Where have I been my whole life? For the first time I visited the Alemany Farmer’s Market. It wowed me no end. Amazing organic produce at great prices, including the dry farmed tomatoes I love so much. Several great dried fruit and nut vendors. Prepared food vendors from the Americas and around the world.
This is a real old time market:
“The Alemany Farmers’ Market opened at its present location, 100 Alemany Boulevard, on August 4, 1947…The Alemany Farmers’ Market has been wonderful to the small farmers of California, most of whom operate from several to 50 acres, and who were often by-passed by the regular food outlets on the pretense of insufficient production of any one commodity….The Alemany Farmers’ Market is generally recognized as the greatest single contribution to the betterment of the relationship between the City of San Francisco and rural areas.” (read the full story)
In fact with the hustle and bustle, crowds overflowing into the parking lot, cars looking for spaces, I couldn’t help but feel I was in another country. In a good way.
Whether you’re a local or tourist it’s a MUST VISIT, if only to see the murals at each “stand.”
It’s easy to get here by car (101 South, head toward 280 and quick exit at Alemany.) Or by Muni bus.
My grandma worked as a salesperson for this market for about 30 years until her retirement in 1986. Needless to say, my entire family grew up with the market! I spent many Saturdays and summers there — and even had my own mini-stand a distance away from my grandma.
I’m fortunate to have many, many fond memories … from the farmers, the salespeople, and the crowds of people — what an unbelievable experience that I’m very thankful for!