Welcome to Part 2 of my series on Farmers Markets. I've gathered, googled, asked and gone to these various farmers markets. I'm no expert, I just enjoy myself during this process. Health and happiness should go together, don't you think?
Here’s the local schedule by day of the week. I've included time of day, characteristics of the market, and where to park.
Monday:
It must be a rule that there be no farmers’ markets on Monday!
Tuesday:
Torrance @ Wilson Park 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Even though it does not have quite as large a selection as it's Saturday counterpart, it is still larger than it's other weekday competitors. Much less crowded than on Saturday with no problem parking. I highly recommend this option if the hours work. http://www.torranceca.gov/6620.htm
Manhattan Beach @ 13th St & Morningside (behind Shade Hotel) 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM http://www.mbfarmersmarket.com/ Medium sized, this one caters to the young mothers and their children as well as the retired set. Have a toddler and want to meet your neighbors? Park under the Shade Hotel or at the Library, At 10 AM the Library hosts "Story Time for Tots". Then join the sea of strollers for the opening of the Farmer's Market at 11.00. Teach your children to crave fresh fruit samples not candy! Just steer your stroller clear of the Kettle Corn and Juice Stands. Enjoy the balloons, the skin painting, acrobats and, of course, the TRAIN! Oldsters might want to arrive near noon or just enjoy the chaos. Ethnic eateries abound and, of course, there are those wonderful farmers.
Wednesday:
Hermosa Beach @ Pier Plaza 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM http://www.farmermark.com/hermosabeach/ This small farmer's market is run by "Farmer Mark". A tomato grower himself, he organizes his 5 farmer's markets well, promotes diversity products (quail eggs, mushrooms, fish, honey, and orchids) as well as product quality. Also available are delicious vegetable and fruit combination smoothies, I suggest a coconut based one. On the pier, so parking is sometimes a bit of a problem. Parking meters cost 6 quarters for an hour, so bring your change. It's on the bike path so walking or biking works great as well.
Long Beach @ Marine Stadium (Apian Way and Nieto) 3:00 to 8:00 PM. This is a true hidden gem! It's actually located in Marine Stadium which was built for the 1984 Olympics. So for those of you who live from Palos Verdes or further south, take note. Thiis is a great place for concerts, there's plenty of parking, with a beautiful green park to picnic on. And the views are gorgeous. Watch the boats, their wake boarders or water skiers on the inland waterway as you stock up on organic essentials. Long Beach has a whole different set of vendors, so get set for some tasty surprises.
Thursday:
Redondo Beach @ Veteran’s Park 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM http://www.redondo.org/depts/recreation/facilities/farmers_market.asp This is a nice 6 1/2 acre park close to the water. Just walk on down Catalina and you'll get there. A real park, the type you went to as a kid to play on the grass as the grown ups sat under a tree and talked. Pack a picnic or buy stuff at the market. If you wish to park there are structures next to the veteran's center itself. This market does have some vendors I personally would avoid, especially if you are vulnerable to such foods. Kettle Corn, followed by simply sinful chocolates. Then there is that cute little old Irish lady selling her breads, muffins, and pies.
El Segundo @ Main Street between Holly & Pine Avenues 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM http://www.elsegundo.org/templates/calendar_pages/calendar_events.asp Another evening farmers market. Hit it on the way home. Small, finally made it to 2 blocks of stands, half are varied prepared food vendors (one side) and the other half produce. Nice small town local feel to this one!
Friday:
Hermosa Beach @ Valley Drive & 11th Street 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM http://www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/HermosaBeachFarmersMarket.html The second of the two small Hermosa farmers markets, this one is in Clark Stadium Parking Lot. This one has been around for a while with long time vendors.
Riviera Village @ Avenue I & Catalina 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM http://www.facebook.com/pages/Riviera-Village-Farmers-Market/124902647557545 On the way home after a long week? Stop here and relax for a bit as the traffic dies down. All those people are rushing home to their screens, empty refrigerators, and drinks. The market is small, with just 2 rows of stands but with interesting ethnic food, produce, and local artists. And a sunset over the water at the West end of the market. Parking? You may have to walk a few blocks while checking out the tantalizing Rivera Village's boutique businesses. Watch those parking meters and have fun.
Saturday:
Torrance @ Wilson Park 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM http://www.torranceca.gov/6620.htm The undisputed king of farmers markets, all certified growers, 50 stands, adequate parking. interesting website, wonderful variety. Start your weekend here, stock up your depleted refrigerator, and eat the tastiest over the weekend. Some vendors from afar sell Saturday at Wilson Park and take the leftovers to Palos Verdes on Sunday. Yes, it can get crowded so you might consider going early, but it's always a lot of fun.
Sunday:
Riviera Village next to Trader Joes 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM If you are a working stiff, and want to relax Saturday morning, this just might be the market for you. Especially if you live in Torrance or further North. Riviera Village, usually crowded is very sleepy Sunday mornings. It's a small market, lacking a bit in ambiance, but convenient. Buy your organics here, then complete your weekly shopping at Trader Joes or Vons which is 1 1/2 blocks away. You're set for the week.
Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills @ Hawthorne & Silver Spur 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It's in the high school parking lot. http://www.palosverdeschamber.com/Site/FarmersMarket.aspx Not up to rising at the crack of dawn on Saturday? Come to this Sunday market instead! Leave the sleepy June gloom over the beach and head up to the top of the hill, passing all the churches, into the sunshine. It reminds me of the stairway to heaven. There are plenty of organic vendors, fruit samples, and wierdo vegetables I've never seen before.
Long Beach SE @ Belmont Shore Marina 9:00 AM to 2 PM http://www.goodveg.org/LBSE.html. Another great Long Beach Farmer's Market! It's on the beach, larger, and with more variety than most, and includes different vendors than its northern neighbors, belonging to a different association. (Harbor Area) It's almost on the bikepath, so consider a Sunday morning bike ride along the Long Beach riverbed, past the wonderful aquarium to the market and back. Or rent a kayak and paddle around Naples. Not that far, very enjoyable especially if you avoid the freeways and take PV Drive West enjoying cliffs and Big Sur like coast. This market is just across the street from Whole Foods, so what you can't find at the Farmers Market, you can buy there.
LHC MD
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