Chestnuts and clementines and kale, oh my! There’s nothing quite like shrugging on your coat (or stepping into your rain boots) and heading outdoors to the winter markets for fresh veggies that will keep you healthy throughout the cold and flu season. The winter markets also offer up scavenger hunts and kids’ clubs to make shopping way more fun than the usual trip to the grocery store.
photo: Hollywood Farmers Market via Facebook
Hollywood Farmers Market
The Hollywood Farmers Market was started in 1997 by a group of community volunteers. At this true neighborhood market, folks can enjoy their favorite vendors year-round offering a wide variety of products including vegetables, fruit, herbs, honey, mushrooms, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, cut flowers, plants, baked goods, and hot food. Stop by Nourishment to grab a breakfast burrito for your mini shoppers (and one for yourself).
Open: 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., December through March
NE Hancock between 44th and 45th (one block south of Sandy)
503-709-7403
Online: hollywoodfarmersmarket.org
Winter Market at PSU
Big news: Saturday Market at PSU has gone year-round! For the first time, the winter market will be open in January and February on one block, expanding back to two blocks for its regular season in March. Families can enjoy the usual wealth of local vendors, and if you plan on spending a long time shopping, keep the kiddos happy by downloading a market scavenger hunt from their website to take with you! Please note that the winter market at Shemanski Park will not be open this year.
Open: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., January through February
1717 SW Park Ave. at Portland State University
503-241-0032
Online: portlandfarmersmarket.org
Beaverton Farmers Market
Washington County has just one winter farmers market, and is it ever a favorite! BFM is a magnet for westside families because of its stellar location in town. Park just once and you have access to the Beaverton City Library, the adjacent city park, and one of the largest farmers markets in the Portland area. Don’t forget to sign your littles up for the Market Sprouts Kids Club, where ages 4-12 can learn about eating healthfully and taking part in their local food system. You’ll have to wait until February for this winter market to open, but don’t worry– it’s well worth the wait and February will be here before you know it.
Open: 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., February through April
SW Hall Blvd. between SW 3rd St. and SW 5th St.
Beaverton
503-643-5345
Online: beavertonfarmersmarket.com
photo: Hillsdale Farmers’ Market via Twitter
Hillsdale Farmers’ Market
Location, location, location! You can’t go wrong taking the family to this market, situated on the parking lot of Rieke Elementary and Wilson High. Bring the whole clan, get your produce and other goods, then let the young ones blow off some steam on the playground, soccer field, or basketball court (or hey, join them and get your winter exercise). Families also love Hillsdale because of its close proximity to Hillsdale Shopping Center. Get your last few items at Food Front before heading home.
Open: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., twice a month from December through April (see website for exact dates)
Wilson High/Rieke Elementary Parking Lot
SW Sunset Rd. & SW Capitol Hwy.
503-475-6555
Online: hillsdalefarmersmarket.com
photo: Lloyd Farmers Market
Lloyd Farmers Market
Convenience is key, and Lloyd has it! The only weekday farmers market in the Lloyd District, this one is conveniently located nearby the 7th Avenue MAX. The market is a pleasant retreat for Lloyd District employees, but families can benefit by popping over to do some shopping at the Lloyd Center mall before walking one block south for some fresh air, fresh produce, and fantastic hot food for lunch. All winter long you’ll find fruit, veggies, meat, and bread.
Open: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., year-round
Oregon Square Courtyard
NE Holladay St. between NE 7th Ave. and NE 9th Ave.
503-709-7403
Online: lloydfarmersmarket.com
People’s Farmers Market
You don’t have to be a member to reap the benefits of this fabulous co-op. There’s no question that people love People’s, and on Wednesdays they open their doors and provide an outdoor market, year-round. Take your hungry young ones to see what’s out this week. And if you’re really feeling ambitious, check their website to see what’s fresh this week so you can do your meal planning ahead of time and come up with a seasonal dish that will have your family cheering, or at least trying something new.
Open: Wednesdays from 2-7 p.m.
3029 SE 21st Ave., one block north of Powell Blvd.
503-674-2642
Online: peoplescoop.com
Where does your family shop for the region’s best winter produce? Share with us in the Comments below!
– Marianne Walters
