With more than 200 farmer’s markets in L.A. country, fruits and veggies–organic and otherwise–are readily available. But not all farmers markets are the same. Most farmers markets are certified by the state, but there are some ‘rogue’ farmers markets, too. These rogues are usually set up in the parking lot of some business with the intention of attracting customers–rather than providing healthy food to locals.
Two in L.A are famous: the Hollywood Market, held on Sunday mornings, and the Santa Monica market on Saturdays. The Hollywood Farmers Market is big–160 vendors–and bustling and has many non-food items. It has even hosted authors’ book signings! The Saturday Santa Monica Market on the other hand is for purists: fruits and vegetables only and all are organic and locally grown. Many chefs buys fresh veggies there.
Then there is my favorite, the Montrose Harvest Market on Sunday mornings. It’s not as big as the Hollywood Market, but it, too, offers a lot more than just blocks and blocks of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Because it is located in a suburban neighborhood there is a big focus on attractions for the kiddies as well as non-food items ranging from tupperware to original watercolors. The goal of the managers has always been to keep their customers hanging around so they’ve also set out picnic tables near the food booths so people will stop, rather than buy veggies and run on home. This tactic has worked. People come to the Harvest Market and spend hours eating, shopping and chatting with friends.
Full disclosure: for several years I went into a ‘crafty’ phase and made super-luxury soap which I sold at the Montrose Harvest Market. After that, I set up a website where I continue to sell the soaps. You can see them at Pasadena Soaps.
I have a lot more photos so I am going to break this topic into two posts. In the next on there will be more about the non-food items and the special attractions for children. And, yes, music. I forgot to mention the music.
Originally published in Mar 2014
