Here in Central California, we are blessed with an abundance of locally grown food, aside from the abundance of local wines we enjoy! To honor these fruits, vegetables, dairy, nuts and meats, we have a plethora of farmers markets throughout the week. Here at these markets, you can shop from local farmers and artisan vendors for the freshest foods and most original crafts available.
To help you out, as a Central California real estate agent, I’ve created a handy Central California farmers market guide. From now on, you’ll always know which day of the week your local market is, and when! Share this among your family, friends and community members. Let’s show our support for local farmers while indulging in the decadent flavors of California food.
1. The Pismo Beach Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday at the Pier from 3 to 7 p.m. It includes fresh produce, food and handmade items, so it’s a food market and a craft show all in one. Kettle corn and sweet roasted corn on the cob are some local favorites here!
2. The Atascadero Farmer’s Market also takes place on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at Albertson’s parking lot on El Camino Real. This market prides itself on everything being grown or made by the folks who are selling them, and all from local sources. This includes produce, meats, eggs and prepared foods.
3. The Morro Bay Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. On Thursdays, it is located in the large parking lot at Spencer’s Fresh Markets and features organic farmers, hummus and more. Saturday markets reside on Main and Harbor Streets and also feature local coffee, homemade tamales and kettle corn.
4. Downtown San Luis Obispo’s Farmers Market is a really large market that takes place on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Aside from fresh-picked fruits, vegetables and flowers, this market also features barbecued food cooked to order, ethnic cuisine, live music, activities, mascots and more. It has over 120 vendors each week, and you can ride the trolley to the market!
5. Cayucos Farmer’s Market is located right next to the beach on Friday mornings, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Grab some fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, dairy or flowers, and then go enjoy a picnic on the beach!
6. The Avila Beach Farmers Market takes place on Fridays, between April and September, from 4 to 8 p.m. It is set up in the center of Avila Beach, so cruise around the beach and among local businesses while you’re there! The market usually features live music alongside local farmers and artisan vendors.
7. The Templeton Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the town park. This is a local favorite in SLO County!
8. The Baywood/Los Osos Farmers Market takes place on Mondays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at 2nd and Santa Maria Streets by the bay.
9. The Paso Robles Farmers Market takes place on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Paso Robles City Park. Then another market takes place Fridays, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the Walmart parking lot on Niblick and River Road.
From Grace Borzini
grace@oakshoresrealty.com