It’s no surprise Orcas Island Farmers Market, like the Lopez Island and San Juan Island farmers markets, values locality. All the food and products are grown and made on Orcas Island. Being on a small island, the market is a big event for locals, offering an opportunity to shop, mingle, and take in the warm summer days. It’s akin to a community party every weekend!
Known For
Everyone’s invited to the market! Many visitors report feeling part of the community when shopping at the market. Shoppers get a chance to chat with the artisans, developing connections that might not be possible at a bustling, mainland market.
Northwest Touch
Not only do most goods have that special island touch, but the market runs in all weather. Hardy Northwesters don’t let rain, heat, wind, or sleet stop their adventures, and neither do the Orcas Island Farmers Market vendors and shoppers.
Who to See
Visit the produce stand at Morning Star Farm. Their produce supplies many of the local restaurants and it’s easy to taste why. Morning Star Farm’s commitment to their craft makes a difference. Maybe it’s their careful use of hand tools, their thoughtful crop placement in the fields, or even efforts to persuade pollinators to do what nature intended. (morningstarfarmorcas.com)
Stock up on natural soap, lotion, and essential oils at Island Thyme. Making small-batch skin and body care products since 1996, the company is well versed in aromatherapy and the healing properties of plants. Be sure to ask the owners, Chris and Eliza Morris, about remedies for your specific ailments. (islandthyme.com)
Chat with Christina from Red Rabbit Farm about the farm’s cooking classes and farm-to-table meals. The farm specializes in creating dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. They serve these wonderful meals at catered events, and host their own dinner parties right in the field. (redrabbitfarm.com)
Must-Haves
Slurp down a fresh raw oyster or two from Rob Kirby of Local Goods. There’s nothing like a salty-sweet oyster fresh out of the sea.
Bring a bouquet of flowers home from Peace & Plenty Flowers. The farm uses clean and natural farming methods to grow thousands of flowers, which they gather into cheerful arrangements. (orcasislandflowers.com)
Stock up on bath salt and scrubs from Magic Island Herbals. Owner Carol Anderson takes pride in carefully procured natural ingredients for all her skin products. Her Sweet Cheeks Organic Sugar and Coconut Scrub is made simply with organic sugar, coconut oil, and shea butter. (magicislandherbals.com)
Village Green, Eastsound
Saturdays, May 6–Sept. 30, 10 am–3 pm
Opening Day: May 6 | orcasislandfarmersmarket.org
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