The Oldest Farmers Market in WA State Is Among the Oldest in U.S.

Most farmers markets in Washington state are taking a breather until the next harvest towards the end of spring. This gives us a chance to miss them, unless we go to one that is year-round.

I love going to farmers markets for fresh produce and to see the buskers and take in the beauty of the fresh flowers that vendors have for sale. Sometimes I find hidden gems, like the hand-carved wood cooking spoon that I ended up buying at my local farmers market for my daughter as a new family heirloom.

Farmers Markets are Pet Friendly

Farmers markets are pet friendly so patrons often bring their adorable dogs in tow, making for some cute puppy time while you're there at the market.

FARMERS MARKET CONTROVERSY

During my research for this story, I was kind of shocked to find out that some cities in Washington barked at creating a local farmers market. The intent of a farmers market is to create opportunities for the local economy and to help keep farmers reaping the benefits of their crops.

Some farmers and vendors complained that their local farmers market owners created unnecessary red tape rules that felt so restrictive, they started their own farmers markets elsewhere. Yet other city dwellers felt a farmers market in their town would not be sustainable. You tell that to the creators of Pike Place Market in Seattle! (Well, you can't because they are dead by now, but still, you get my point.)

As time has shown, having a farmers market in any given town definitely brings in new visitors, plus it gives the locals something wholesome to do on the weekends. I mean, if we're gonna spend our money, it might as well be in our local environments, amirite?

Buy local first!

If you are looking for year-round farmers markets in Washington state, one of the cool ones to visit is in the U-Village in Seattle.

The University Village Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays between NE 50th and NE 52nd streets and University Way NE.

FUN FACT: Pike Place Market in Seattle is one of the oldest farmers markets in America (coming in at #5). The oldest known farmers market in the USA is in Lancaster, PA, founded in 1730.

READ MORE:

• The Top Requested Most Popular Hairstyles in WA, OR, and CA

• Starting January 1, 2024, Washington State will Have the Highest Minimum Wage

• Biggest Red Flags About Living in Washington State