Farmers’ Market Round-up

It’s Saturday and Saturday makes me think of the farmer’s market. As much as I want and plan to visit the market every Saturday morning, it just doesn’t always happen. Thankfully, there are many markets around the city and they aren’t all only open on Saturdays or even during the morning hours. There is at least one market open Tuesday – Saturday every week, and several take place during the late afternoon to early evening hours…ready for those just getting off of work.

I’ve decided to write up a quick run-down of the farmer’s markets in and around Spokane. My goal is to make it to all of them at least once this summer. Some of the vendors may be the same at multiple markets, but each does have its own specialties and character.

West Central Marketplace is open on Tuesdays from 3:00 to 6:00 at the Broadway and Walnut through October 16. This market is small, but sweet. West Central is a great location for a market and the proceeds from the marketplace benefit Project HOPE , which gives disadvantaged youth a place to learn, grow, and work on job training goals. Some friends of mine are on the board of Project HOPE and it is a very worth cause. I hope to set up a booth at the marketplace for a few weeks this summer.

The Millwood Farmers’ Market is open on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and is hosted by Millwood Community Presbyterian Church (3223 N. Marguerite Road) until September 26. The Millwood market is hosted by Craig Goodwin and offers live music along with great produce.

The South Perry Farmers’ Market is located at 915 S. Perry St. from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays through October. The market is in the heart of the South Perry business district and surrounded by shopping and good food. The market is big for the space and has a really fun atmosphere. While you’re shopping, you can even get a piece of pizza from Veraci as you shop. Delicious!

The Liberty Lake Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Liberty Square Building parking lot (1421 N. Meadowwood Lane) until October 13. I’m looking forward to visiting this one this summer; the pictures on their website are beautiful and the atmosphere looks relaxed and very family friendly.

Spokane Farmers’ Market Fifth Avenue between Division and Browne streets. Saturday and Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 1p.m. through October. It goes without saying that the downtown market is the most central and tends to be the busiest, and one of the biggest. It is open, roomy and within walking distance of downtown. I think I see someone I know every time I visit, which is one of the joys of farmer’s market shopping.

Cheney Farmers’ Market is open from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Cheney City Hall parking lot (609 Second St.) through September 18. If you’re west of the city, check this one out.

Which markets have you been to? Any favorites or recommendations?