Sunny Market Time
SeattleMeg June 10th, 2008
One of the best things about Ballard is the Sunday Farmer’s Market. Normally open from 10am to 3pm, it’s a smorgasbord of color, sound, and treats. From the delicious Kolache from the Little Prague Bakery to the mouth-watering samples of smoked salmon, I love spending an hour or two here each week.
It takes up a full block on old Ballard Avenue, sandwiched between the boutiques and music stores. Studies have shown of late that prices for decent organic food at farmer’s markets is now becoming cheaper than the store and the gas it takes to get there. Hop a bus (17, 18, 44, and 46) to get off on Market Street and wander around the corner for the best food and gifts in the area.
The irises are in right now, filling the cheap bouquets from local flower farms with all their blue and purple glory, as well as Icelandic poppies that love this cool weather for their crepe-paper petals. A few early strawflowers add some more searing orange highlights for your foyer or table.
A real treat the last several times I’ve been to the market is the musical stylings of “The Tallboys”. True down-home bluegrass is the preferred genre of this exceedingly talented duo. I know if I tried to play a guitar or mandolin while clogging, it would require an ambulance! Song, dance, clean music, and the CDs are only $10… Now that’s entertainment. And unlike Pike Place Market, it’s easy to hear this and your foot can’t help tapping along.
And the main reason to come to the Market… the food. If you go to their website, you can sign up for “What’s Fresh This Week”, an e-newsletter letting you know the choicest food picks and a recipe for dinner ideas. I managed to score firm green asparagus, these really sweet radishes, huge local onions, leeks, tart apples, and some local apple cider. For less than $20, anyone can eat like a fancy restaurant for the entire week and get all your vitamins the yummy way!
So get yourself and your eco-friendly tote bag over to the Sunday Market and load up on natural foods, personal products, and local hand-made gifts and home goods. Bring your sunglasses and a smile, and we’ll bid you welcome!
