Spring is in the air…

Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and it’s time to get out and about and check out the Farmers Markets in Seattle.

This past weekend I had some family in town for Easter and we made our way to Pike’s Place Market as well as Ballard Farmer’s Market. These markets are some of the best places to find locally-grown, seasonal and delicious farm-fresh food! Seattle has a wide range of markets available throughout the week and in different neighborhoods. I got a lovely flower bouquet with cherry tree blossom branches and fresh produce for the week…oh and some amazing home made pastries.

In early spring, you’ll find tons of TULIPS!!

Also don’t forget about the wide variety of fresh produce: new young greens, lettuces and shoots, including wild greens, Brussles sprouts, beets of many hues, plus farmstead cheeses, pasture-raised meats and poultry (including goat, chicken, beef, pork), local seafood, eggs, honey, jams, ciders, wild mushrooms, dried fruits and more.

Here are some local markets:

University District (Saturdays, 9am – 2pm, Year-round!)

West Seattle (Sundays, 10am – 2pm, Year-round!)

Lake City (Thursdays, 3pm – 7pm, returning June 5, 2008)

Magnolia (Saturdays, 10am – 2pm, returning June 7, 2008)

Phinney (Fridays, 3pm – 7pm, returning May 16, 2008)

Columbia City (Wednesdays, 3pm-7pm, returning April 30, 2008)

Broadway (Sundays, 11am – 3pm, returning May 11, 2008)

Ballard (Sundays, 11am-3pm All year)

Fremont (Sundays, 10am- 4 pm Winter and Summer)

Queen Anne (Thursdays, 3pm- 7 pm June through October)

And of course we can’t forget Pike’s Place Market. Open EVERYDAY!!

Don’t miss the 6th Annual BBQ Competition at the Market THIS Sunday, March 30, 2008 throughout the day.

The Market’s cobblestone street will be closed and filled with barbeque chefs, turning in their best BBQ throughout the day in various categories. Get cooking tips and fill up on barbeque sandwiches and pizza, sold to benefit the Market Foundation.

Perhaps I will see you there!