Ode to Portland: Farmers Markets

When we were moving out here, almost everyone we talked to brought up the farmers markets in Portland: "There's one on every corner," "They grow everything out there," "Just wait for the berries." Well, turns out, the rumours are true.

There is a market on (almost) every corner. We have been to the downtown Portland one which is full of, not only amazing produce (harvested, foraged, picked...) and meat (pasture-raised, hand butchered, counseled on their fate in life..), but also performers, wandering musicians and numerous options for prepared food and drink. However, we have only been to that one once. It's a long haul. And we can find all that (well, the musicians stay in one place) plus a fountain and playground at the Beaverton Farmers Market.

Without getting an aerial view, it's very difficult to capture the size of this market, which completely floored me the first time we went. Coming from Boulder, and one of the better markets around, I was amazed at the bounty here: veggies of all sorts (strange and normal), local seafood, gorgeous flowers, homemade salami, meats, crafts, baked goods, plants.... oh my! The isles just kept going on - and this is from the beginning of the season when most people are still only getting greens! 

We have had a great time on our Saturday excursions to the Beaverton market. Jacob is particularly fond of coming, getting some sort of fruit (or the occasional sweet) and sitting by the fountain to eat it. Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without a stop at the playground, either. As Jacob says, "It's a good family activity."

Of course, it's even better when you run into some school friends and get to run around like a bunch of banshees.... or four year olds.

Yes, we have been spoiled a bit now.