Farmers Markets in the Puget Sound Region

The Puget Sound region is home to a number of fabulous year-round and summer-only farmers markets. These markets, typically open one day each week, offer the opportunity to sample and purchase the region's plump produce, juicy berries, and local specialty foods. Deborah Madison, author of the cookbook "Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating from America's Farmers' Markets", suggest the following tips and tricks to help make your market visit a success:

• Bring cash - in small bills, if possible. Checks and debit cards are rarely accepted.
• Don't be afraid to ask the farmers about products that you find unfamiliar. They often provide you a sample, along with suggestions for ways to prepare and serve their products.
• If something looks enticing, buy it. Many types of fresh produce are available for only a week or two at a time, so don't expect to be able to return and find it offered again later.

You'll find that the Puget Sound region offers your choice of farmers markets - large and small, with and without entertainment, year-round or only in the summer. This list of popular markets will help you locate your nearest farmers market and find out when it's open:

Ballard Sunday Farmers Market
Sundays, year round
Ballard Avenue Northwest and 22nd Avenue Northwest, Seattle

Burien Farmers Market
Thursdays, mid-May through early October
Southwest 150th Street and Fourth Avenue Southwest, Burien

Bothell Farmers Market
Fridays, mid-May through September
Country Village, 23732 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell

Carnation Farmers Market
Tuesdays, from May to September
SR 203 in downtown Carnation

Columbia City Farmers Market
Wednesdays, late May through mid-October
Columbia Plaza, 4801 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle

Edmonds Museum Summer Market
Saturdays in July, August and September
Main Street and Fifth Avenue, Edmonds

Everett Farmers Market (Waterfront)
Sundays, June through September
Everett Marina in Port Gardner Landing on West Marine View Drive, Everett

Fremont Farmers Market
Sundays, year round
400 N. 34th St., Seattle

Issaquah Farmers Market
Saturdays, mid-April through mid-October
Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah

Kent Farmers Market
Saturdays, June through September
Town Square Plaza (next to library) in downtown Kent

Kirkland Wednesday Market
Wednesdays, May through mid-October
25 Lakeshore Drive, downtown Kirkland

Lake City Farmers Market
Thursdays, June through mid-October
NE 125th and 28th Ave NE, Seattle

Magnolia Farmers Market
Saturdays, mid-June through mid-October
Magnolia Community Center, 2550 34th Ave. W., Seattle

Pike Place Market
year round
First Avenue and Pike Street, Seattle

Redmond Saturday Market
Saturdays, May through October
7730 Leary Way, Redmond

Renton Farmers Market
Tuesdays, mid-June through mid-September
The Piazza, Third Street South between Burnett and Logan avenues, Renton

Snohomish Farmers Market
Thursdays evenings, May through September
First Street and Cedar, Snohomish

Tacoma - Proctor Farmers Market
Saturdays, April through September
North 27th Street and North Proctor Street, Tacoma

TacomaFarmers Market (Broadway)
Thursdays, June through October
Broadway between 9th and 11th street, Tacoma

University District
Saturdays, late May through November
Northeast 50th Street and University Way Northeast, Seattle

West Seattle
Sundays, year-round
California Avenue Southwest and Southwest Alaska Street, Seattle