Farmers markets are the go-to fall activity

Take a trip to Little Italy for fresh produce, vintage clothes, and more

Mei Flory / Assistant Arts and Culture Editor / The USD Vista

Among the long list of trendy activities in San Diego, going to a local farmers’ market should definitely be at the top of the list. Farmers’ markets help promote smaller businesses, and the friendly atmosphere makes the shopping experience more intimate, despite the huge weekend crowds. 

Arguably one of the best markets to visit is the Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market. 

Located in the heart of Little Italy, the expansive farmers market stretches across five blocks between State St., Columbia, India, Kettner Blvd. and a cul-de-sac of apartments. 

Each block contains a variety of vendors, including those selling jewelry, plants, clothing, art, flowers, fresh produce and food. The full list of vendors can be found on the San Diego Markets website. 

The formal location for the Little Italy Farmers Market is 600 W Date St. It’s open on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What sets this farmers market apart from others is its sheer size and variety. Most importantly, the quality of products all throughout remains high. 

Additionally, Little Italy is only 10 minutes away from USD, making the drive not too lengthy for those who might decide to Uber. 

Jack Smith a, USD junior, thinks the location is great, and loves frequenting the food stalls.

 “I like how there are more food stalls, the kind where you can preserve it, such as cheese and bread. I also love the art stalls, and I think overall I like it more than before COVID. Parking can be difficult though,” Smith said.

 Some of Smith’s favorite stalls are Urban Octopus (which sells art prints, stickers and T-shirts) and the Masala Cottage for its samosas. Some other fun and unique products include the industrial lamps sold at Urban Edison and the vegan cookies at the Maya’s Cookies stall. 

 One important thing to keep in mind while browsing around at the Little Italy Farmers Market – and any other market, indoors or outdoors – is that COVID-19 is still going around, and everyone should continue to wear a mask regardless of their vaccination status. 

Markets tend to attract large crowds, especially on the weekends. So, to stay as safe as possible, keep the mask on and look more, touch less. It is also important to be respectful to all the vendors when interacting with them, and try not to stand in the middle of the walkways so others can maneuver around while maintaining some distance. 

USD junior, Rachelle Childers, hasn’t visited the Little Italy Farmers’ Market since before the pandemic, but she hopes to go soon.

 “I love farmers markets. I’m a little worried about the crowds, but as long as I try my best to stay safe then I can enjoy myself and have a good experience,” Childers explained.

Childers noted that the Hillcrest Farmers Market was also one of her favorites to visit in the past. Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach also have markets on certain days of the week. Though they’re usually open in the morning, Ocean Beach offers some nighttime hours as well. 

Farmers markets, especially the Little Italy Mercato, are perfect for dates, hanging out with friends and shopping. No matter what a person wants, they’re bound to leave with something from the market.