Calm and serene: The Arroyo Grande farmers’ market

Farmers’ markets are places that are typically popular to find organic goods. 

The biggest farmers’ market in the area is the downtown SLO Farmers’ Market that takes place every Thursday night. For many, the SLO Farmers’ Market is a great way to spend your time. However, for others, the market can be an overwhelming experience with gigantic crowds and loud noises that create a sensory overload.

Not all farmers’ markets in SLO county are big. The south county farmers’ market, located in Arroyo Grande, is small yet has nearly everything it needs for people looking to get some fresh produce without getting stuck in a crowd.   

In the heart of Arroyo Grande is The Village.  Filled to the brim with small businesses and restaurants, most buildings have a design resembling history. Behind the main road is the Village Green Park, with a few tables, a gazebo, and roosters. 

On Saturday afternoons, the street next to the park is filled with vendors, ready to sell fresh produce and other organic goods. 

The Village farmers’ market is located on Olahan Alley. Vendors are lined up on the street with fresh produce from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m.  At the entrance, artists showcase their paintings and handmade jewelry. Dogs can hang out in the art section or under the gazebo, but cannot enter the official market area due to health regulations (unless they are a service animal).

Nearly all produce sold at the Arroyo Grande farmers’ market is fresh and organic.  Many vendors sell fruits and vegetables of all varieties. The market also offers paintings, jewelry, plants, desserts, honey, pistachios, and coffee.  

On the farmers’ market website, they list all the produce currently in season, including:

Apples
Avocados
Bananas
Beets
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Citrus
Cranberries
Grapes
Kiwi
Leeks
Lemons/Limes
Mango
Mushrooms
Parsnips
Pears
Pomegranates 
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Rutabagas
Strawberries
Sweet Onion
Sweet potatoes
Turnips
Winter Squash

The SLO Farmers’ Market is a popular event, but to many, the size and crowd can be overwhelming. The AG farmers’ market may be small, but it has the produce and products found at nearly every successful farmers’ market.