Visiting our farmers markets in the summer is a staple of life here in the Pacific Northwest. Lesser known, although equally alluring, are the delights of these markets in the off-season – the rich bounty of those that stay open after most others have closed up for the season.
As the last days of fall slide into winter, I love to get outside, to soak up the lingering bits of foliage, and to meander through the local neighborhoods. And there’s nowhere I’d rather explore than a farmers market on a late autumn day.
Favorite Markets
Seattle is blessed with an abundance of year-round markets, but here are two favorites I enjoy visiting on a regular basis.
University District Farmers Market
Located in the University District, home to the University of Washington, this market operates every Saturday from 9-2 and has a cozy neighborhood feel, along with an impressive selection of vendors and produce. This is my “go to” market when I’m stocking up on specialty produce for upcoming recipes – there’s always something new to try along with friendly farmers offering helpful advice.
Ballard Farmer’s Market
This market, located on Ballard Ave NW, just off Market Street, is open every Sunday from 10-3. It’s everything you’d want a market to be, with a diverse selection of produce, arts and crafts, and food vendors. Not to mention that it’s located in one of my favorite Seattle neighborhoods – a fun and rewarding excursion that’s at the top of my Seattle highlights list.
Top Ten Reasons to Visit
There are so many reasons to visit these markets in the off-season. Here, in no particular order, are a few of the top ones…
#1 – Fall Produce
Winter squash, mesclun, winter greens, purple cabbage, heirloom apples, potatoes, pears, daikon radishes, celeriac. An incredible selection of local fall and winter produce…
#2 – Beverages
Washington’s rich apple and berry farming heritage are in evidence at the market. You can find fresh-pressed cider, ginger beer, local wines, hard ciders, and more…
And of course, this being Seattle, there’s always a cup of hot coffee around every corner…
#3 – Dairy, Meat, and Seafood
Artisan cheese, Greek yogurt, thick cream, grass-fed beef, smoked salmon, and fresh oysters. You can stock your fridge every week with an impressive selection of dairy, meat, and seafood…
#4 – Artisan Food Producers
Freshly baked bread, European-style pastries, homemade jams, specialty vinegars, hand-crafted charcuterie, roasted hazelnuts, and buttery caramels. What a treat to walk through the market, talk to the vendors, and sample their wares…
#5 – Food Vendors
You definitely don’t want to eat before heading to the market. I always have a tough time choosing where to begin, but here are a few top picks….
A breakfast sandwich from Nature’s Last Stand – pasture-raised pork sausage with a farm fresh egg, Samish Bay cheese, Mama Lil’s peppers, and a Tall Grass Bakery brioche bun. Local to its core!
A grilled veggie quesadilla from Patty Pan Cooperative – they always feature what’s fresh at the market, and it never fails to impress.
A slice of wood-fired pepperoni pizza from Veraci Pizza. So good!
Fresh naan from Tandoozy, along with “everything” (of course) – chicken tikka masala, red lentil dahl, basmati rice, and a spicy mango chutney.
A hot dog from Dante’s Inferno – always a classic.
A new favorite – Ramen and Tacos. Slowly making my way through their menu.
And of course, there’s always hot soup on a cold day – can’t beat that!
#6 – Arts and Crafts
Bouquets of fresh fall flowers, homemade soap, hand-crafted pottery, and more. Talent at its finest…
#7 – Entertainment
Cooking classes, live music, and my favorite – the dogs that are everywhere you look…
#8 – Stock up for the Holidays
The markets truly come alive during the holiday season.
Sweet potatoes, cranberries, and fresh turkeys for Thanksgiving…
In December the market is filled with wreaths, Christmas trees, special activities, and vendors getting into the holiday spirit…
Along with an ample selection of seasonal stocking stuffers…
And unexpected treats around every corner…
#9 – Explore the Surrounding Neighborhood
Both of these markets are truly “neighborhood markets” and getting out and exploring the surroundings is an added bonus.
The University District
I went to college here, lived here as a young adult, and still enjoy wandering “The Ave” every now and then. Its target audience is more the local students, but I like to make time to stop by the University Book Store to check out the Husky gear (Go Dawgs!) and see if there’s another cookbook that I “need”…
Ballard
I never get tired of exploring this neighborhood with its stunning architecture and unique collection of restaurants and boutiques. Give yourself some time before or after visiting the market – or come back another day for a longer stay. It’s worth it!
Linger in the coffee shops…
Take in the architecture and history..
Pick up a cupcake (the best!) and watch a movie in a vintage cinema…
Explore Ballard Avenue – one of my favorite streets in Seattle…
Grab a bite to eat (check out Bastille Cafe and Bar – fabulous)…
Pop into a cooking store (always!)…
Do a little window shopping and more – you never know what’s just around the corner…
#10 – Connection
In truth, this is number one in my book – the heart of a farmers market. What I love and value most about visiting these markets, is the sense of connection that comes with the experience.
Connection…
To the people who produce our food…
To the rich bounty of this region…
And most of all, to the land that sustains us…
And yes, it might rain while you’re at the market…
But, just tuck into a cozy neighborhood coffee spot to wait it out…
…and know that in Seattle, blue sky is always just a few clouds away.
Then get back out there and enjoy exploring all the best this season has to offer.
Happy meandering! -Kimberly
Wonderful tour and pics, Kim! We have enjoyed our retirement farm on the south sound, raise our own vegetables and clams and oysters and fruits and berries
Thanks, Carol! Your farm sounds wonderful!