A few weeks ago, we happily reported in our Queen Anne Farmers Market Preview that there would indeed be a farmers market at the top of Queen Anne this year. Well, now we can report that not only is there a market, but that market is thriving and just might be one of our favorite of Seattle’s many farmers markets.
Banners line the street
Apologies to all of the other farmers markets in Seattle. We love you all, we really do, but there is just something special about the Queen Anne Farmers Market.
First, let’s talk location. The market is at Queen Anne Ave and W. Crockett. It is between two large condo buildings, which might sound confining, but the space has extraordinarily wide sidewalks and feels very open and friendly. Pasta and Co., which occupies part of one of the buildings, threw open their large doors and windows and joined in the celebration. The market isn’t huge, but it is a decent size. There are vendors lining each side of the street and on two sides of the sidewalk. There is enough room to wander, and shop while others wander behind you. Dogs are allowed, and there is enough room for them as well.
Within a few blocks is much of what Queen Anne has to offer. Heading to the Farmers Market doesn’t mean you can’t also go to the grocery store or to the drugstore or to a nice restaurant for dinner.
Next we’ll talk vendors. Admittedly, on opening day, the vendor list was a tad bit thin. A couple of vendors hadn’t completed their paperwork and a couple of others weren’t able to make it. However there is a very nice mix of produce, cheese, meat, seafood, and other foodstuffs (like Secret Stash Salt). Skillet Street Food is there, serving up a nice chunk of their menu, including those s’mores that I’ve been looking forward to trying.
Fun for kids of all ages
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, we’ll talk atmosphere. John put it best. The Queen Anne Farmers Market is the essence of a farmers market. It is a neighborhood destination as much as it is a shopping location. People brought their children to meet Iris (also known as Hungry Monkey) and to listen to the music. This is a market where you can meet your neighbors for a lilttle shopping and socialization. It isn’t too big that it feels commercialized or daunting. It is small, sweet, and you can feel the hard work that went into planning the market.
We will definitely be back to the Queen Anne Farmers Market for our shopping needs as well as for live market reports soon!
