From road-side crates and seasonal stalls to weekly markets with hundreds of local vendors, Washington’s abundant farm foods and products crop up in communities all over the state.
Olympia, the state’s capitol, features the largest farmers market in the state with over 80 stalls and 150 vendors. The seasonal Olympia Farmers Market runs Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., offering tempting organic carrots, vine-ripened tomatoes, snap peas, baby bok choy, and a variety of juicy berries. A rarity, the Golden raspberry, is a well kept secret for some of the sweetest jams and jellies (360-352-9096).
Although known worldwide as the "Apple Capital,” a visit to the Wenatchee's farmer's market proves there's much more grown here than just apples! One finds locally-grown produce, ranging from summer-sweet Musk melons, Cling peaches, heirloom salad greens, and boysenberries to fire-hot peppers and fragrant herbs including thyme, sage, fennel, and dill. Mid-May through October. (800-572-7753 or 509-662-2116).