One of the things I love most about living in the valley is all of the wonderful fruits and vegetables so readily available. During this time of year we see lots of yummy fruits. My absolute favorite fruit is the apricot, and I scour the farmer’s markets around town trying each variety. The thing about apricots is that they are pretty much at their peak right about now until, well, the next couple of weeks. Then they vanish into jams, jellies and pies. While I was getting my apricots this weekend, I noticed how lovely, peaceful and welcoming the Vineyard Farmer’s Market is to all of us.
I was there early in the morning, so there were not a lot of people yet, but the ones who were there were on a mission. Early in the morning is the best time to go. That’s when you get to pick the best of the best! (And avoid the heat.) The strawberries seemed to be popular this weekend, as there was a line!
These days Farmer’s Markets tend to offer more than just fruits and vegetables. At the Vineyard Farmer’s Market you will find Mediterranean food, honey (with friendly bees swarming around), baked goods from La Boulangerie, juice, cheese, coffee, herbs (and maybe an Herb too), tamales from Casa de Tamales, flowers and lots of friendly people willing to help. I’m from good ole FresYes and this farmer’s market is special to me. Not that I would frequent it when I was younger. No, when I was little I’m pretty sure I thought the only place to buy fruits and vegetables were from the grocery store. I love this place because it reminds me of driving up and down Blackstone and Shaw. I remember the restaurant that use to be where Yosemite Falls Cafe is now. I think it was called Peppermill? At any rate, this farmer’s market is a fixture in Fresno. It symbolizes a place where people can come and work together for a common goal. It supports our community and our local farmers. Most of the fruit and vegetables are from our soil, here in the valley. Best of all, everything tastes so good!
If you’ve never been, I say go, at least once. Okay, maybe twice. They are open year round, so you can try some different (seasonal) veggies that you wouldn’t normally eat. They are also open twice a week-Wednesday nights from 3-6 pm and Saturday’s from 7-12 pm.
Now, even though I’m partial to this farmer’s market, it is not the only one around town. I’m pretty sure you can find a farmer’s market in just about any part of Fresno. I’ve seen one down in the Tower District, by Tower Market. There is also one downtown, on Saturday mornings, across from First Presbyterian Church. As well as in front of the courthouse, but during the week. I’ve seen signs for a farmer’s market in the shopping center on Palm and Nees.
Here are some other local favorites:
Kaiser-Wednesdays, year-round (weather permitting)
8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. • March through November
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. • December through February
River Park Farmer’s Market– Every Tuesday nights, 5-9 pm
Old Town Clovis– Friday nights, starting at 6 pm. (Just during summer.)
Also, did you know they have a farmer’s market on Saturday mornings too?! I had no idea! It’s in the parking lot of the old DMV, from 8-11:30 am.
See, that’s the great thing about living in the valley, look at how many options we have! Just imagine all the yummy things you can make with sweet and juicy fruits! Or, just sit them on your counter, which could make for some great Instagram shots. 😉
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