Santa Monica Sunday Main Street Farmers Markets — Local services in Santa Monica

Santa Monica seems to be the farmers market haven of LA and surrounding areas. They have three different Farmers Market locations, one on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (two different locations). My favorite of these is the one on 2nd Street on Saturday but the Main street one is probably in second place (it just has less farmers). They have a great balance of produce farmers, prepared food vendors and specialty item vendors. There's always a great crowd, with lots of families. There's a seating area for you to stay, hang out, have a bite to eat and mingle with locals and visitors. There are many organic produce options, and almost every fruit and vegetable available as long as it's in season. This part of Santa Monica is bordering Venice so it's easily accessible to both areas. There aren't as many farmers as the 2nd street one so the options aren't as vast but it certainly is better than a lot of other FMs around...

This one is a lot smaller than the Wednesday one, but cool vendors nonetheless. I highly recommend trying a tomato from Shady Lady, or any other tomato vendor as organic tomatoes taste 20934820980384x better than any one you can buy at the grocery store. Seriously, these tomatoes will change your life.

The produce here is more expensive than what you'll get at the supermarkets, but you can taste the difference, and you can meet the people who grew them! Don't believe me, take a stroll down the Farmers Market, and try the samples.

Things that you can also buy here: herb plants to grow your own, seafood, incense, meat, organic eggs, cheese and A LOT of fruits and veggies.

Also, I love to see local chefs pushing around huge carts to use these ingredients in their restaurants....

It was my first time at the Santa Monica Farmers Market this past weekend. I was there to volunteer for Food Forward, an organization that focuses on food conservation and preservation.

They offer bike valet for customers traveling on two wheels, a petting zoo for children and a lawn area in front to picnic and listen to the awesome jazz band. I've never seen a farmers market that had a jazz band performing live. What a wonderful treat.

This farmers market offers an eating area and various coffee and food vendors that sell breakfast and lunch items. Others vendors offer crafts, unique clothing, gift items, honey, dried fruits *nuts, breads (a few bakeries) and obviously, produce.

If I were you, go for...