Santa Cruz River Farmers Market

I used to love walking around shopping this market before the world changed. Even though it isn't quite as fun to drive through it is definitely convenient and I am just happy to be able to get my produce and support them. There are weeks you can just drive up and make your selection immediately and then there are times you have to wait in a long line and when you get to the front your options are very limited. Either way they post their menu on Facebook every week and the selection is still pretty great. All of the staff are always upbeat and very friendly and helpful. I'm grateful that they are finding a way to continue doing this!

This is a very nice farmers market in a great location. Veggies, eggs, meat and there are dinner options as well. Supports the Community Food Bank so a great place to buy food.

This isn't your see-and-be-seen, park-like, foothills-ambianced market like the one at St. Philip's. It's concentrated and a bit gritty, a get-in-&-get-out, "I need my fix" sort of farmers' market.That's not to say there aren't amenities. There's usually a musical group. There's always samples of a recipe featuring produce that's in season. There's often an activity; for example this week (3/10/10) there's the annual seed exchange. Also, they accept credit, debit, and EBT cards, as well as WIC Cash Value Vouchers. The market, located in the caliche lot next door to the School for the Deaf and Blind, features reasonably priced produce grown at the Food Bank's Nuestra Tierra Garden and Marana Farm. But there's also vendors offering their home-growns, a couple of vendors selling eggs and always jams, honey, baked goods, and coffee.Truth is I prefer this market, with it's too-close traffic and bare-bones caliche lot. On Thursday afternoons, when people gather here, it's all about the food -- getting it local, getting it fresh and wholesome, and getting it at a fair price. Now isn't that what a farmers' market should be?

I went to this farmers market for the first time last week and I have to say that I was impressed. It's a lot smaller than some of the other markets in town but there was a great selection of fresh, locally grown produce,nuts,honey,herbs,etc.. You can buy herb plants to start your own herb garden, and get seeds from the public library's "seed library". There was live music to enjoy as we sat on the patio and ate homemade organic hummus and crispy flatbread. The crowd was friendly and relaxed. It was a great way to spend a Thursday afternoon. The market is open every Thursday from 3pm-6pm. Parking is good and the area is wheelchair accessible .

Gettin' ready for the weekend!!!I love this Farmers Market! The vendors are friendly, knowledgeable and well stocked. It's not close to anything I usually do so, I sometimes miss a few Thursdays but several of the vendors recognize me when I do popover. I always stop for the sprout lady. She gives samples. I also make a stop at Tucson Tamale Company. As well as small planet bakery & all the produce guys/gals. Add a dash of relaxing music and you've got yourself the makings of an exciting late afternoon.

Ok, so it wouldn't be fair to compare this Farmer's Market to St. Philips, so I'm not even gonna go there. This farmers market is certainly small, but it also hasn't been around as long as other Fm's in town....and growth takes time, but they've got a good selection. Come here and find a few veggie stands, two local beef vendors (Walking J from Amado and Jojoba Beef Company from Kearny, Arizona), fresh potted herb plants, baked goods, Small Planet Bakery, fresh Tortillas from La Tauna (they've got vegan tortillas too!), Salsa Rangel, Local Honey and more. The community food bank coordinates this farmers market and accepts food stamps too in addition to debit/credit and cash. Live music and cooking demos add pizzazz to this market. And of course local food trucks set up shop too. Planet of the Crepes is a regular at this market. I'm looking forward to participating in some of their workshop too. They offer gardening workshops and in the past they've done water harvesting classes, Mesquite milling, desert harvesting and even Solar cooking! I don't think I've seen this at other farmers markets. It's a great way to engage the local community and learn about all of the native seeds and plants that we have in Santa Cruz County.

What a fantastic community resource! As I walked into the mercado I was greeted by tables and tables of fresh vegetables and fruits. I picked up some hot peppers, eggplants and my favorite pick--dragoon apples! In addition to produce, there was a local salsa lady, eggs, fresh baked bread and yummy pastries, honey, oils, bath products and even some native veggie plants to purchase and try your hand at growing your own. There were families lingering about in the center chatting with friends and listening to live music. I'm excited that this place is open in the evenings on Thursday from 3-6pm and an extra little nugget of goodness is by shopping locally you are also supporting the community food bank!

Welcome to the desert! If you ever want a small piece of desert culture, come to the Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market on Thursdays. Don't wear flip flops because your feet will get extremely dirty! I have seen mesquite flour being grinded, folk guitars being played, gluten-free natural scones being sold, fresh meat being sold, tamales being served, prickly pear tea being sold, and Mexican hot chocolate being poured. The most popular items seem to be basil plants and fruit plants.This Farmers' Market is on a very small plot of land, but there is parking next door at the El Rio Neighborhood Center. I think the market is closed this winter, but I am not sure which dates they will be closed. You should check it out once if you want to escape to desert farmer culture. Unfortunately, I don't see myself going every week because the choices are so slim.NOTE: reopening after the holidays on Thursday, January 6