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Chico Certified Farmers Market
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
6 reviews for Chico Certified Farmers Market
Driving from the Bay Area to Chico, huge silos regularly sprout from the floor of the Sacramento Valley--the obvious signs of industrialized agriculture. I would venture to say, this region supplies an important percentage of the world's agriculture. If you think the organic/boutique farms would be similarly productive, you'd be right.
I've been to a few farmer's markets in several different counties, and I have to say Chico's Saturday market is one of the best. The space they have downtown is ample for...I would estimate 40 vendors? 60? Maybe it's more. I dunno, it seems like a lot. Several of the stalls are selling the exact same produce, but most have one or two extra unique items, so it pays to explore. I was impressed by the guy selling 5 different kinds of blood oranges.
They also have other important elements of a complete dinner. Meat, bread, cheese, honey, olive oil, vinegar and a lot of other stuff, and it's all local. It's nice to see so many people who are passionate about growing food responsibly, and the variety you gain from that is remarkable. In the end, the earth and the consumer win. Makes me wonder how Americans allowed themselves to get duped into eating supermarket produce to begin with.
I think when I visit my peeps in Chico, I have to make sure to come back, but honestly it's going to be difficult--the obligatory binge-drinking always holds you back. But if there is another miracle of nature that allows me to be out and about before noon, I will make sure to see what's new at the market.
Thursday night from April through September and Saturday morning--don't know what the season is for that one. Either way, those were my favorite times to go. I don't know about ya'll but I loved the crowds on Thursday--made for people watching and yelling, "What up!" to someone from class or to a neighbor. All the smells that filled the air, the barbecue, the fresh fare, the samples--nummy!
I miss the market. Enjoy!
The Farmer's markets happen on Saturday and Thursday (not Sunday). The Saturday market is in the parking lot for the Garden walk, and parking can be tricky. There is usually more than one bread vendor, plus houseplants, honey, and tons of fruit and veggies. The prices are reasonable and the vibe is fun.
Thursday night markets include music, and are bigger and more of an "event". There are often more vendors, and in my travels, the Chico Thursday night market is second only to San Luis Obispo's in terms of food, size, produce, music and fun.
Chico specializes in nuts, rices, honey, citrus fruit, kiwi, strawberries, and lots of other goodies.
Market etiquette: If you've never been to a farmer's market (who are you?) well, a few tips to consider: Bring small bills (lots of them, vendors work in cash and you don't want to make them lose all their $1 in change to break your $20). Also, its polite to offer to give berry baskets back to the vendor so they can reuse them. Nowadays, bringing your own reusable bag to the market is a good idea too.
Traditional market is on Wednesday and Saturday, can't beat it! Thursday night market is run by the DCBA and is ok, but if you come for the food...skip the Thursday hype and shop on Wednesday morning or Saturday morning.
absolutely the best. If you get there a little before 11 am you can get entered in a free raffle where you can win great prizes!!!
ALWAYs bike to the market. There is no point in driving. Always a great selection of produce, crafts, arts, etc.
Bring cash, although some vendors do credit cards:)
Saturday and Sunday morning chico tradition. Grab a cup of coffee drip brewed by the coffee lady and get your fresh fruits, vegetables, candles, massage oils, and you are all set for a good time.