San Francisco Farmers Market

When we lived in San Francisco exploring the Farmers Market at the Ferry Building with Xander was our favorite way to spend a Saturday morning. Now that we live in San Jose we still occasionally make the trek into the city to the Farmers Market. However, with two preschoolers we have modified our approach to the Market.

First off, we plan our trip for Saturdays when the Giants are out of town. We make it a point to stop by the Coca Cola Fan Lot at AT&T Park. It is free and open to the general public when the Giants are away. The Fan Lot includes several slides for both big and small kids. There is also a batting cage, and a trolley car. The boys love the slide. It is a great way to burn some energy after the hour long car ride.

Secondly, we don't really explore the Farmer's Market anymore. The Farmer's Market is crowded, and it can be difficult to maneuver a double stroller. So it is a strategic strike, get in and get out. Our favorite destinations include buying cooking kits from Out the Door (the to go window for the Slanted Door) , olive oil from Stonehouse Olive Oil (if we need it), and coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee. We always have a plan, and ensure that we are leaving by the time our boys patience has grown thin.

Outside of the Farmers Market is the Embarcadero, a beautiful stretch of Palm tree lined sidewalks along the bay that runs from 2nd and King Streets to Pier 39. There are plenty of places to sit, people watch and meander a Saturday away -- especially on a beautiful day like this past Saturday. The boys like to climb and jump off of the sculpture-like concrete seating too.

We usually combine our Farmers Market trip with a trip to the San Francisco Zoo. This past weekend we took a Ferry to Sausalito. I'll write about that adventure on Thursday.