We love our fresh, local veggies in Oregon. But at autumn’s end many of us go packing back to the grocery stores, as farmers markets hibernate until spring. However, there is another way! Portland hosts some great winter markets where you can find vegetables like kale, chard, sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions, along with local jams and sundries, and a good dose of Portlandia to boot. Winter markets do tend to be smaller, but crowds are smaller too. When you go, be sure to pick up something homemade from one of the vendors to warm you up, like a bowl of soup, hot drink or a fresh crepe!

Lloyd Farmers Market (Northeast)
If you can, take the MAX to this little Tuesday market located near Lloyd Center and just off the train line. There’s a bit of everything at the Lloyd Farmers Market: charcuterie, coffee, bread, jams, and of course fruit and veggies. Since the hours coincide with lunch, pick up something to nibble on at Savory et Sweet. They’re a crepe shop, but one of the vendors said the must-order item is the sampler plate.

Location: NE Holladay Street, between NE 7th Avenue & NE 9th Avenue (under the gazebo in the Oregon Square Courtyard)
Hours: Tuesdays, 10:00am – 2:00pm

Winter Market at Shemanski Park (Downtown) 
Back for another year, the Portland Farmers Market is returning to Shemanski Park this winter. Covered spaces are available for shoppers to stay dry while enjoying a hot drink or bowl of soup. Vendors offer winter produce, seafood, cheeses, meats, baked goods, and more.

Location: Shemanski Park in the South Park Blocks, between SW Salmon Street & SW Main Street
Hours: Saturdays, 10:00am – 2:00pm, January 5th – February 23rd

People’s Farmers Market (Southeast)
Located just east of the Sellwood Bridge, the People’s Farmers market feels like a cozy village in the middle of winter. Growers have a wide array of winter vegetables, and also sell mushrooms, hummus, soups, and more. You can stop in the store on your way out to pick up anything else you need for dinner (members and non-members pay the same prices, but members receive a co-op dividend each year).

Location: 3029 SE 21st Avenue
Hours: Wednesdays year-round, 2:00pm – 7:00pm

Hillsdale Farmers’ Market (Southwest)
This farmers market is a favorite amongst locals, and during the winter, thrifty shoppers can expect to find great deals on winter squash, shallots, onions, potatoes, turnips, beets, and carrots. Stephens Farm and Draper Girls Country Farm have hot cider for sale as well as fresh apples and pears for sale. For mushroom fanatics, Springwater Farms always has a good selection of both mushrooms and truffles.

Location: 1509 Southwest Sunset Boulevard
Hours: Bi-monthly Sundays, 10:00am – 2:00pm

Hollywood Farmers Market (Northeast)
While this farmers market is normally open every Saturday, they switch to a bi-monthly schedule for the winter months. This weekend they welcome a live band to provide a little atmosphere while you peruse through the rows of apples, pears, meats, cheeses, seafood (it’s crab season!). Plus, there is always a hearty selection of pastries & breads, goat’s milk soap, and delicious breakfast burritos.

Location: NE Hancock between 44th & 45th Avenues
Hours: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9:00am – 1:00pm

Where do you go for fresh produce during the winter months? 

– Evelyn Shoop