Year-round plenty: find great treasures at these Winter farmer's markets - Travel

Sunset, Dec, 2003 by Harriot Manley

It's a drizzly December morning, but Debbie Warren doesn't mind. Pausing beneath a canvas stall at the Marin County Farmer's Market in San Rafael, she shakes drops of water from a bunch of rainbow chard. "Rain or shine, I'm here," Warren says of her visits to the twice-weekly market. "I feel a little sad if I can't make it, like I've missed seeing a friend."

And she's not alone. Toting umbrellas along with their mesh bags, savvy (and hardy) shoppers are benefiting from an increasing number of year-round farmers' markets. "Over half of our markets stay open all year now," notes John Silveira, executive director of the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association. "We have fewer stalls, but the ones that stay are stretching out the season with more varieties and selection."

Holiday shoppers take note: Farmers' markets are wonderful places to put together unique gift baskets. Look for olive oil, preserves, and spiced nuts, along with produce and handmade crafts.

Here are nine standout year-round markets in or near the Bay Area. Visit www.cafarmersmarkets.com for statewide listings.

Central Valley

Davis Farmers Market. Indulge in citrus tarts from Ciocolat (Saturdays only) or visit Michael's Creations for handcrafted wood sushi sets. 2-6 Wed, 8-1 Sat. Central Park (between Third and Fifth Streets on C St.); (530) 756-1695 or www. davisfarmersmarket.org

Sunday Downtown Market, Sacramento. Purchase creamy Beauregard yams from Canisso Farms or white pomegranates from Tamano Farms. 8-noon Sun. Corner of Eighth and W Streets; www.california-grown.com or (916) 688-0100.

East Bay

Concord Certified Farmers' Market. Pick up oranges from Diaz Farms or bread from Mercy Bakery. 10-2 Tue. Todos Santos Park (Willow Pass Rd. at Grant St.); www.pcfma.com or (800) 949-3276.

Jack London Square Certified Farmers' Market, Oakland. Don't miss sweet-potato pie at Dot's Bakery and crafts from the adjacent Oakland Artisan Marketplace. 10-2 Sun. Broadway at Water St.; www.pcfma.com or (800) 949-3276.

Pleasanton Certified Farmers' Market. Garlic-jalapeno relish from Sister Sarah packs a punch. 9-1 Sat. W. Angela and Main Streets; www.pcfma.com or (800) 949-3276.

Saturday Berkeley Farmers' Market. Visit Covelo Farms' booth for dried-flower wreaths. The market hosts holiday craft fairs December 6, 13, and 20. 10-3 Sat. Center St. at Martin Luther King Fr. Way; www.ecologycenter.org/bfm/index. html or (510) 548-3333.

North Bay

Marin County Farmers' Market, San Rafael. Try sweet oranges from Bill Ferry Ranches; also check out exceptional crafts. 8-1 Thu and Sun. Marin County Civic Center (Civic Center Dr. at N. San Pedro Rd.); (800) 897-3276.

San Francisco

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Bring home potatoes from Little Organic Farm and mandarins from Lagier Ranches. 8-2 Sat, 10-2 Tue, 2-6 Thu; Garden Market 9-3 Sun. Embarcadero at Market St.; www.cuesa.org or (415) 291-3276.

South Bay

Santana Row Certified Farmers' Market, San Jose. Sample organic Asian pears at Kashiwase Farms or warm tamales from Alonso's. 9-2 Sun. Stevens Creek and Winchester Boulevards; www.pcfma.com or (800) 949-3276.