Live Oak Farmer's Market — Attraction in Live Oak

So disappointing. It's about 1/3 ready to eat food and the rest veggies and meats. I've been on a mission lately to try to eat more local, sustainable foods so I really wanted to give farmers markets a try again. I stopped going years ago because the prices were so outrageous, but I see that hasn't changed at all. I was really interested in checking out Fogline farms for local chicken and pork... $35 got me half a frozen chicken and 4 tiny pork loin chops. I'm going to get 4 meals out of that for nearly $10 a portion not including sides. I could eat out for those costs. With options like New Leaf, Staff of Life, Wild Roots, and Whole Foods all around us there's no need for me to be ripped off at the farmers market. They obviously know their customers have enough money to afford the area so they can charge whatever they want. Another place was $14.99 for a pound of bacon! Crepes for $10, pastries for $4, two tacos for $11... Don't get me wrong Gordo Gustavo's has amazing food and it was really filling, but $11 for two tortillas, two eggs, and two pieces of brisket is a ton of money. It's a fun splurge, but if you're on a budget like me this is not the place to do your shopping. Which I've got to say is the opposite of what a farmer's market...

The Live Oak farmers market is average. I prefer the other Santa Cruz market that’s in downtown. The parking here is more difficult, the space is more crowded, and there’s less vendors. One cool thing is Beckmann’s bakery comes here, but not downtown. So I’ve come here for their stand twice. Both times they’re sold out of most things and have a small selection left. The first time I came closer to the end so understandable. This time I went at 11 AM and they were already out of a lot, so I think that’s a bit ridiculous to run out of inventory only 2 hours in. Seems like you have to show up at 9am to get...

Headed out to the Live Oak Farmer's Market for the first time Thanksgiving weekend 2019. It was cold and pouring rain... Definitely a winter morning in Santa Cruz! Despite the weather, local farmers still made it out to the market. The selection of fall/winter produce was good; lot's of leafy greens, hard squash, and cruciferous veggies. There were also local pastured eggs, free range chickens, and ground pork on hand. Hidden Fortress Coffee was pouring some of the best coffee in SC to keep us all warm on the inside. Would certainly recommend stopping by this market if you're in the area on a...