thurs – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Every Thursday, downtown San Rafael becomes a veritable festival. From April to September, the San Rafael Downtown Farmers Market converges on 4th Street with over 200 vendors selling a variety of goods from locally grown tomatoes to fresh flowers. The market features well-known farms like J&J Ramos, which delights peoples' taste buds with its always-seasonal offerings like apricots, cherries, nectarines and tomatoes. Or sweeten the pot even more with Marshall's Farm Natural Honey, which keeps its quality high with a handcrafted approach to production. With its live ambiance that includes live entertainment, arts and crafts and plenty of good food – like Napoli Pizza & Pasta or Bangkok Thai Express, there is bound to be something to keep everyone happy.
Related: Bay Area's Best Salads
Photo Credit: Jenna Broughton
Napa Farmers Market
500 1st St
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 501-3087
www.napafarmersmarket.com
Hours: Tues and Sat – 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Located conveniently next to the Oxbow Public Market, the Napa Farmers Market assembles yearly from May 1 through October 30. It offers locally grown, farm-direct produce from vendors like Tenbrink Farms, which offers a variety of heirloom tomatoes and stone fruit, and Four Seasons Farm, which has unique Asian greens and vegetables. In addition to its world-class produce, it also offers specialty food that can be enjoyed while shopping or later at home. Don't miss the Hummus Guy, which has super savory options like black bean with chipotle harissa and avocado and cilantro hummus. Or check out OctoberFeast, which is committed to delivering authentic Bavarian breads and pastries. With the Napa Farmers Market, shoppers can feel good about the local, sustainable produce they are buying, while knowing they are fueling the local economy.
Head to CBS San Francisco's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!
Jenna Broughton can frequently be found exploring the streets of San Francisco looking for her next adventure and gastronomic delight. She has traveled far and wide, from Paris to Savannah, GA, to satisfy her adventurous palate. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
