If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, visiting the lively farmers markets around Portland is a perfect way to start. From March through December, more than 40 locations are open to enjoy the summer weather, styling fresh flowers, farm ingredients, trinkets and more, making it easy to find the perfect summer spot to enjoy your weekend day. 

In places like Lake Oswego, the Portland State University campus, Beaverton and Hillsboro, farmers markets are open each weekend, commonly on Saturdays from early morning to late afternoon. During my time at the Lake Oswego farmers market, my family ate a range of delicious foods, including fresh cooked dumplings, acai bowls, arepas and gyros, all while buying asparagus and combining our favorite flowers to create a custom bouquet. 

Junior Addison Deibele, a friend who joined me on Lake Oswego’s opening day, spoke about her time spent at the market. 

“It was beautiful. Everywhere I looked something different was going on. I really enjoyed the free samples and live tunes going on, but since it was opening day, it was really crowded. I’m excited to go again when there’s less people.” 

Whether it’s a bouquet of flowers, freshly cooked empanadas or hand carved wood, farmers markets usually have everything for everyone. In order to promote their business, people from around the state will come to sell their products, creating a large space for everyone to enjoy something. 

So make sure to visit one of your local farmers markets so you can participate in one of the best experiences of the summer.