Farm to Fork – Calaveras growers know healthy, organic, and fresh food!
When it comes to wine, food, and adventure, Calaveras pulls out all the stops. Did you know you can find organic, locally grown farm-fresh produce several days a week in Calaveras County? Before you ask Siri to help you find “farmers market near me” learn what sets each farm fresh destination in Calaveras apart by getting the low down on our locally-sourced farmers markets and grocery stores for spectacular year-round produce.
1. Angels Camp Certified Farmers Market
The Certified Angels Camp Farmers Market takes community fun to the next level. With over 30 vendors offering loads of organic, locally grown produce, artisan goods, along with samplings from local restaurants and food trucks, you can experience the wholesome, small town fun of Friday nights in the summer. The Angels Camp Farmers Market, set at the Angels Camp Museum, will feature live music, wine tasting, artisan cheeses, and the ever-favorite kettle corn. With a gorgeous backdrop of golden Calaveras rolling hills and original Gold Rush era mining equipment, the museum grounds will be open to pedestrian traffic only, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll to each vendor booth. The grounds will open for shopping from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday nights. St. Patrick’s Church has graciously offered use of their parking lot right next door for people wanting to shop at the Angels Camp Farmers Market, so parking is plentiful! And, while we LOVE dogs in Calaveras, sorry, no dogs are allowed at this certified farmers market or on the museum grounds. Find more about Angels Camp Farmer’s Market on Facebook.
2. West Point Farmer’s Certified Market – West Point
The 2nd Annual West Point Farmers Market opens in June of 2024! Held at the Blue Mountain Center on Main Street in West Point Farmers, Thursdays from 4-7pm, starting June 20th and running through October 23rd, the market will include produce from local farms such as Always Something Farm, Soular Farms, and Berning Acres, flour and grain from Early Bird Farm and Mill, as well as non-food products from local makers and artists. The market will also host a kids play area on the patio at the Blue Mountain Center and provide great live music. For more information about the West Point Farmers Market, check their website bmcyf.org or contact them at thebluemountaincenter@gmail.com or 209-293-4500.
3. Murphys Certified Farmers Market – Murphys Park
The Murphys Community Park, 505 Algiers Street (Downtown Murphys), holds their Certified Farmers Market every Sunday from June to October from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Come play, shop, and picnic by the creek in downtown Murphys. There are lots of picnic tables and plenty of room under the shade trees to relax after a leisurely morning picking up fresh produce at this market. For kids and kids at heart, you can cool off in the creek during the warmer days of summer or play on shaded play structures while listening to live music from local artists. Not to mention, you could probably squeeze in a little wine tasting downtown, as well. Find out more about Murphys Farmers Market on Facebook.
4. Fast Eddie’s Garden
On Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Fast Eddie opens up his place on 3615 Poag Lane, Vallecito – about 10 minutes west of Murphys between Angels Camp and Murphys. This is the cutest produce stand owned and operated by none other than Fast Eddie. Check his Facebook page where he will announce when he is open, usually starting in May until he sells out! Farm stands like this precious little secret plus Eddie’s charming customer service provide that hometown touch Calaveras County is known for. And, not only can you buy fresh produce here, you can pick up some of Eddie’s prize Heirloom tomato plants (while they last) to start your own garden or splurge on some pickled asparagus and fresh salsa made by the man himself! Swing by Fast Eddie’s Garden to make your next meal truly farm-to-fork!
5. Zimmerman’s Hilltop Market
This quaint, family owned and operated business features flowers exploding with vibrant colors, vegetable starts for your own garden, and a selection of produce on a first-come first-serve basis including berries, stone fruit, vegetables, and more. Open 6 days a week (closed Sundays), 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, you can find them right on Highway 49 between Angels Camp and San Andreas – 1453 Highway 49, San Andreas. Find out more about Zimmerman’s Hilltop Market on their Facebook page or call 209-754-4945
6. Sierra Hills Natural Foods Markets
WHEN: 7 days a week 7am to 8pm
WHERE: 117 Highway 4, Murphys,
In addition to traditional grocery store offerings, this locally owned and operated year-round grocery store features kombucha on tap, pre-made items, and seasonally available local organic produce (from local organic permaculture Love Creek Farm and other organic local farms) as well as free house coffee, year-round tasty treats and staples for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and meat eaters alike. Looking for something in particular? Feel free to call ahead using the number below. Although this is not a certified farmers market, if you get a kick out of supporting local farms, you can ask about verified Calaveras farm goods and products using the Calaveras Grown resource guide. Located at 117 Highway 4 in Murphys, the market is open 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. You can reach the market 7 days a week at 1-209-728-3402 ext. 311 to learn more.
7. Calaveras Groceries and Markets
ANGELS MARKET – 396 N Main Street in Angels Camp – Check out Angels Market, the sister store to Sierra Hills Market and Sierra Hills Natural Foods Market in Murphys. They feature an old fashioned meat counter, a full service deli, and wide selection of local wines.
BIG TREES MARKET – 2182 CA Highway 4, Arnold – You will find Big Trees Market as well stocked as any big city grocery store. Plus, you get small town friendliness and a beautiful mountain setting. Enjoy their deli with fresh sandwiches and selection of cheeses, full-service meat and fish counter; bakery with daily baked goodies, the best selection of wines and beers in Calaveras and a large selection of organic produce and gluten free bread and baked items. Other locally produced items include fresh herbs and produce and award-winning roasted coffee.
MAR*VAL VALLEY SPRINGS – Try their deli, bakery, and fresh produce selections, or when its hot outside, they will fire up the BBQ for some delicious tri-tip. Located 55 State Rte 26, Valley Springs -10 minutes from New Hogan Lake.
SENDER’S MARKET – This sweet, local grocery store (and hardware store) has everything you need. On-site butcher, deli, excellent produce, plus anything you might need for the odd job around the house. A long time, family-owned and operated market, Sender’s Market has been around for a very long time. Their generosity and sense of community has seen many families through good and bad times alike. If you ever wanted to feel really good about where you shop, this place would be it. Located at 8111 Garabaldi St, Mountain Ranch – a little less than 10 minutes from the California Cavern State Historic Park.
GROCERY OUTLET – 50 Jean St., Valley Springs – Here you can save 40% – 70% on name brand groceries. Local owners that give back to their community provide quality, low-cost meat, produce, and other necessities.
MOKE HILL MARKET – 8085 State Rte. 26, Mokelumne Hill – This sweet little market may look small, but it is chock full of a variety fresh and organic produce and meat. Stop by the deli to grab made to order sandwiches and salads to take with you on your next adventure!
SAVEMART – This market boasts a deli with made to order sandwiches, a bakery, and a meat counter that will grill you anything from a burger to a salmon to order. Nice choice for a quick dinner option and none of the prep! Located at 260 S Main St, Angels Camp
Young’s Payless IGA COPPEROPOLIS – Check out their deli for great lunch ideas to take on your next trip to the lake! Find them at 3505 Spangler Lane, Copperopolis