Diablo Valley Farmers' Market — Local services in Walnut Creek

Fresh organic fruit. Plenty of free parking. Easy to locate. A variety of vendors. Fresh Organic Veggies. What else could one ask for? What a great way to begin a weekend or spend a Saturday morning, that is, as long as you are two or more people.

On Saturdays and Sundays in Contra Costa County, there is an unspoken closed-minded, possibly conservative rule, and that is, that no one is allowed to be out and about unless they're in a group of two or more people. No errands or lunches can be done by one's self, that includes exercising. Im not sure why, but that is the unspoken cardinal rule.

That means, for anyone, like myself who thrives on efficiency in getting her errands done in the manner that makes me feel accomplished, Im not allowed. I have to be two, two people. So if no one is around to chaperone or shadow my activities, then Im a dead duck. Its a very strange lifestyle and mindset. Its imprisonment.

Sadly. I was forced to live in that closed-minded mindset for 5 grueling years. Yup. I lost years off my life that I will never get back. An energy level and a motivation that was stolen and continued when I switched counties.

Maybe, thats why having fresh fruits and veggies in my body is important to me, to give me energy and maintain my quality of health.

But even that wasn't allowed. Since I was given dirty looks any/everytime I tried to go walking to get out of my toxic environment and to comply with my doctors suggestion and advice to spend more time outside. The local residents seem to think they were allowed to override my doctors advice, for my health. Go Figure! @_@

I managed to make it to Shadelands farmers market a couple if times, but even at this market I received dirty looks and glares, as though it was taboo for me to be spending money at it or to be out by myself on a Saturday. I liked this farmers market, it was a lot larger than some of the other markets, I did managed to visit a few times, before I was pushed out and ostracized. Sad too, cause the message I felt was that my money wasn't welcome at their market.

When did it become okay to not support farmers? Without farmers, there wouldn't be any food. And supporting farmers directly means they get all the money, rather than a % of the $$ going to a middleman.

And now, with the current pandemic, there is the potential of a food shortage. A lot of crops are going to waste or having to be dumped, which is a farmers...

Visiting the Diablo Valley Farmer’s Market for the first time was a delightful experience, especially since I’m visiting from the Philippines. This recent visit did not disappoint, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a Filipino stall selling the usual favorites: Lumpia, Pancit, and Barbecue. More on that later.

The market is a lively mix of food stalls, fresh flowers, and local delights. I found myself weaving through an array of colorful flower displays that could brighten even the dullest day. Hydrangeas, dahlias, and an assortment of wildflowers were all laid out in vibrant buckets, beckoning for a closer look. They were a picture-perfect addition to the bustling atmosphere, adding a splash of nature’s palette to the urban setting.

When it came to food, options were plenty and diverse. Among the many stands, Kawali ng Ina caught my eye—a Filipino food stall showcasing familiar dishes. It was a warm reminder of home, blending tradition with the local scene. From crispy Lumpia to savory Pancit and the classic Filipino Barbecue, it was clear they were bringing a taste of the Philippines to the American market, and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of those beloved dishes.

Another standout was Sabri’s Wrap N’ Rolla, which boasted a colorful, fresh, and local appeal. It was hard not to get drawn into the cheerful atmosphere as customers lined up for their wraps filled with farm-fresh ingredients. It’s the kind of stand that reminds you of why you visit a farmer’s market in the first place—good, honest food made with love.

Of course, what’s a farmer’s market without the produce? The fruit and vegetable stands were brimming with the season’s best. Heirloom tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and a variety of squash and greens were laid out on tables covered with patterned cloths, bringing a festive flair to the whole setup. Everything looked farm-fresh, colorful, and delicious, just begging to be turned into a hearty meal.

Overall, the Diablo Valley Farmer’s Market is a delightful experience, whether you’re a foodie, a flower enthusiast, or someone who just loves soaking up local culture. There’s a sense of community and a bit of everything for everyone—even those pleasant surprises that make you pause, like a taste of Filipino cuisine in the heart...

HONEYNUT SQUASH FINALLY FOUND! Read about these super-tasty little guys for weeks and weeks. Have emailed numerous grocery stores, grocery chains, restaurants, seed companies, and more, just to find out where I might find this delight I but could never find. Then there were there! First, at the Diablo Valley Farmer's Market last Saturday. Baked a couple, one peeled, seeded and Hasselbacked, the other just cut in half and seeded, both coated with olive oil and topped with salt and pepper. Knockout flavor! One saved Hasselback was saved for a special dinner I'd been planning for a long time. The very same day I found these real dudes, an order for honeynut seeds I had ordered arrived. That was easily the biggest Squash Day of all time...