HAILEY HOWELL / FEATURE EDITOR

Many USD students love spending time at farmers markets when taking a break from the stress of classes. With jewelry, clothing and food, the opportunities to try new cuisine and find handcrafted items are endless. Exploring these markets allow students to give back to the community by purchasing items that were made locally, which can help to support small businesses. Luckily, there are many farmers markets in the San Diego area which offer a variety of local vendors and operating times. 

On Sundays, the Hillcrest Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 3960 Normal St. from Lincoln Ave. to University Ave. They offer a mix of clothing, flowers and food from over 175 different vendors, as stated on their website. 

USD sophomore Isabel Dumsky shared her thoughts and experiences after going to this market.

“I’ve been to Little Italy and Hillcrest,” Dumsky said. “And honestly, I really enjoyed the Hillcrest [market]. The food options they had when I went back in February were really good. I got these barbecue dumplings … they were really yummy. Normally the farmers markets I go to are just on the weekends, and I like to go basically just to browse. I normally like to hit up the jewelry vendors and also just the lemonade vendors as well.”

Many students have also visited the Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market, which goes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Wednesday. The market is located on West Date Street from west of Kettner Boulevard to Front Street, according to their website. Vendors sell goods such as fresh produce, plants, drinks, handcrafted gifts and more. 

Plants are commonly sold at San Diego farmers markets. Photo courtesy of Shannen Swars/The USD Vista

USD sophomore Paola Flores-Fuentes explained why she likes visiting the market in Little Italy. 

I’ve actually only gone to one, and that’s the Little Italy one,” Flores-Fuentes said. “I honestly really did enjoy it because the ambiance is so nice, and it’s also near the water so you can have a quick day out there as well.”

Flores-Fuentes also described the variety of food options that the market offered and her favorite things that she experienced. 

“There was a really good matcha stand there, and I really enjoyed that … I love the lemonade stands as well,” Flores-Fuentes said. “I really enjoy, like the art aspect of it. I really like … seeing the jewelry but also all of the other art that is there.” 

While some students enjoy the art at the Little Italy farmers market, others are drawn to the local produce. USD junior Michaela Garcia shared that she enjoys the market due to the food options that are offered. 

“I love that the Little Italy Mercado offers gluten-free and vegan options, making it more enjoyable and inclusive for others,” Garcia said. “As a vegetarian, I appreciate the inclusivity that allows me to try new foods. This particular farmers market has so much personality as it extends throughout the Little Italy district … It is such a fun place to be and explore. Each vendor brings their own charm, making every interaction feel personal and inviting. It’s also an easy place to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Garcia also shared that she loves the different finds that can be discovered at this market.

“The Little Italy Farmers Market is about six blocks long, offering a variety of food and other products such as vegetables, sauces, hummus, granola, flowers, jewelry, pottery, French perfume and clothing,” Garcia said. “Additionally, there’s ready-to-eat desserts [and other foods], such as tamales, empanadas, sandwiches, mango sticky rice, chai tea and so much more. The last time I went I bought plums, peaches, a summer dress and mango sticky rice.”

Another spot, located not too far from campus, is the market in Ocean Beach. This farmers market is on Wednesday evenings from 4 – 8 p.m., which is convenient for students after finishing up their classes. The market is located on the 4900 block of Newport Ave and they offer items such as kombucha, freshly baked goods and desserts as stated on their website. 

USD junior Tenley Brown shared her experiences after stopping at the OB farmers market.

“I went to a Wednesday night market,” Brown said. “I think that was actually Ocean Beach … [the Ocean Beach market is] just next to the beach, so you can get your food and go to the beach after, which is really nice. I like that it’s at night too. I don’t know, I just really like night markets. They’re all really busy, and there’s just a lot of people. People bring their dogs and stuff so it’s fun.”

If students want to make the drive to visit North County, the Oceanside Sunset Market is on Thursday evenings from 5 – 9 p.m. This market is located on Pier View Way, west of Coast Highway, in Downtown Oceanside. According to their website, live music, local artisans and a variety of food can be found at this market. AJ Yalagonda, a USD junior, shared her take on why this market is her favorite. 

The Oceanside Sunset Market draws crowds at night. Photo courtesy of @oceansidesunsetmarket/Instagram3. Plants are commonly sold at San Diego farmers markets. Photo courtesy of Shannen Swars/The USD Vista

“I grew up in San Diego, but I feel like there’s a lot [of markets],” Yalagonda shared. “There’s the one in OB, there’s also the one in Del Mar … oh my god, the Oceanside one. It’s called Sunset Market. It’s like a semi farmers market, because there’s some people who bring produce, and when I say produce, I mean honey and random stuff. But then it’s also like a lot of cultural food. So it’s like every country you could ever think of they have a tent. It’s awesome. It’s really nice.”

Yalagonda described her favorite item that keeps her going back to this market. 

“Meadow foam honey,” Yalagonda said. “It’s the best honey on this planet. It tastes like marshmallows, and it’s not artificially injected to taste like marshmallows. It’s just the bees go to a very specific flower I believe and the honey tastes like marshmallows.” 

There are plenty of farmers markets to choose from when you live in the San Diego area – whether located close to the water or a little more inland. Each farmers market also has its own unique personality based on its community, which allows students to get to know different areas of San Diego.

The Sunset Market in Oceanside stays busy with large crowds. Photo courtesy of @oceansidesunsetmarket/Instagram