What You Need to Know:
Waterfront Farmers Market
Where: Skansie Brothers Park, Downtown Gig Harbor Waterfront
When:Thursdays June through August 1pm – 7pm
Cost: Free
Gig Harbor Farmers Market
Where: UpTown Shopping Center 4901 Point Fosdick Drive
When: Saturdays April to September 8:30 am – 2 pm
Cost: Free
Saturday Market
Where: Former Peninsula Gardens, 5503 Wollochet Drive N.W.
When: Every Saturday from 10am to 3pm
Cost: Free
The Farmer’s Markets around the harbor are great for a fun outing. I always run into someone I know at one of them and you can’t beat the views at the waterfront location.
Each market has it’s own personality. I will try to give you an idea of what the different experiences are.
The waterfront market has great homemade food and drinks. It is rather slim on produce, but what is there is organic, though from what I’m told, a little pricier than other farmers markets. You will find beautiful berries in season from Hayton Farms, and a large variety of fresh produce Cazares Farms of Yakima and a Simpler Past Homestead. There are a number of flower vendors with lush, fresh bouquets.
The Market also features some really interesting crafters such as Luther Leathers, artisan crafted leather bags, and Hart Studios, featuring fine art, jewelery and accessories, many with local PNW themes.
Aside from having a great lunch, in a beautiful setting, to some live music you can take home some fresh fish, local wines and Kombucha, crafted jams, vinegars, hot sauces, cookies, cupcakes and other prepared foods such as Salsas and Geoduck Ceviche from Neptune Seafoods. (It doesn’t get anymore Northwest than that!)
For lunch, I suggest some fresh wood-fired Pizza from Millville Pizza Co., wash it down with a smoothie from one of the most popular vendors, The Pink Gorilla, and top it off with fresh homemade cookies and Ice cream for dessert. Now that’s a GOOD day!
The Gig Harbor Farmer’s Market is a very traditional grass roots market that has been held in the overflow parking lot of the Uptown Shopping complex for at least 10 years now.
There is a bounty of fresh flowers and bouquets here at reasonable prices. That is my go-to if I need to take flowers to someone. There are also people peddling fresh produce and some interesting crafters.
This market doesn’t have as endearing a location as the Waterfront Market, but you will find great local vendors, easy parking and good prices.
The Saturday Market is a year-round part of the Gig Harbor Famer’s Market and makes use of the large former Peninsula Gardens location. This was a large and popular seasonal nursery and is a covered indoor venue. It’s a great option during the winter season but check their website for up to date schedules.
From what I have heard, you will mostly find crafters at this location.