Farm Fresh

Farm Fresh

It’s the height of harvest season, and East Bay farmers markets are at their best. We guide you to what we love most at each of our favorites.

By Charity Ferreira

Photography by Sara Remington

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Orinda

No longer tucked away on a side street, this market still has its hardworking, low-key vibe, with a notable absence of carnival atmosphere. It’s a pleasant stop on a shady, tree-lined street to pick up beautiful produce and cut flowers.

Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through November; Avenida de Orinda and Orinda Way, www.cccfm.org.

Don’t Miss:
-Orinda beekeeper Steve Gentry’s honey.
-Holding Ranch’s pasture-raised poultry and organic grass-fed beef.
-The park, library, and community center, which are just steps away.

Danville

This market is a gardener’s paradise, with compost worms for sale and several nursery kiosks selling live plants and seedlings, plus a master gardener who helps keep the market in sync with the needs of its green-thumbed clientele.

Thursdays 4 to 8 p.m., May through August; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round; Railroad and Prospect avenues, www.pcfma.com.

Don’t miss:-Gardening demonstrations for grown-ups and gardening activities for kids.
-Frog Hollow Farm’s legendary organic stone fruit.
-North Bay Quality Seafood’s fresh clams and fish.

Livermore

Every third “thirsty” Thursday of the month, this vibrant market offers wine tasting from local winemakers. The spirit of the impending weekend is in the air as kids play barefoot in the fountain while grown-ups chat and unwind, happy to be enjoying a dinner with no cooking or cleanup.

Thursdays 4 to 8 p.m., May through October; Carnegie Park, J Street between 3rd and 4th streets, www.pcfma.com.

Don’t miss:
-Commemorative glasses, which can be reused for thirsty Thursdays all season long.
-Ripe heirloom tomatoes and fragrant bunches of basil from Tomatero Organics in Aptos.
-Hot food and cold drinks, including pulled pork, teriyaki dishes, tamales, and agua fresca.