Have you ever tasted something and instantly known that it was fresh, or a labor of love? Placer County takes pride in being able to provoke that feeling of undeniable freshness in locals and tourists alike. Join us as we break down farmers’ markets, foods, and family activities you simply must check out.
Best Farmers Markets and Farmstands in Placer County
Photo credit: Erik Bergen, Placer County
Discover a wide variety of certified farmers’ markets in Placer County, all of which offer fresh, locally grown produce just waiting to be picked up and savored. Stop by and choose from seasonal agricultural products, crafts, and other handmade goods while supporting local businesses and farms!
Auburn, CA
Old Town Auburn Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from 8 AM to 12 PM, you will find the Old Town Auburn Farmers Market open with a variety of family farmers, ranchers, and artisans gathered together to bring some of their finest goods to the community.
Ikeda’s Market & Pie Shop
Ikeda’s Market is a family-driven business that offers a selection of gourmet snacks, ripe fruit from the farm, fresh-baked pies, and specialty wines. Additionally, there is a restaurant attached that serves burgers, sandwiches, and more. Open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 7 PM and Friday through Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM, there is plenty of time to stop by, but if you can’t make it in person, they now ship their famous fresh-baked pies nationwide.
Newcastle, CA
Twin Peaks Orchards Farm Stand
This family-owned orchard has been in the business of providing the community with year-round fresh fruit since 1912. The farm stand is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, providing hand-picked, seasonal fruit that you can enjoy.
Kings Beach, CA
Tahoe Central Market
Tahoe Central Market proudly provides the community with fresh, locally sourced produce and dairy, as well as a gourmet deli, daily soup menu, juice bar, exceptional selection of beer and wine, and much more every day from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Tahoe City, CA
Tahoe City Farmers Market
The Tahoe City Farmers Market is where the community can come together every Thursday from 8 AM to 1 PM from May through October to share in local goods and support small businesses.
Loomis, CA
Struble Ranch
Struble Ranch has served the community with its various citrus crop varieties since 1956. Each variety is weather-dependent, but harvest for different crops can typically range from November through February. Make sure to call for hours and check their website in mid-November for updated dates.
Lincoln, CA
Farmers’ Market at Fowler Ranch
Open every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM, the Farmers’ Market at Fowler Ranch proudly supports Placer County Farmers and farmers from our local region. Offerings at the market include fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, honey, desserts, crafts, and more.
Historic Downtown Lincoln Farmers Market
The Historic Downtown Lincoln Farmers Market takes place on Thursday nights, from 5 to 9 PM. This weekly market brings the community together to celebrate local food, small business, music, and family fun in the heart of the historic downtown area.
Roseville, CA
Roseville Fountains Farmers Market
The Roseville Fountains Farmers Market, held on Tuesdays from 8:30 AM to 1 PM and located in the Whole Foods Market at the Fountains, is one of the finest farmers’ markets in the County.
Denios Farmers Market & Swap Meet
Well-known for being one of the largest and longest operating establishments for artisanal goods in the area, Denios Farmers Market & Swap Meet is also open year-round, rain or shine, Friday-Sunday.
Granite Bay, CA
Otow Orchard Fruit Stand
A family-owned and operated orchard offering a wide variety of high-quality food, Otow Orchard is renowned for preserving the Japanese art of hoshigaki hoshi, the Japanese word for persimmon. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Rocklin, CA
Rocklin Community Farmer’s Market
The Rocklin Community Farmer’s Market, open every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM, boasts over 80 vendors offering artisanal goods, organic fruit, flowers, cheese, eggs, honey, gourmet prepared foods, and so much more. You will also find interactive kid-friendly activities, live music performances, and market education presentations that everyone can enjoy.
More Things To Do in Placer County
You’re already here, so why not make a day of it with a few can’t-miss Placer County activities? From the Placer Wine & Ale Trail to local food festivals, take your pick and discover the absolute best of Placer County.
Embark Upon the Placer Wine & Ale Trail
Placer County is situated within the Sierra Foothills American Viticultural Area (AVA), one of the largest AVAs in the United States. As a result, winemaking has always been a deep part of Placer County’s identity, and the selection of varietals grown in the area includes Zinfandel, Syrah, Barbera, and many more.
