872213552_e2d6265e6fFind some new fun, fresh and tasty treats to share with your guests at the local farmers’ market. Instead of the routine grocery stop, you should liven up your dinner menu by making a stop at a farmers’ market.

Farmers’ markets sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, handmade cheeses, breads, flowers and much more, in a variety that you can’t get at a chain grocery stores. The atmosphere is great, the vendors are friendly and the food is grown locally and guaranteed to be fresh. Plus, they often provide samples and tastings for free!

So, the next time you are planning to entertain, or even just make a meal for your family, keep in mind your local farmers’ market. Remember, by shopping at farmers’ markets, you’re not only getting a great variety of produce and meats, but you’re also supporting local grocers and businesses. Here is a list of 10 of the best farmers’ markets in San Francisco and the Bay Area:

    1. Alemany Farmers’ Market:
    100 Alemany Blv., Mission/Bernal Heights, San Francisco. Sundays 7am-3pm (year-round)
    2. Bayview Hunters Point Farmers’ Market:
    Bayview Opera House/Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre, SOMA/Potrero Hill. Wednesdays 8:30am-12:00pm (mid-May to mid-November)
    3. Belmont Farmers’ Market:
    Caltrain Station, Belmont. Sundays 9am-1pm (May to mid-November)
    4. Berkeley Farmers’ Market:
    Center St. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Berkeley. Saturdays 10am-3pm (year-round)
    5. Berkeley Farmers’ Market:
    Derby Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Berkeley. Tuesdays 2pm-7pm (year-round)
    6. California Avenue Farmers’ Market:
    California Ave. at El Camino, Palo Alto. Sundays 9am-1pm (year-round)
    7. Crocker Galleria Farmers’ Market:
    Crocker Galleria, Union Square/Financial District, San Francisco. Thursdays 11am-3pm (year-round)
    8. Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market:
    Ferry Building, Embarcadero, San Francisco. Tuesdays 10am-2pm; Saturdays 8am-2pm (year-round)
    9. Heart of the City Farmers’ Market:
    Market &  8th Streets, SOMA, San Francisco. Wednesdays 7am-5:30pm; Sundays 7am-5pm (year-round)
    10. San Rafael Civic Center Farmers’ Market:
    Marin County, Civic Center Lagoon Park, San Rafael. Thursdays 8am-1pm; Sundays 8am-1pm (year-round)

    [Photo from Allesandro Pinna via Flickr]