Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market

At least in the Fall, there are 2 Rogue Valley Growers and Crafter’s Market in Ashland, of which Gayle and I visited both. I also understand that there’s also one in Medford on Thursday. On Tuesday, it’s at the Armory and it’s a rather large market with several rows of pop ups and lots of produce, other food, and crafts choices. We bought some hummas and bread, and shared a hot Thai lunch before walking back to the Hotel.
On Saturday Morning, we were at a smaller market on Oak Street in Downtown Ashland. This Rogue version is only a block long and with pared down choices. Nonetheless, it’s a really pleasant experience on a crisp fall day to be wandering around this way. We bought a few provisions for our trip home, and are looking forward to visiting these markets when we return to Ashland next October.

Besides the terrible dolmas and falafel, I had a nice time. Nice vendors and nice stuff. Pretty flowers too.

I love this Farmer’s Market. I have usually enjoyed most of the cooked food from the vendors, but today I tried the Thai food from the cart. I waited in line for 45 minutes and ordered a chicken curry for $ 7. I ended up with a bowl of mostly undercooked rice, a few veggies, about 3 pieces of chicken that were undercooked and runny coconut milk. I would not eat at this cart ever again, and i would definitely NOT suggest wasting your time waiting in the huge line.

This market, in my opinion has gone down in quality over the last few years. There are still a number of outstanding, quality growers put there are an awful lot of small booths with subpar quality. And way too many restaurant type booths. I go and expect farm products when I go to a farmers market.

I love the farm to table aspect of the growers market! Prices are very competitive for the level of quality one receives.

If Ashland has a hidden gem (at least far from the madding crowd downtown), this is it. Every Tuesday during the growing season (roughly March through November), growers and crafters from all over the Rogue Valley come here to sell their fresh produce, meat and poultry, plants and crafted goods. It’s not the biggest such market anywhere, but the produce is excellent, and the prepared foods (mostly on-​site) are the best inexpensive breakfast or lunch in the area.
What you won’t find are things that both bulky and need constant refrigeration, like milk, but you will find most meats, cheese, salsa, and of course lots of fresh veg. But it’s a local grower’s market; don’t expect to find much citrus, or veg and fruits out of whatever their local seasons are. That said, what you find will be as fresh as it gets, likely harvested early that morning.
This is one of the best things about Ashland, especially if you’re a local.