Portland’s renown as a food city can be summarized in one simple phrase: farm-to-table. And nowhere is that more evident than in our flourishing Farmers Market scene. Portland Farmers Market operates six different Markets throughout Portland, with dozens of other markets around the Portland metro area, as well. On any given day of the week, there is a pretty good chance that there is a fabulous Farmers Market happening somewhere in town.
This is local food at its best – 80% of Farmers Market vendors travel 100 miles or less to the Market. Fresh produce and artisan foodstuffs are available for purchase at surprisingly reasonable prices. If you are lodging where cooking your own food is an option (for example, at the Inn at Northrup Station), selecting goods at the Farmers Market is one of the best ways to experience Oregon’s bounty! Otherwise, handcrafted cheeses, jams, baked goods, body care items or perhaps some locally made beer or wine make an amazing (and truly Oregonian!) souvenir to take home. Ask about chef demonstrations and kids’ cooking classes, too.
The Portland State University (PSU) Farmers Market on Saturday mornings is a fantastic pick for folks staying in our near downtown. This Market is open year-round! 200 rotating vendors – up to 140 at a time – occupy stalls in the University’s Park Blocks between SW Montgomery St. and SW Hall St. (near PSU’s historic Simon Benson House). Beginning in March, the PSU Farmers Market is open from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. The Market is easily accessible on the Portland Streetcar – just get off at SW Park and Market and walk a couple of blocks South.
The University setting is just lovely; there is often some kind of live entertainment and Market shoppers can enjoy local coffee and delicious hot breakfast. One of our most popular breakfast food purveyors, Pine State Biscuits, is a vendor at the Market. There is frequently a line at their booth, but the wait is worth it to experience these vertical masterpieces – ask about The Reggie (Fried chicken, bacon & cheese topped with gravy. Add an egg to make it a Deluxe!). Pine State Biscuits also has several brick-and-mortar locations throughout Portland, but enjoying the biscuits in the sunshine surrounded by all the luscious sights and smells is pretty special.
Other Portland Farmers Markets include:
Shemanski Park: SW Park and Salmon; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesdays from May 4th to November 23rd
Northwest: NW 19th and Everett; 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Thursdays from June 2nd to September 29th
Kenton: N McClellan and Denver; 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Fridays from June 3rd to September 30th
King: NE 7th and Wygant; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sundays from May 1st to November 20th
Pioneer Courthouse Square: SW 6th & SW Yamhill; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Mondays from June 20th to September 26th; Closed July 4th for Independence Day and September 5th for Labor Day
Enjoy!
Rick
8 years agoGotta love our amazing Farmers Markets filled with the best local produce, flowers, products, etc etc etc!