Looking for something exciting to fill up your free time allotted after the end of the school year? With sights of gorgeous flower bouquets, the acoustics of local bands and home to more than 250 vendors, Vancouver’s Farmers Market located in Esther Short Park offers the perfect pastime to spend on a summer day.
It’s no secret the farmers market is a great place to have fun. To start on the right foot, we suggest you arrive early. Getting there by 9 a.m. offers first choice to produce or goods at vendors that tend to sell out quickly. Milk Money pies, Ziggy’s Kettle Corn and Small Eats Taiwan-style street food were out of some of their more popular items by midday on Sunday, and The Taco Dudes were sold out completely. If you’re interested in visiting any vendors like these, definitely do your best to beat the crowd.
Fortunately, if the booths inside the market are running low on treats, the food trucks are a great substitute. Between The Mighty Bowl, Hummus Hummus Middle Eastern Cuisine and Funky Fresh Juice Co., you will have a list of healthy choices to help you recharge while walking around. Although each of these food trucks offers something different, Hummus Hummus is highly recommended. Paired with creamy hummus, and soft, chewy, pita bread, their menu items will bring you to tears of joy. Another fan favorite is the falafels, which are incredibly flavorful, hearty and delicious with a crunchy outside and soft center. Additionally, other ready-to-eat food booths are available such as Getta Gyro, Foody Blues BBQ, Granny Fi’s Shortbread and Sabor Mexican Grill.
The farmers market also offers tons of drink venus, including Funky Fresh Juice Co., a front runner in flavors. Their Funkytown drink is a good choice for those who like beverages on the sweeter side as it consists of beets, carrots, oranges, lemon and ginger. Another fan favorite vendor is Portland Juice Co., which sells bottled juices, nut milk, juice shots and smoothies.
The downtown market is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays at Esther and West Eighth streets. Expect to wait in line at the entrance, and remember to leave pets at home as only service dogs are allowed into the event area. Be sure to wear a mask, only eat in the designated areas and when finished strolling through the market, relax and enjoy your goodies at Esther Short Park. We hope you enjoy your time at the farmers market and have a wonderful summer VanCougs.