If hops are more your thing, don’t worry, Placer County has also had a foundational role in the craft brewing movement that has swept the nation in recent years. Sample one-of-a-kind brews while enjoying a fun, relaxed social setting at one of the many breweries scattered throughout Placer County. Several are even in a farm setting where they grow their own hops and other ingredients.
Perhaps the easiest way to explore the winery/brewery scene in Placer County is the Wine & Ale Trail. Download the Wine & Ale Trail map that guides you through 23 boutique wineries, 15 craft breweries, 1 craft distillery, and dozens of tap rooms and wine bars. You can elevate your experience further with the annual summer passport, which allows you to sip your way along the trail while collecting stamps to earn rewards such as complimentary tastings, exclusive specials, and unique experiences at participating stops.
Traveling with a little one but still wanting to explore Placer County’s wine and beer scene? Check out Placer County’s kid-friendly breweries and winery scene!
Say Hello to the Best Brunch Ever
In Placer County, people understand that brunch isn’t simply a meal; it’s also a celebration of friends, family, life, and all the amazing food you’re hopefully about to chow down on. Here are a couple of our favorite places to spend a lazy morning/afternoon dining with the people we love.
Awful Annie’s is a breakfast and lunch eatery loved by locals and visitors alike. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining so you can enjoy the beautiful Placer sunshine, as well as a full bar in case you feel like getting the party started a little early. High Hand Cafe in Loomis also offers a delightful brunch set against the backdrop of a vibrant, lush nursery every Saturday and Sunday. The atmosphere, robust menu, and inviting charm create a memorable brunch spot that everyone can enjoy.
Though not a traditional sit-down restaurant, Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet in Tahoe City always offers delicious, freshly baked breads, pastries, drinks, cakes, deli lunches, and more, perfect fare for a picnic-style brunch. Tahoe House takes pride in its large selection of sweet treats, savory goods, and everything in between.
Chow Down at a Food Festival
Photo credit: Erik Bergen, Placer County
If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that Placer County knows how to throw a food-themed soiree, evidenced by the large number of fairs, festivals, and events dedicated to honoring the area’s fruitfulness throughout the year. Stopping by one of these lively Placer County events is a great way to get a taste of some of the local harvest and have a great time doing it.
@the Grounds in Roseville has proudly hosted the Mountain Mandarin Festival, an event that marks the official beginning of Placer County’s Mountain Mandarin season, for the last three years. As the name suggests, mandarins are the true star of the show at the festival. Local growers set up to sell thousands of the finest mandarins straight from the lush Sierra Foothills, and the sweet, zesty fruit makes its way into vendor stalls throughout the festival in everything from body lotions to barbecue sauce, as well as in food stalls in the form of mandarin pizza, wings, donuts, and more.
From bustling farmers’ markets to family-friendly events and festivals, there are lots of family activities in Placer County to enjoy. Arrive hungry and ready to explore the community, creativity, and endless farm to table California goodness.
Plan your Placer County vacation today to savor the best of the season’s fresh produce.
FAQ
What are the best farmers’ markets in Placer County?
There are many local farmers’ markets to choose from, with certified farmers’ markets happening every day around Placer County. A few of the most popular local farmers’ markets include Fowler Ranch Market, Old Town Auburn Farmers Market, Tahoe City Farmers Market, and Roseville Fountains Farmers Market.
When are farmers’ markets open in Placer County?
Placer County hosts many certified farmers’ markets throughout the week. With markets taking place at different days and at different times, it is important to check the individual market page for specific details.
What can you buy at Placer County farmers’ markets?
The certified farmers’ markets in Placer County often offer a wide range of items, including fresh, locally grown produce, specialty snacks, handmade goods, and so much more.
Can you make a day trip out of Placer County farmers’ markets?
Visitors and community members can easily plan a day trip around a trip to one of Placer County’s many farmers’ markets and farmstands. Take a look at our “Things to Do” page to plan out how you can make the most of your visit to Placer County.