Finding fresh produce isn’t hard in the 209.
That’s a given considering the San Joaquin Valley produces nearly half of this nation’s domestically grown fruits, vegetables and nuts according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Essentially no one else in this country — or perhaps the world — has access to such a variety of locally grown farm fresh produce.
Besides seasonal and year round produce stands dotting country roads as well as major highways such as East Highway 120 between Manteca and Escalon you will find a host of farmers markets often complete with fresh bread, flowers, entertainment, jams, and items such humus and olive oils
And if you want a change of scenery, the farmers markets just over the hill in Pleasanton and Livermore can be a pleasant diversion.
For example, if you want a half day excursion, the market Saturday morning in Pleasanton may be the perfect destination. It literally livens up Pleasanton’s downtown thanks to it being one of the largest around and the fact it is within a block are restaurants with large expansive outdoor seating under stately trees as well as nearby specialty shops.
While most people stick close to home, heading out of town can make a trip to a farmers market more than just a fresh produce shopping trip.
And if you take an ice chest using recycled plastic water bottles and drink bottles with frozen water to keep produce fresh, you can easily explore a different town and any boutique or culinary offerings they have near get farmers market.
Suggestions include the Dust Bowl Brewery combined with a visit to the Turlock Farmers Market on Saturday, stopping by the old-fashioned Ice Cream Emporium on a Tuesday trip to the Ripon farmers market or breakfast/lunch at Frank’s on Maple Avenue at the Saturday Manteca market.
It’s a great way to explore the area, try a different dining experience, and mix up your farmers market shopping.
A quick rundown of 19 farmers markets are as follows:
WEDNESDAY
ESCALON: Third Wednesdays from 5 to 8 .m. in May 17, June 21, July 19, and Aug. 23 at the main Street Park. Take East Highway 120 to Escalon and turn right at the second traffic signal.
THURSDAY
MODESTO: The Modesto farmers market is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 20 alongside the Stanislaus County Library on 16th Street between H and I streets in downtown Modesto. From Manteca take Highway 99 south using Exit 226A for Central Modesto and merge (go straight) onto 5th Street. The turn left on I Street and it will take you to the market. It should take 26 minutes to go 18 miles. It should take 13 minutes to cover the 12 miles.
LIVERMORE: The Livermore farmers market is from 4: to 8 p.m. through Oct. 13 at Carnegie Park at Third & J Streets in downtown Livermore. From Manteca take Interstate 205 which turns into Interstate 580 to Exit 52B for N. Livermore Ave. and then turn left on Livermore Avenue. Turn right on Second Street to reach the market. It should take 40 minutes to cover the 35 miles.
RIPON: The Ripon Farmers Market is Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. through September in the parking lot of Studio Joy, 929 W. Main St.
LODI: Lodi Farmers Market is from 5 to 8 p.m. through August at 35 South School Street in downtown.
STOCKTON: Weberstown Mall farmers market is open Thursdays through November from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of March Lane and Pacific Avenue in front of Dillards..
SATURDAY
MANTECA: Market on Maple is Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of October. It is in the 100 block of Maple Avenue between Yosemite Avenue and Center Street.
TURLOCK: The Turlock certified farmers’ market is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October along East Main Street in Turlock. From Manteca take Highway 99 south to Main Street and head east.
TRACY: The Saturday Tracy farmers market is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10th Street between Central and B Street operates year round. The quickest way from Manteca is to take Interstate 205 to the Tracy Boulevard exit and turn left. Take Tracy Boulevard to 11th Street and then turn left. Next turn right on B Street and then take first left to 10th Street. It should take 23 minutes to cover the 13.9 miles
MODESTO: The Modesto farmers market is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Dec. 16 alongside the Stanislaus County Library on 16th Street between H and I streets in downtown Modesto. From Manteca take Highway 99 south using Exit 226A for Central Modesto and merge (go straight) onto 5th Street. The turn left on I Street and it will take you to the market. It should take 26 minutes to go 18 miles
STOCKTON: The Stockton farmers market is from 6:30 to 11 a.m. under the Cross-town Freeway between El Dorado and San Joaquin streets across from St. Mary’s Catholic Church and is open year round. The quickest way from Manteca is to take Highway 99 north to the Cross-town Freeway (Highway 4 West). Take Exit 66B form Stanislaus Street but go straight and merge into Washington Street. The destination is on your right. Turn left at the second cross street to reach East Main. It should take 20 minutes to go 14 miles.
PLEASANTON: The Pleasanton farmers market is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Main and W. Angela Street in downtown Pleasanton year round. From Manteca take Interstate 205 which turns into Interstate 580 to Exit 47 for Tassajara Road toward Santa Rita Road. Turn left onto Tassajara Road and continue onto Santa Rita Road which turns into Main Street. Then turn left onto W. Angela Road. It should take 48 minutes to go 42 miles.
RIVER ISLANDS AT LATHROP: At The River Islands Ballpark 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June through December.
SUNDAY
LIVERMORE: The Livermore farmers market is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Historic Train Deport at 206 South J Street in downtown Livermore is open year round. From Manteca take Interstate 205 which turns into Interstate 580 to Springtown Boulevard/First Street and keep left at the fork and follow signs for First Street/Downtown Livermore Avenue. Turn right on First Street and then right on Railroad Avenue to reach the market. It should take 40 minutes to cover the 35 miles.
STOCKTON: The Park West Place farmers market is open every Sunday through Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Park West Shopping Center in front of Lowe’s. From Manteca take the 120 Bypass and head north on Interstate 5 to the Eight Mile Road exit. Turn left and travel to Trinity Parkway where you will turn left. The market is in front of the Lowe’s garden center.
STOCKTON: Weberstown Mall farmers market is open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. year round at the corner of March Lane and Pacific Avenue in front of Dillards.
MANTECA: Orchard Valley Farmers Market is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lifestyle Street at the shopping complex at Union Road and the 120 Bypass.
MOUNTAIN HOUSE: The Mountain House Farmers Market is at 251 East Main Street year round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
DISCOVERY BAY: The Discovery Bay Farmers market is Sundays from 8 a.m. through 1 p.m. through November at the Discovery Bay Marina, 5871 Marina Road.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, e-mail dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
