Farmers markets are in season in the Pacific Northwest

You wake up, a long week of work behind you. The sun is out and the songbirds are providing the perfect playlist for your morning. This is why we love the Pacific Northwest. That, and our incredible farmers markets.

Spending your Saturday or Sunday strolling the booths to load up on locally grown fruits and veggies is a beloved pastime. With the addition of hot food vendors, craft alcohol producers, florists, and more artisanal makers, the appeal extends to people visiting from out of town.

So pack your reusable bag — or an overnight bag if you want to see them all — and get ready to shop small this summer.

Bellingham Farmers Market | Bellingham, WA | Saturdays, April 5-December 20 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Conveniently located in the Central Business District, this market has more than 100 stalls to shop, making it a popular stop for tourists too. In fact, the market even partners with local hotels to offer discounts to guests. As for can’t-miss booths, look for BeeWorks Farm, which keeps hives in Whatcom County to make maple, raspberry, blackberry, wildflower, fireweed, and alpine flower honeys that are too sweet to resist.

Capitol Hill Farmers Market | Seattle, WA | Sundays, year-round | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Rain or shine, you’ll find people bustling on the bricks across from Cal Anderson Park, filling their baskets with fresh-caught salmon from Native Candy, beautiful bouquets from Teng’s Garden, Hayton Farms Berries, and more.

Ballard Farmers Market | Seattle, WA | Sundays, year-round | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This was Seattle’s first year-round farmers market and, particularly in the summer, it essentially takes over the heart of the Ballard neighborhood. The market is pretty spectacular, with a mix of prepared foods, food trucks, fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and plenty of candle, jewelry, and craft makers tucked in, as well. Not sated after a walk through? Grab brunch at one of the many restaurants that line Ballard Avenue.

Capital City Public Market | Boise, ID | Saturdays, April 19-December 20 | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

A fixture of Downtown Boise since 1994, this sprawl of 150+ rotating booths sells products proudly made in Idaho, by Idahoans. It’s a great way to experience local flavors if you pop out to Boise for a weekend getaway. And while you’re there, grab dinner at Anthony's and then catch a show at the Egyptian Theater — it has some of the best acoustics in the PNW.

PSU Farmers Market | Portland, OR | Saturdays, year-round | 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Beneath the forested canopy of Portland State University’s tree-lined campus, it’s easy to forget that your surrounded by city. The illusion becomes even stronger while browsing stands stocked with ruby-red tomatoes, crisp leafy greens, and Hood strawberries.

Lane County Farmers Market | Eugene, OR | Saturdays, April 5-December 13 | 9 a.m.-  3 p.m.

This market spans two downtown blocks and it’s easily walkable from the University of Oregon campus, although nearby Parcade and Overpark garages offer all day free parking on weekends (except during specific events) if you’re looking to drive. Bakeries, prepared food vendors, and other food artisans are required to use at least 25% local ingredients, so you can be sure you’re supporting local farms. Fans of fermented foods (think artisanal vinegars, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha) will love Kraüchi, which sources from Willamette Valley producers.