June 18, 2022 — Spring means the beginning of the long and bountiful outdoor market season in Lane County. Farmers markets are a great place to shop for fresh veggies, fruit, eggs and grass-fed meats. In April, the markets started to open with early root vegetables, onions and spring greens and preserved fruits and berries. By June, there are markets in almost every community across Lane County and they are in full swing — robust with fresh local vegetables, fruits and flowers.

Explore the locavore culture for seasonal highlights. Natural food stores also display an array of local produce from regional farms. And during the summer, drive scenic back-country roads to shop farm stands or gather berries at u-pick farms.

Here are some of the most popular markets to visit this spring and summer. Before heading out, people should confirm market days and hours. All market schedules are subject to change without notice.

Florence Farmers Market

Seasonally May to October

Tuesday, 3 to 6 p.m.

Corner of Bay & Kingwood Street, Old Town Florence

An opportunity for Florence locals and visitors alike to purchase healthy, locally-grown food directly from farmers. Products are sourced within an hour’s drive of Florence and come from organic and sustainable farms. Enjoy shopping along Old Town's beautiful boardwalk.

Double Up Food Bucks are available for SNAP transactions and EBT is accepted

florencefarmersmarket.org

Veneta Downtown Farmers Market

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Third Ave. and Broadway, Veneta

Delight in the joy of a small town farmers' market featuring local vendors from farms near the Veneta-Fern Ridge area. Find high quality, organic produce, flowers, honey, jams, crafts and more. Double Up Food Bucks are available for SNAP transactions and EBT is accepted.

Lane County Farmers Market

Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Eighth Ave. & Oak St., Eugene

Shop outdoors with the seasons! Local farmers and food artisans sell vegetables, fruits, plants, baked goods, flowers, meat, seafood, drinks and more. All foods sold at the Lane County Farmers Market are either grown by Oregon farmers or made in Oregon with a portion of locally grown ingredients.

In spring, shop for the herbs and legumes in every color of the rainbow.

For summer, buy produce fruit and vegetables that can go directly from your market bag onto the grill or into a salad bowl, or even right into your mouth.

The Winter Farmers Market runs in February and March from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so you can stock up on the cold season's root vegetables, preserved staples and other fresh produce that isn't afraid of a little frost. Parking is available on-street and at nearby garages. Credit, debit and SNAP/EBT/Oregon Trail Cards are accepted (visit the info booth for details).

Temporary site during "butterfly lot" construction: 5th Avenue between Oak and High Street.

South Valley Farmers Market

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Seventh & Main Street, Cottage Grove

The South Valley Farmers Market is an open air market featuring small scale, sustainable, organic foods, family farms and hand-crafted products. Purchase produce from Cottage Grove-area farmers, support local businesses and put healthy meals on the table.

OG Corner Market

Wednesday to Friday, noon to 6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

295 River Rd., Eugene

Right off River Road is the OG Corner Market. Shop for fresh, local, organic produce and locally grown products. Featuring Sweet Leaf Organic Farm. Please check their Facebook page for current offerings. Market hours subject to change without notice.

Whiteaker Community Market

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scobert Park at Fourth & Blair, Eugene

Inspired by the need for a community gathering space, the Whiteaker Community Market brings together the diverse talents of the neighborhood. A village of artisans, farmers, musicians, community leaders and all types of Whiteaker neighbors congregate each week to further the deeply-rooted connections of the community. Enjoy this hyper-local market of affordable crafts, artwork, local food, produce and music on Sundays. Sit in on community workshops to share stories, skills and wisdom. Pandemic protocols are implemented and may impact services and schedules. When possible, there will be live music from an open mic and a featured musician, kids activities, free yoga classes, a mobile library and more.

This market currently offers online shopping as well.

Amazon Farmers Market

Thursday, noon to 4 p.m.

2700 Hilyard St, Eugene

Come enjoy the second summer of the Amazon Farmers Market in South Eugene! Shop a variety of vendors and growers selling local produce and Oregon-crafted products including vegetables, fruit and honey.

Spencer Creek Community Growers Market

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spencer Creek Grange, 86013 Lorane Highway, Eugene

Come to the Spencer Creek Community Growers Market in Southwest Eugene. Local food fans can purchase from largely backyard growers and hobby farmers offering locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, pasture-raised meats, eggs, nursery plants, plant starts and much more. The market also is home to many locally crafted items.

The market accepts SNAP (Oregon Trail Cards) and Double Up Food Bucks. Some vendors also participate in WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and Senior Food Direct Nutritional Program. Some dates offer live music as well.

If you are local, you may wish to consider joining Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). These programs are designed in many different ways, but most require a purchasing commitment in exchange for a share in a farm's crops. Some deliver different sizes of food boxes to designated drop sites, others even deliver to your home. Some even offer online ordering selection from a co-op of farms. For more information on the local CSA, go to www.willamettefarmandfood.org/find-local-food#CSA.

For more information on Travel Lane County, visit www.eugenecascadescoast.org.