What’s on your menu this weekend? Hopefully your meals involve asparagus, raspberries, blueberries, apricots, greens, or any of Washington’s other June produce. I’m currently drooling over this braised pork belly, these short ribs, and these scallops and snap pea risotto. Also, how refreshing does this sparkling summer beverage look?
If you don’t have cooking plans yet, you might want to explore one of the Puget Sound area’s many farmers markets. Whether you just moved to your neighborhood, or whether you have been a local for years, perusing farmers markets is one of the best ways to get to know your community.
To celebrate the first week of June, here’s Pickett Street’s favorite local farmers markets. Check out the complete list of Washington markets here.
When: Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., year round
Where: Ballard Avenue NW between Vernon Place and 22nd Avenue
What makes it special: Ballard was Seattle’s first year-round neighborhood farmers market. In addition to produce, this market offers fresh donuts, flowers, as well as eateries such as Tandoori Naan.
When: Sundays, year round
Where: Broadway Ave E and E Pine Str
What makes it special: This market receives rave reviews from Seattleites. Highlights include the beer and cider, the large variety of produce, and the street performers.
When: Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., from mid-May through late September
Where: Meridian Park at the corner of Meridian Avenue N and N 50th Street
What makes it special: Wallingford is perfect for when you need that midweek pick-me-up of fresh veggies. Also, the park offers shady picnic areas for relaxing and playing.
Little Brother’s Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting in June
Where: 450 Central Way, Kirkland, Washington
What makes it special: Little Brother’s proves that quality is better than quantity. Though small, this market is 100% organic and offers mouth-watering treats such as cheese curds, sockeye salmon cream cheese, and snickerdoodles.
When: Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., April-October and Saturday through Sunday, November-December
Where: 700 Capital Way N. and Market Street, Olympia
What makes it special: The Olympia market’s 90 vendors makes this the biggest market in Washington. Most of the market is also covered, so it’s open rain or shine.
When: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April through December (also noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays in Fairhaven, June through September)
Where: Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham
What makes it special: While Bellingham might be a bit of a drive from Seattle, it’s 100 percent worth it for the high-quality vendors, such as Backyard Bees and Ethiopian-born Mulunesh Belay. Make a day out of it by strolling around Bellingham and Fairhaven’s adorable downtowns.
Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
When: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May through October
Where: In front of the Professional Building at the intersection of Bothell Way and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park
What makes it special: Not only is this market Pickett Street’s home market in Bothell, it also offers a large selection of produce and plenty of meat and cheese vendors. Locals love the veggie quesadillas and other freshly cooked food.
For other food events, check out the Beacon Food Forest’s Permaculture Project on June 8th, rare brews at The Masonry this weekend, a farm-to-table supper at Bella Luna Farms on June 15th, or the Marysville Strawberry Festival June 8th to 15th.
And, as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pickett Street’s team ((425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com) for help buying or selling a home this spring and summer.