Fresh Fall Finds at the Irvine Farmers Market
On Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., fresh produce shoppers can find fall’s best fruit, vegetables and more at the Irvine Farmers Market. Located adjacent to the Mariners Church parking lot, this bustling outdoor marketplace is chock-full of local fare. While customers visit fresh fruit and vegetable tents in droves, vendors selling bread, honey, eggs – even donuts – are market mainstays that are not to be missed. A tip for prospective visitors: make your way to the market early to ensure you have first pick of the produce!
Stop Number One: Fresh Flowers
At the center of the Irvine Famers Market is an eye-catching stand that smells as pretty as it looks! Showcasing bouquets of colorful flowers, the resident florist offers the best in-season blooms. The fall season brings with it plenty of sunflowers, chrysanthemums, snap dragons and alstroemeria with the last of the Gerbera daisies from late summer. Arriving in oranges, yellows, reds and pinks, these flowers make festive autumn accents to brighten up your home.
Stop Number Two: The Herb Stand
One of the must-stops on the Irvine Farmers Market list is the herb stand, located near the front entrance. This fragrant location is replete with a variety of herbs, including rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and peppermint. With so many different scents and flavors, the herb stand is a go-to for adding that extra touch to your next family meal.
Stop Number Three: Arnett Farms Stand
Arguably one of the most bustling spots at the Irvine Farmers Market is the Arnett Farms Stand at the center of the market. Established in the early 1900s, the Fresno-based farm produces some truly delicious fruit! The fall months are all about stone fruit, and Arnett Farms designed cornucopic displays of juicy nectarines and plums. Also popular on the menu are plump persimmons and, of course, no autumn menu would be complete without apples. From Gala to Fuji to Pink Ladies, it seems like nearly every vendor at the Irvine Farmers Market had ripe apples perfect for pie-making.
Stop Number Four: The Squash Stand
Primarily selling mainstays in Asian cuisine, like bitter melon and Buddha’s hand, also known as pear squash or chayote, this stand is known for its array of flavorful produce. Visitors come to this stand for its extensive range of squashes and greens that may be hard to find in the average grocery store.
Stop Number Five: Shanghai LA Foods
After wandering around the Irvine Farmers Market, chances are you’re going to work up an appetite! If you’re in the mood for a quick lunchtime bite, stop by the Shanghai LA Foods booth. Here, guests can fill up on delicious dumplings, spring rolls and scallion pancakes drizzled in their famous hot sauce for an extra kick.
Stop Number Six: Clayton’s Bakery and Austin’s Coffee
No trip to the Irvine Farmers Market is complete without a trip to Clayton’s Bakery. Visitors will recognize this bakery spot’s giant vegan donuts. Topped with frosting, sprinkles, chocolate and other colorful toppings, these confectionary treats are a perfect pair with an iced latte from Austin’s Coffee, located right next door. This donut spot is a popular one (and for good reason!), so be sure to get there early and pick up your favorite flavor.
The Irvine Farmers Market
Saturdays from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
5001 Newport Coast Dr.
Irvine, CA 92603
