Local Farmers Markets

Are you familiar with the bounty of farmers market options in Nevada City & Grass Valley? The Nevada City Farmers Market in downtown Nevada City operates year round, but has recently started the weekly summer season market.  If you’re looking to stock up on all your favorite local foods, the market runs Saturdays from 8:30am-1pm.  Whether you want a cup of coffee, artisans gifts, olive oils or bounty of organic fruits and vegetables come stroll the market and catch up with friends.

For a list for farmers and merchants, check out the Nevada City Farmers Market website, but shout out to over a 25 different farms and merchants who sell their locally grown goods (including: Soil Sisters Farm, Fog Dog Farm, Riverhill Farm, James Ranch, Starbright Acres Family Farm, Super Tuber Farm, AM Ranch, Pearson Family Orchard and Mountain Bounty Farm).

The Market at Grass Valley (formerly known as Nevada County Growers Market) has 3 different locations, including Saturday mornings at the Northstar House in Grass Valley.  A few of my favorites include: Family Friendly Farm, Three Gingers Bakery, Guzzetti’s Indian Cuisine and Dedrick’s Cheese, for a full list of vendors and farmers check out their website.  Don’t forget the kids craft project the first Saturday of the month.  Look for the additional Farmers Market at Pine Creek Shopping Center (in front of Raley’s) on Tuesday mornings and downtown Grass Valley on Thursdays from 4-7pm (across the street from Safeway).

Nevada City’s Food Love Farm now offers You Pick Veggies every Tuesday afternoon (between 4:30 and 6:30).  Stop by the farm, located at 16200 Purdon Road, on the Burton Homestead, and learn where your veggies come from.  Sierra Harvest encourages families to come out and show your kids how vegetables grow and what they look like in the ground.  Nevada City has so many opportunities for fresh, locally grown produce, whether it’s at the one of the local farmers markets, the Outside Inn’s free veggie cart, Riverhill Farm stands, a local CSA.  So, what’s your favorite go-to place for fresh summer veggies?  Don’t forget you can always check BriarPatch Co-Op for a list of local love.

And mark your calendar for the upcoming Nevada County Farm Tour, there are a number of farms that have opened their doors and welcome you to come by and visit.  You will have the opportunity to tour the farms, taste food prepared with farm fresh ingredients, talk to the farmers about their farming practices as well as purchase food directly from the farmer.  Ticket numbers are limited, you can buy a ticket online (and check out the carpool special).  If you’re looking for more information about local farms, check out the Nevada County Grown Food & Farm Guide.  What’s your favorite local farm?

© 2019 InnSide Nevada City, Photos © by Erin Thiem