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 Point Reyes Station Farmers' Market is the smallest market that I have ever travelled over twenty miles for. I have been to this market many times, and each time I am left happy and fulfilled. The market has such a sense of community, and is a fantastic representation of the best that West Marin county has to offer. This assertion was backed up last year, when Prince Charles and Camilla made this market one of their stops in a tour of local farms and the organic community. I can see why -- for such a small market one can buy everything needed for a week's worth of food: veggies and fruit, eggs, cheese, meat, honey, bread, oysters and preserves.

The most amazing part of this farmers' market is that every vendor raises their product within thirty miles of the market. Talk about eating local!

The next time you have a chance to explore West Marin County, I highly suggest making this market one of your stops. Have time to go this month? My suggested ideal day would include a trip to the Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch, this market, and lunch at the Drake's Beach Cafe followed by a hike at Abbott's Lagoon.

When I attended the market on October 14, the following vendors were in attendance:

Brickmaiden Bakery (Pt. Reyes Station). Baked goods.
Chileno Valley Ranch (Marin County). Apples.
Drakes Bay Oysters (Pt. Reyes). Oysters.
Fresh Run Farm (Bolinas). Vegetables, fresh flowers, berries.
Marin Sun Farms (Pt. Reyes). Grass-fed beef.
Paradise Valley Produce (Bolinas). Vegetables, lettuces.
Point Reyes Preserves (Pt. Reyes). Jams, pickles, preserves..
Sartori Ranch (Tomales). Strawberries.
Tomales Bakery (Tomales). Baked goods.
Wild Blue Farm (Tomales). Vegetables, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatillos.
Worsley Farms (Inverness). Potatoes, garlic, tomatoes.

The Point Reyes Station Farmers' Market runs through November 4 this year. The market is held from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays, and is located at Toby's Feed Barn in Downtown Point Reyes Station.

This post is one in a series covering Bay Area neighborhood farmers' markets.
Temescal Farmers' Market (Sunday)
Berkeley Farmers' Market (Thursday)
Marina Farmers' Market (Saturday)
Fairfax Farmers' Market (Wednesday)
Fillmore Farmers' Market (Saturday)