Now that the sun is starting to make an appearance, a trip to a Farmer’s Market could make for a fun outing. The experience excites your taste buds as well as educates you on local businesses. The Pacific Northwest has some of the most vibrant Farmer’s Markets in the county, each with their own character. Here are the top 5 Farmer’s Markets located in King and Pierce County, that are worth a visit.
Pike Place Market
Season: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-5pm
One of Washington’s most iconic tourist locations, Pike Place Market offers food, flowers, entertainment, and knick knacks while sitting right on the edge of Elliot Bay. During your stay be sure to try the Beecher’s Mac and Cheese, sweeten your palate with some Chukar Cherries, watch the fish guys throw fish through the market, and choose your favorite flower bouquet to take home as a souvenir. On your way out, stop by the famous gum wall. Chew a piece of gum, and leave your mark in downtown Seattle. Pike Place can get crowded in the peak of summer, so if you do not enjoy crowds, plan your visit before June or after September.
Ballard Farmer’s Market
Season: Sundays, 10am-3pm
This Farmer’s Market has helped shape the neighborhood of Ballard. With a plethora of options for prepared food as well as take home produce and meats, Ballard Farmer’s Market offers multiple live music stations to entertain you while you stroll through the streets. This Farmer’s Market sees more locals than tourists, so if your goal is to be immersed into the local culture this Farmer’s market is for you! Parking can be tough though, so be sure to arrive early or use public transportation for your adventure to Ballard Farmer’s Market.
Proctor Farmer’s Market
Season: Saturdays, 9am-2pm, March 28-December 19
Proctor Farmer’s Market focuses on fresh produce from a variety of vendors. While some farmer’s markets focus on the crafts and shops, Proctor provides three plus blocks of booths with fresh produce, meats, and wines, all of which have great samples for you to try. Proctor is a very walkable neighborhood, so this farmer’s market is quite kid and pet friendly. This Farmer’s Market also showcases different plant boots for our to learn about local plants and take one home for yourself. You’ll find many families go to this farmer’s market every week as there is plenty to explore.
Issaquah Farmer’s Market
Season: Saturdays, 9am-2pm, May 2-December 26
Issaquah has a relaxed vibe throughout the Farmer’s Market without sacrificing the quality of its booths. Be sure to stop in at Pappardelle’s to try unique flavors of pasta that aren’t found in stores, satisfy your sweet tooth with Pinckney’s Cookies a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy cookies, and explore food from around the world with Baba Ghanouj from Byblos Deli. Parking is limited so get there early in the day. The Issaquah Farmer’s Market does not allow dogs, so leave our pup at home and bring him back a treat.
Puyallup Farmer’s Market
Season: Saturdays, 9am-2pm, April 18-October 10
Unlike most other farmer’s markets, Puyallup has ample parking for your day at the market. Along with produce, meat, and craft booths, Puyallup Farmer’s Market also brings in a few food trucks for your local dining pleasure. The Puyallup Farmer’s Market is located near the Pavillion and City Hall, with a playground centrally located for your kiddos to play. Many folks drive to Puyallup solely for the farmer’s market as it’s diverse, kid and pup friendly, entertaining and not too crowded.
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No matter what market you visit, you’ll get your daily dose of fresh air while exploring local farmers and artists. For many, farmer’s markets have become weekend traditions, and a way for the family to explore new adventures together. The Pacific Northwest is home to delicious produce and wonderful sweets, so take advantage of one, or all, of these farmer’s markets this year.