The days + nights of Indian Summer, are my favorite time of year in the valley– when the tomato patches are prolific, dahlias reign supreme and the Farmer’s Markets are on FIRE!
Napa Valley has 2 special Farmer’s Markets from May thru October, in the town of Napa + St. Helena, spotlighting some of the areas best farmers, artisans and speciality foods. Both markets are packed with chefs, aspiring chefs, locals, children, dogs and every kind of shopping basket/ buggy ever made– the perfect slice of color for a weekend visitor. Our children live for mornings at the Farmer’s Markets with the endless “try-me” samples of sweets, pastries, sliced fruit, cheese, gristini– and then there is always a visit to Gotts after, regardless of location!
These sensory bazaars now feature a dazzling array of delicacies + accoutrements, but require some editing. While I really am a fan of BOTH markets, the Napa Farmer’s Market is fresh on my mind and has really fantastic vendors. Here are a few of my favorites:
Big Ranch Farms– for those of you OBSESSED with really good tomatoes in all shapes, sizes, colors + flavors, this booth is known for specializing in great tomatoes! Tomato season is just starting to kick in and here is a really good place to start.
Aztec Dahlias– I used to drive an hour to Aztec Dahlia’s cutting garden in Sonoma during the months of August, September + October to swoon over their outrageous dahlias + fill my dinner table chock full with these beauties. So devoted was I, that I tried planting my own dahlia cutting garden with their shoots– an interesting experiment with a high learning curve. Needless to say, I am grateful for their local booth!
Gold Rush Kettle Korn– this booth is like kryptonite for me + my kids, rendering us weak in the knees + desperate for a bag. I find everyone is crazy about kettle corn, and this one is a dream, with the perfect sugar glaze of sweet + salt. Try with sweet, sticky dessert wine!
Worm Ending Unlimited– My mother swears by this vendor for all her plants! Worm Endings Unlimited sells worm castings (poop) and vermicompost– a pesticide free fertilizer that improves the quality of soil, is an excellent conditioner + soil dressing.
The Hummus Guy– I would have to say that Mr. Hummus Guy is the hardest working vendor on the farmer’s market circuit– I personally see him in Napa, St. Helena, and at the Ferry Building, and know there are at least 5 other stops along the way… There is always a line at his booth with eager fans… Why? Because he’s a BIG flirt and his hummus is really good!
St. Helena Farmers’ Market
Crane Park, St. Helena
Friday from 7:30 am to noon
Napa Downtown Farmers’ Market
Oxbow Public Market on 1st Street
Tuesday and Saturday from 7:30 am to noon
{photo credit: nicole mcintosh bruce}
