Shoreline Farmers Market — Local services in Shoreline

UPDATE 6/28/25 - A new season at the market and I am upgrading my 1 star from last year to 5 stars this year. There were no challenges getting through the market - no sandwich boards to navigate around with wide open spaces for walking and only one sign at one intersection promoting the market. The host even escorted me to the dining tables when I asked for directions. Thank you Shoreline Farmers Market for making this a more accessible experience. Delighted to see how much this market has grown...I'll see you next week!

Update 9/30 - After reading the Market's response I would like to say that I would very much like to support this market; however, we clearly disagree about the placement of the A-frame signs. Crossing Aurora Avenue (and many other intersections in the City of Shoreline) is very dangerous. My neighbor was killed in a crosswalk in broad daylight recently. Many drivers are distracted and A-frame signs contribute to that and they block line of sight. When I saw they added the fifth sign this past Saturday, I decided to post this review. Supporting the hard-working farmers and the vendors at this market is vital to the community. However, I base my actions in alignment with my values...and that means not supporting this market given their decision regarding this signage. I hope they reconsider for the upcoming markets this autumn. I'm finished having this conversation as there is nothing left to say.

Original post: I am giving this market one star because of the response to my concerns regarding the A-frame signage they have on ALL four corners of a very busy intersection at Aurora Avenue N and N 192nd Street. There are also A-frame signs throughout the market that are challenging to navigate around. I spoke with the market manager and explained why it is important to keep the line of sight unobstructed at the intersections and maneuvering within the market less challenging. I have a friend who is dependent on a wheelchair and seated scooter. These signs block a driver's ability to see her at these intersections. The E-line bus runs along Aurora and if you are traveling north, you must cross Aurora Avenue (notoriously dangerous to pedestrians) to get to this market. Another friend has low vision and requested a change in A-frame signage within the marketplace. After discussing this concern with the market manager, she seemed to respond favorably. But, the following week, the signs doubled from two to all four corners. Yesterday there was a fifth sign at that intersection. It is not enough to support the farmers. These markets need to be accessible and barrier free. I go to other farmers markets in this region weekly and support the farmers. I will NOT support...

A good farmers market can be loads of fun. I like to go early and browse the produce booths to get a good idea about what I can make for dinner. It might seem backward, but I like to see what veggies are fresh and tasty before I pick a protein that will complement it. While I’m shopping for dinner, I check out all the fun booths and pick something to eat for lunch. I usually buy too much food and some tchotchke that I really don’t need. The whole thing makes for a fun few hours and sets me up for an even funner afternoon of cooking. For a guy like me, the Shoreline market is a huge disappointment. First, there are not very many booths. The two produce booths had exactly the same items. Worse, they had lines so that you could not spend time browsing and asking questions. A few booths had fresh berries, but this is a bad year for berries, so I passed them by. Without a vegetable to inspire me, the meat booths were not interesting. The usual handmade stuff booths were not too interesting and there was only one place to get food to eat. While I walked around, vendors called after me with a hard sell. I spotted one booth where the sign said they had Brandywine. I have read that word in fantasy novels, but I’ve never tried it. I stopped in and asked. Turns out, Brandywine is simply what the name says - wine fortified with brandy. There were several flavors available. I was offered a sample that wasn’t too bad. While I sampled, I talked with the woman working the booth. She knew her product well and was fun to chat with. She plays clarinet in a band that had been up to Roche Harbor to play. I like finding out about interesting people. After the conversation, I felt obligated to buy something and ended up with a overpriced bottle of Black Current Brandywine. That purchase was all I could handle for the day. I went home with my bottle and made spaghetti out of stuff...

Rather Bare Bones Compared to Other Markets

The Shoreline Farmers Market is lacking in size and pales in comparison to the Ballard, U District, or West Seattle Farmers Markets. They have one main vegetable supplier, one bakery, one fruit company; I didn't see anyone supplying meat or eggs.

The food truck situation was rather sad when we attended, but Han's Chicken Rice is pretty good (albeit a bit pricey) and should not be missed if you've never had Hainanese chicken rice (the national dish of Singapore).

Parking is extremely convenient as it's hosted in the Central Market / Sears parking lot. And if all you need is some bread and vegetables, I suppose it's worth it.

Unless this is your closest market, and it's too much hassle to drive to Seattle, I would head to Ballard on Sunday, instead. The parking is a nightmare, but their market is the best...