Tasting Summer at Orange County’s Farmer’s Markets

Whether you are picking out fresh produce or listening to a country band, these markets are worth the trip.

Berries at a farmers' market in California, in this file photo. The Epoch Times

Nothing quite says summer like strolling through a farmers’ market, although these amazing markets in Orange County, California, are open year-round, with seasonal goodies and fun activities for all ages. In addition to fresh vegetables and fruits, some markets offer great coffees, soups, pastries, artisan crafts, and music from local bands. So, put on your sunscreen and hats and let’s get going!

Orange Home Grown

Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market, 303 W. Palm Avenue, Orange, [phone], is open Saturdays rain or shine, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. There is street parking on Lemon Street, near Palm Avenue, if you arrive early, or a free parking garage at 130 N. Lemon Street. Therapy dogs are allowed, but if you want to bring your dog, you will be asked to park him or her at the booth, Park Your Paws Dog Sitting, which is free but they ask for a small donation. A nice country band is usually playing, while you shop for vegetables and fruits, jams, jellies, olives, nuts, cheeses, breads, specialty coffees, and other fun items. There are usually cooking demonstrations, activities for the kids, and crafts, clothes, hand-made baskets, and jewelry.

What is unique about this market is every third Saturday, the Orange Home Grown Foundation, a nonprofit that aims for a healthy community through education, has a booth offering information on their seed lending in conjunction with the Orange Public Library Foundation. This is to encourage a community of backyard farmers, so if you ever wanted to start your own vegetable garden, visiting their booth is a great way to begin. For more information, visit orangehomegrown.org

Irvine Farmers’ Market

Irvine Farmers’ Market, Mariners Church in Irvine, 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine, [phone], open Saturdays, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Parking is free in the spacious Mariners Church parking lot, at the corner of Bonita Canyon Drive and Turtle Ridge Road. No pets allowed. In addition to a variety of traditional organic vegetables and fruits, this market also offers Chinese vegetables and fruits, vegan items, and gluten free foods like fresh pasta. There is live music, a guy who makes balloon animals for the kids, and specialty foods like Bolivian meat pies. You can even get your knives sharpened at OC Knife Sharpening, a drop-off service in their self-contained vehicle.

Manassero Farms

The Original Manassero Farms Market, 33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, [phone], is their flagship and event space, open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 5:00, and Sunday, from 9:30 to 4:30. They also have other markets in Irvine, Tustin, and Brea. This market offers a very special down-to-earth farming experience in that the Manassero family is a third-generation farming family.

Dan Manassero’s grandfather, James, came from Italy and began farming in Yorba Linda in 1922. Dan, now the owner, is in his fields every day with employees, inspecting produce to bring the very best quality walked right in from his fields to his markets. Anne, his wife, has applied her unique decorating abilities to bring quality products like jams, jellies, and home accents to “The Barn.” They also offer a kids’ antique toys area, a little kids’ market, and a host of events like berry picking, tours, and cooking classes. This market is also open for bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, and corporate events. For more information, visit manasserofarms.com

Manassero Farms in Irvine, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2021. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Costa Mesa Farmers Market

Costa Mesa Certified Farmers’ Market, OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, [phone], is open on Thursdays, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. There is ample parking. The farmers offer a wide variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, fresh fish, cheeses, “maple and orange roasted almonds,” pastries, herbs, fresh eggs, hummus items, and flowers. There are also food booths where you can get tacos, burritos, and tamales. It has been called “a hidden gem” by some visitors. For more information, visit ocfair.com

SoCo Farmers Market

SoCo Certified Farmers’ Market, 3315 Hyland Avenue, Costa Mesa, is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., [phone]. It is run by Sprouts of Promise Foundation, [phone], a nonprofit dedicated to supporting farmers and healthy eating. Their mission includes such beliefs that every meal should be a celebration, and the land should be respected. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market offers such interesting items as “whipped honey,” specialty coffees, as well as cage-free eggs, and pasture-raised meats. Their food trucks provide a variety of artisan foods. For more information, visit socoandtheocmix.com

Old Town Tustin

Old Town Tustin OCFB Certified Farmers’ Market, 474 El Camino Real, Tustin, is open on Wednesdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm, offering easy parking. The highlights of this special market is they have a great selection of Italian products, farm vegetables, great cookies and croissants, and coffees. If you want to rest your tired feet, there is a favorite Italian vendor, Fresco Pasta, where you can enjoy prosciutto lasagna, pizza, lobster ravioli, and gluten-free ravioli.

Avocados at a farmers' market in California, in this file photo. Joshua Philipp/The Epoch Times

Corona Del Mar

Corona Del Mar Farmers’ Market, 3201 E. Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, [phone], is open Saturdays, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. It is located at PCH and Marguerite. This market is smaller for those overwhelmed by the larger markets. Bayside Park is nearby where the kids can play after you shop for a great selection of vegetables, fruits, baked goods, almonds, soaps, natural skincare products, and fresh flowers. This market is one of the oldest ones, opened in 1996, offering fresh ocean breezes as you shop at the vendors’ booths. There is a sister market in San Clemente, open on Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information, visit coronadelmarfarmersmarket.com

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, Surf City Nights Certified Farmers’ Market And Street Fair, on Main Street in downtown Huntington Beach, [phone]. It is held every Tuesday. Summer scheduled hours from March to November are 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; winter scheduled hours from December to February are 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Offering some of the best vendors and artists, you can shop for seasonal fruits and vegetables, local honey, gourmet spices, baked goods, and handcrafted items, while enjoying live music and a beautiful sunset over the ocean. If your feet get weary, you can stop by Avila’s El Ranchito for a fresh fruit margarita and great food. For more information, visit surfcitynights.com

Fresh vegetables are displayed at a Farmer's Market in Monterey Park, Calif., on Sept. 29, 2017. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach Farmers’ Market, 521 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, is open on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. This market is a bit unique. In addition to various fruits, vegetables, and meats, specialty coffees and teas, the vendors also offer organic juices, broths, coconut and avocado oils, empanadas, and handmade crepes. In the area of body care, there are a variety of aromatherapy essential oils. You can’t beat a relaxing day near the beach enjoying this market.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach Farmers’ Market, 1 Newport Beach Pier, Newport Beach, is open Sundays, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine. Pet friendly. It is next to the Dory fish market, shops, and restaurants. This market offers fruits and vegetables, honey, nuts, flowers, artisanal breads, hummus, cold-pressed juices and teas, vegan salsas, handmade jewelry, art, and much more. There are also free raffles and a kids’ scavenger hunt. For more information, go to visitnewportbeach.com

For information on more farmers’ markets, check out the Orange County Farm Bureau, 7601 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, [phone], ocfarmbureau.org