In an area where we have one of the world's renowned farmers' markets, it is easy to overlook neighborhood markets. But the truth is that often we don't have the time or the will to elbow through the crowds at the Ferry Building. On the weeks when you'd like to avoid the weekend farmers' market crush, or you'd simply like some drama-free shopping at markets that will provide you with many of your necessities, consider one of the Bay Area's neighborhood markets.

The Fairfax Farmers' Market in Marin county is a small-town market that is fun, full of great food, and a gathering place for the community around Fairfax. The market is situated in a circle in Bolinas Park with some of the booths underneath a grove of redwood trees for added ambiance. The small number of vendors made up enough variety that I could shop for bread, veggies, and fruit here without any trouble. I did not see any eggs or cheese, however meat-eaters could buy sausages from Fabrique Delices.

When I attended the market on September 20, the following vendors were in attendance:

Blossom Bluff Orchard (Parlier). Stone Fruit.
Brickmaiden Bakery (Pt. Reyes Station). Baked goods.
Cafe Zambala Himalayan prepared food.
Creekside Garden (Bolinas). Runner beans, tomatoes, apples.
Fabrique Delices Sausages.
J & J Farms (Hughson). Tomatoes, peaches.
Laguna Farm (Sebastopol). Runner beans, tomatoes, flowers, veggies.
Ledesma Family Farm (Gustine). Tomatoes, berries, various veggies.
Paradise Valley Produce (Bolinas). Vegetables, lettuces.
Sartori Ranch (Tomales). Strawberries.
Sylverleaf Olive Oil (Loma Rica). Olive oil.
Various crafts vendors.

You can visit the Fairfax Farmers' Market on Wednesdays until October 25 this year. The market time is 4 - 8pm, and will change to 4 - 7pm on October 4. It is located in Bolinas Park, 124 Bolinas Road in downtown Fairfax. Downtown Fairfax is approximately 20 miles from San Francisco.