A Kick-Off to Farmers Market Season and Fresh Beginnings

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It’s about this time of year when I realize that the sun has returned to the Northwest, even if inconsistently.

For some, spring means daffodils and cherry blossoms, hay fever and antihistamines. I recognize these seasonal manifestations, too. Even more, spring means the kick-off of farmers market season. Good-bye root vegetables, canned tomatoes, and heavy stews. Something green is sprouting—asparagus, lettuce, spinach, arugula, chives.

To spend a Saturday morning outside, surrounded by my fellow market-goers, gawking at the abundance of fresh vibrant food, invigorates me. This moveable garden gives me a sense of renewal.

This spring, I’m celebrating not only the start of farmers market season but also the start of my adventure as the new Home Grown Chef here at 1859. I am thrilled to be a part of such a quality publication that brings to light all of the amazing stories that make Oregon an incredible place to live.

My roots run deep in Oregon—five generations deep on both sides. I am raising three members of the sixth generation of Oregonians on good food. I love English breakfast tea and pumpkin pie for breakfast. I can’t get enough hearty lentil soup paired with a lush Oregon Pinot in deep winter. I crave honey crisp apples from Hood River, steamed artichokes from Tillamook, and cantaloupe from Hermiston. No summer barbecue would be complete without salmon fresh off the Pacific City dory boats. In spring, I make an entire meal out of roasted asparagus from Dayton.

I love eating my way through the seasons and trying new food, cooking food, sharing food and writing about food. As you might have gleaned, I am nuts for the start of the farmers market season. I hope to see you there!


Sidebar—Sampling of dates, times and locations for Farmers Markets around Oregon:

Ashland

Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market

Downtown on Oak Street

Saturdays, 5/5/12-11/3/12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

rvgrowersmarket.com

  

Astoria

Astoria Sunday Market

Downtown at Commercial  and 12th streets

Sundays, 5/13/12-10/14/12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

astoriasundaymarket.com

 

Bend

Bend Farmers Market

Mirror Pond at the top of Drake Park, downtown

Wednesdays, 6/6/12-10/10/12, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

bendfarmersmarket.com

 

NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market

Northwest Crossing Drive from Mt. Washington to Fort Clatsop

Saturdays, 6/30/12-9/22/12, 10 a.m.-2 .p.m.

 

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach Farmers Market

Midtown parking area at Gower and Hemlock

Tuesdays, 6/12/12-9/25/12, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

cannonbeachmarket.org

 

Corvallis

Corvallis Famers Market

1st and Jackson

Saturdays, 4/14/12-11/17/12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

locallygrown.org

 

The Dalles

The Dalles Farmers Market

5th and Union Street

Saturdays, 6/2/12-10/13/12, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

thedallesfarmersmarket.com

 

Eugene

Lane County Farmers Market

8th and Oak Street

Saturdays, 4/7/12-11/10/12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

lanecountyfarmersmarket.org

 

Joseph

Wallowa County Farmers Market

Joseph and Main streets

Saturdays, June-October, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

wallowacountyfarmersmarket.com

 

Klamath Falls

Klamath Falls Farmers Market

9th Street between Main and Klamath Ave.

Saturdays, 6/9/12-10/20/12, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

klamathfallsfarmersmarket.org

 

Newport

Newport Farmers Market

Newport City Hall, Hwy 101 and Angle Street

Saturdays, 5/12/12-10/27/12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

newportfarmersmarket.org

 

Portland Area

Beaverton Farmers Market

SW Hall Blvd and 5th Street

Saturdays, 5/12/12-11/17/12, 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

beavertonfarmersmarket.com

 

Hillsboro Farmers Market

Downtown at Main St. and 2nd Ave.

Saturdays, 4/28/12-10/27/12, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

hillsboromarkets.org

 

Montavilla Farmers Market

7600 Block of SE Stark Street

Sundays, June-October, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

montavillamarket.org

 

Portland Farmers Market

PSU at SW Park Ave. & SW Montgomery Street

Saturdays, 3/17-12-12/15/12, 8:30  a.m. – 2 p.m.

portlandfarmersmarket.org

 

For a complete listing of registered farmers markets in Oregon, see the Oregon Farmers’ Markets Association website.

oregonfarmersmarkets.org

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  1. says: Nancy Forrest

    Great Intro Carrie!

    It was lovely meeting you (through your parents and learning more about you and your clan!

    I look forward to reading more and following the direction the seasons take you.

    Blessings!

    Nancy Forrest
    Designer
    Dove's Nest Interiors