By Courtney Oldwyn published on April 6, 2017

Nothing says spring like buckets of buttery yellow daffodils at the San Juan Island Farmer’s Market

Around the first weekend in April our local farmer’s market migrates outside. Until then, it hides inside the Brickworks building where from the winter weather every Saturday morning since late fall.

Often the first outdoor market of the season still has the feel of winter upon it and vendors and shoppers are bundled in coats and scarves against the morning chill. Sometimes a light rain keeps a handful of the vendors hunkered down indoors.

But once in a while we’re blessed with a sunny spring morning. The promise of warmer weather and full, summer gardens are in the air as local farmers, bakers, fishermen, coffee roasters, cheese makers, artists and musicians set up their booths and arrange their goods.

From early spring until fall the San Juan Island Farmer’s Market is overflowing with local goods. Here is a short list of some of the best spring time items you can find at the San Juan Island Farmer’s Market:

1. Seeds

Spring is the perfect time for getting started on your vegetable garden. The San Juan Island Seed Company sells locally sourced and heirloom seed packets of all sorts. From cucumbers and tomatoes to chard and kale, they have it all.

The San Juan Island Seed Company is anoff shoot of the San Juan Island Grange. They are committed to helping sustain local agriculture and to foster political and social engagement here on the San Juan Islands.

For fresh cut flowers, starts and tubers stop by the New Day Garden booth.

2. Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch!

Baked goods from multiple local bakeries like Café Demeter and Cynthia’s Of Course abound at our local market. Everything from fresh baked loaves of sourdough to croissants to ooey gooey chocolatey brownies are fresh and warm out of the oven.

There is not much that makes a better lunch than a homemade tamales hot out of the oven! New to the Farmer’s Market this year is local favorite La Authentica Mexicana who offers a changing menu of authentic Mexican Cuisine, including those fresh tamales.

If something a little more exotic is your fancy check out Manoushe’ Lebanese food or other newbie Sangha Catering for Thai food.

3. Eggs and Meat

For the hard core carnivores the Meat Wagon should be your first stop at the market. Local farmer Guard Sundstrom has been supplying locals with island grown beef and lamb from his Fir Oak Farm here on San Juan Island for years. If you’re lucky (or arrive early) he may have a rack of beef ribs left just waiting to hit your barbecue.

Locally raised and harvested goat, lamb, pork and eggs come from San Juan Island’s Aurora Farm.

Fresh, island grown and often organic and free range eggs are usually available from multiple vendors at the market. Average cost is $6 per dozen but it’s all worth it when you crack open that first one. You will reveal a sunny, orange yolk that is rarely found in store bought eggs.

4. Quail Croft Goat Cheese

Oh, goat cheese. Quail Croft has been a market staple for many years. Once you try this fresh, organic goat cheese you will know why!

5. Island Made Pasta

The San Juan Pasta Company crew knows just how to tempt passerby into purchasing a package (or three) of their fresh made pasta, raviolis and sauces: free tastings!

Stop by this booth and snack up on pasta sauces, tapenades, dips and the unique ravioli ingredients like butternut squash and goat cheese. The smoked salmon raviolis sell out quickly, and for good reason.

6. Veggies, Veggies and More Veggies!

Seasonal veggies abound from many different farms and gardens all around the islands. Get your local greens and in-season vegetables from San Juan Island’s Sweet Earth Farm or Mama Bird Farm.

Just a Hop, Skip, and a Jump Away

A few short blocks from your cozy room at the Tucker House Inn, our little Island Farmer’s Market is a must see during your weekend getaway. Give us a call today and we’ll tell you about all of our favorite Farmer’s Market treats.

Cheers!

Courtney ~ Local Blogger for the San Juan Island Inn Collection