On the Oregon Coast, Hyperlocal Farmers Markets Take Root
With farmers markets blooming along the Tillamook coast, your next beach weekend could offer a very tasty treasure hunt.
Image: Tillamook Farmers' Market
We all know that the Portland Farmers Market is one of the very best open-air produce markets out there, but let's face it—you'd rather not be in town every Saturday this summer.
Starting right now, you can bring that fruit-and-veg basket with you to the Oregon coast. From Manzanita to Neskowin, four coastal farmers markets are, as of this weekend, open for business and groaning with options. We're sure you know your way around a produce stand, but we've done a little digging anyways, to locate winning finds at each market.
Swing by the R-evolution Garden stand and dinner is SO in the bag.
Image: R-evolution Garden
MANZANITA FARMERS MARKET
Every Friday from 5–8 p.m., June 10–September 1
R-evolution Gardens is the organic working farm that supplies new Nehalem-based eco-B&B North Fork 53. (Check out our recent story.) But you can also shop at the market for the farm's elegant produce—eggplants, arugula, turnips, pak choi, and more. Feeling decadent? Crepe Neptune's storefront is up north in Astoria, but you can grab yourself a Goonies crepe (chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows) here while shopping for your salad ingredients.
Baby, you smell so good!
Image: Oregon Coast Lavender
TILLAMOOK FARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday from 9 a.m.—2 p.m., June 11–September 24
Bring home sweet bouquets of Oregon Coast Lavender—nine varieties harvested from farms in nearby Bay City. Brickyard Farms also maintains a stand for its organically-raised vegetables. (Among the possible offerings, 20 kinds of squash, 25 tomato varieties, and all the herbs you could ever dream of.)
Feeling peachy in Neskowin, thanks to C&K Orchards.
Image: C&K Orchards
NESKOWIN FARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday from 9 a.m–1–p.m. through October 1
Farmer Creek Garden offers straight from-the-sea razor clams and oysters. (We've got recipes, if you're looking for serving suggestions.) Get dessert here as well—C and K Orchards has baked goods that soothe the soul, including peach tarts with homemade ginger rock candy and pastry cups filled with chocolate mouse and fresh mint leaves.
Farm fresh eggs from Pitch and Plow!
Image: Amy Malta
PACIFIC CITY FARMERS MARKET
Every Sunday from 10 a.m–2 p.m, June 12–September 25
Staff at the Grateful Bread stand serve up sweet and savory baked goods—all while likely sporting tie-dyed tees and rocking out to "Casey Jones." Get a head start on next morning's power breakfast with a carton of pasture-raised organic eggs from Pitch and Plow Farms. (Nestled in Tillamook's coastal foothills, this farms also vends also organic beets, potatoes and fennel.)
