The Castro Valley Farmers' Market is fairly unique among the East Bay's offerings because it is wide open with plenty of room between the booths and in the center. This is good if you don't like to be jostled or crowded while shopping, but somewhat disappointing if you are looking for a bustling market place atmosphere. The market is open Saturdays from May 15 to October 30th, and the crowds definitely pick up in the summertime.
It is the eclectic mix of vendors that makes this market worth visiting. There are fresh cut flowers and live plants (including a beautiful selection or orchids), fresh fruit and produce, local honey, specialty cakes and pastries, focaccia breads, and a Native American craft booth. Prepared food stands offer spring rolls and Thai dishes, kettlecorn, and Mexican staples such as burritos and tamales. The tamales are delicious and sell out quick so get there early for a good selection.
The highlights, however, are Pot Pie Paradise and the herb and vegetable plant booth.
East Bay locals in the Castro Valley/Hayward area are familiar with the mouth-watering, gourmet pot pies produced at the Paradise bakery located on Arden Road in Hayward. Offerings change often and include international flavors such as Thai Chicken Curry, Bavarian Roast Pork, Pina Colada, Spicy Javanese Tempe Vegan, Greek Vegetarian, and Hungarian Beef Goulash. Of course for the meat and potatoes crowd they still offer Classic American Chicken and Roast Turkey pies. The bakery isn't open on weekends so this is the place to get your Saturday pot pie fix!
The herb and vegetable booth has an excellent variety of locally grown seedlings to take home to your garden. These include heirloom tomatoes, basil, chives, peppers, chard, dill, fennel, and the exotic lemongrass. The seedlings are all organic and lovingly raised and tended so you needn't worry about importing disease or bugs into your yard.
This market seems to favor jazz and blues musicians, which complements the open spaciousness. The music is loud and lively, but not overwhelming. There are also covered tables where shoppers can sit and rest or have lunch while they enjoy the tunes.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars Not a vast selection of fruit and produce but an interesting mix of vendors. Prices are average. The produce vendors are especially generous with the samples so you can try before you buy.
Tips: Since the market is held at the Castro Valley BART station there is plenty of uncrowded parking and no congestion. Offerings and vendors changes with the seasons. It's a great place for Halloween pumpkins in the Fall!
The Castro Valley Farmers' Market is open Saturdays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, May 15th through October 30th. The market is in the BART station parkling lot at Redwood Road and Norbridge Avenue.
Comments
Thanks for sharing this information on the farmers market. The place looks huge and full of healthy fruits and veggies.
Hi: "The Castro Valley Farmers' Market sounds like a lot of fun shopping for fresh produce, and beautiful plants. Great pictures too! Thank you
I would be heading for the herb booth. Tx for the details and inviting write.
have always loved farmers markets from the time I was a little girl. Would relish a farmers market tour in California, and through your apt writing, it is available virtually, thank you.
Pot pies, yum. Providence Travel Examiner
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