I’m used to farmers’ markets that feature fresh produce and not much else. But then I moved to Portland and quickly learned that when it comes to these events, there are no rules. We’ve got 30 farmers’ markets in the Portland area, with more than half open on weekends, and you can buy just about anything, it seems! There are about as many bakers as farmers – and lots of cheese makers, too. And since Oregon has the country’s highest number of filbert orchards, you can buy filberts everywhere. And berries! (Oh my – everybody and his mother has ’em.) Cutflowers are sold at all the markets. And there are meat sellers, too, offering everything from salmon to smoked meat to pig’s ears for the pooch.
Some markets are more populated than others.
Photo Credit: Lane Greer
Many farmers’ markets are doggone friendly.
Photo Credit: Lane Greer
Market vendors sell more than just produce.
Photo Credit: Lane Greer
Live entertainment trumps piped-in music at the grocery store.
Photo Credit: Lane Greer
There are many similarities between these markets: For starters, all have conventionally grown, organic and sustainably grown foods. You’ll see the same vendors at many markets, too. (I sometimes wonder who’s minding the farm.) Most, if not all, allow dogs, although trust me: You don’t want to get leashes tangled at the downtown Portland farmers’ market on Saturday – it’s a mob scene!
While all the markets have commonalities, each one has a different flavor. The Milwaukie farmers’ market, for instance, always has a band or singer performing, as well as tables set up for a quick brunch. At the downtown Portland market on Saturday, you’ll find music, hot foods on cool days and “Chef in the Market” at 10 a.m., who demonstrates how to use seasonal produce.
At the market in downtown West Linn, there are lots of craftspeople. You can even get a massage there! Because this market is at night, it doesn’t really get going until after 5, when the locals get off work. (It’s actually more like a weekly block party than a farmers’ market.) There’s a downtown Portland market that’s open on Wednesdays, and that one’s set up for on-the-go lunches – but it’s heavily geared toward tourists (with some outrageous prices, so buyer beware). Then there’s the very mellow Hillsdale market, set up in the parking lot of Wilson High School.
Most farmers’ markets run from spring through fall, but summer’s really high time for them, so don’t miss out! Whether you live in the Portland area or are just visiting, stop by some of these great events for lunch or produce – or, heck, just to people-watch. It’s worth the extra effort to find really fresh veggies, grown according to your lifestyle. And you’re supporting local farmers at the same time, which is great. (So what’re you waiting for – run out to the market!)
