What Are the Best Farmers’ Markets in California?

It’s peak produce season in California, because the state’s 700-some farmers’ markets abound with contemporary strawberries, candy cherries and heirloom tomatoes.

My colleague Shawn Hubler wrote earlier this month about how farmers’ markets within the Golden State have been all however worn out within the Nineteen Fifties by agriculture laws — and the way advocacy ultimately introduced them again.

You’ve since been sharing tales of your favourite markets, which, out of your emails, appear to function city squares and picturesque hangouts as a lot as locations to purchase substances in your subsequent meal. I suppose it’s solely to be anticipated that, residing in America’s produce capital, we might discover neighborhood and wonder among the many fruits and veggies.

Right here’s a sampling of ideas:

“Farmers’ markets served as a lifeline for our household throughout the top of quarantine. We’d set out from the East Bay on a Saturday and head over to the Larkspur market to make one thing of a day of the outing. Primarily based on the out there substances, I’d match a recipe to the day and we’d take them house from there, however not earlier than finishing a three-bridge tour of the Bay Space. That weekly meal saved us linked in a time of isolation. And the ciders helped as effectively.” — Rob Seitelman, Walnut Creek

“On Sundays, there’s a farmers’ market on the Lengthy Seaside Marina. I problem you to discover a extra blissful setting — rows and rows of attractive fruit, greens, greens and flowers, the odor of contemporary tamales, the pressure of bluegrass, all with the attractive contemporary sea breeze coming off the marina and the sight of the boats bobbing at their moorings.” — Mary Alice McLoughlin, Lakewood

“The Mountain View Farmers’ Market is a slice of California — multicultural, multiethnic, year-round, with an easygoing vibe. It’s a feast for the eyes with all of the colourful fruit and veggie shows, in addition to a feast for the nostril with the scent of basil, peaches, bread and contemporary garlic. It’s a social gathering spot the place pals and households meet and distributors greet clients like previous pals. Held in a CalTrain parking zone within the coronary heart of Silicon Valley, in fact the distributors take Apple Pay and Venmo.” — Mara J. Wildfeuer, Mountain View

“The primary, based in 1943 and settling into its present location 4 years later, the Alemany Market has supplied a steady meals provide for generations of San Franciscans. The range and affordability of this market — generally known as the folks’s market — units it aside. My household grew up figuring out the carrot and mushroom women, my youngsters toting paper sacks plucking small samplings for their very own consumption. This market is past the produce, it’s concerning the individuals who present Californians the freshest and most prime produce anyplace. Their humanity is in each chunk.” — Tracy Wymer, San Francisco

“Essentially the most fantastic farmers’ market I’ve ever skilled on the earth (and I’ve traveled extensively) is the weekly Saturday market held on the Plaza in Arcata. Run by the North Coast Growers’ Affiliation, it’s a pleasant mash-up of 100% natural fruit, vegetable, bread, and contemporary flower sellers, meals carts, artisan craft sellers, and reside music and impromptu performances on the grassy elements of the sq. by native space jugglers and hula-hoopers.

Going to the Arcata Farmers’ Market is a stunning alternative to fulfill attention-grabbing folks, check out a hula hoop, eat a scrumptious breakfast or lunch, and top off for the week on extremely stunning native produce. I haven’t lived anyplace near Arcata since I graduated from highschool within the Eighties, and I nonetheless often run into previous pals and former academics on the market after I go to city.” — Julie Landweber, Princeton, New Jersey

What we’re consuming

A streamlined model of the viral baked feta pasta recipe.

The place we’re touring

Immediately’s tip comes from Jamie Matter:

“As one who was born elsewhere, I’ve lived in San Francisco since 1983. I’ve visited many elements of the state, starting from the Mexican border to the Oregon border in addition to borders with Nevada and Arizona. There are nonetheless many on my yet-to-be-seen listing. My favourite locations to go to? Principally ones that I’d by no means inform anybody else about. However right here’s one I’ll reveal — it’s at all times a pleasure, when having vacationed inland throughout the summer time, to return out of the Central Valley warmth and get again underneath the cool grey blanket of fog that wraps San Francisco on most summer time days.”

Inform us about your favourite locations to go to in California. Electronic mail your solutions to CAtoday@nytimes.com. We’ll be sharing extra in upcoming editions of the e-newsletter.

And earlier than you go, some excellent news

Tiara Abraham is 16, an age when most college students haven’t completed highschool.

Abraham, nonetheless, simply graduated from faculty. She acquired her diploma from U.C. Davis on the college’s commencement over the weekend. One thing of a musical prodigy, Abraham additionally carried out the nationwide anthem on the ceremony, KCRA experiences.