Rooted in Community
- 253 Lifestyle Magazine
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
Why Puget Sound’s farmers' markets are more than just a place to shop
By Julia Runyan, Managing Broker/Owner – RE/MAX Exclusive
There’s something timeless about a morning at the farmers' market. The smell of fresh coffee and just-picked basil in the air, fiddle music drifting across the park, kids dancing barefoot, and neighbors reconnecting over vibrant blooms. For me, these moments are more than weekend errands—they're a reflection of what makes the Puget Sound region feel like home.
As someone descended from one of Gig Harbor’s original fishing families, I feel deeply connected to this coastal community. My earliest memories are full of salt air, smoked salmon, and Saturdays spent walking among rows of produce. Farmers' markets bring those memories to life. They celebrate seasonality, tradition, and the powerful bonds that tie us together.
Markets like Gig Harbor’s waterfront gathering at Skansie Brothers Park or Olympia’s vibrant year-round staple are more than venues; they’re living expressions of community. They’re where you meet the person who grew your greens or kneaded your bread, where local musicians add rhythm to your routine, and where every booth tells a story. They offer fresh food, of course, but also a fresh perspective on what it means to belong.
Here are a few standouts worth visiting:
Olympia Farmers Market (Year-round): Downtown waterfront charm with live music and local oysters. OlympiaFarmersMarket.com
Gig Harbor Waterfront Market (Thursdays, June–August): Arrive by boat, snack on wood-fired pizza, and take in harbor views. WaterfrontFarmersMarket.org
Tacoma Proctor Market (Saturdays, March–December): Full of flavor and family-friendly flair. ProctorFarmersMarket.com
Puyallup Market (Saturdays, April–October): A larger hub with dozens of rotating vendors in Pioneer Park. PuyallupFarmersMarket.com
Bainbridge Island Market (Saturdays, April–November): Small, cozy, and packed with island-grown goods. BainBridgeIslandFarmersMarket.com
As the seasons change, so do the offerings: spring’s rhubarb and tulips, summer’s berries and tomatoes, fall’s squash and cider, and winter’s root vegetables and handmade holiday treasures. Each week brings a new reason to slow down, savor, and support.
When we choose to shop local, we’re doing more than buying produce; we’re investing in people, preserving traditions, and participating in a more sustainable future. We’re saying yes to fresh food, strong communities, and a deeper connection to the land and each other.
So grab a tote bag, bring a friend, and find your way back to the market. The magic’s waiting, and it’s closer than you think.
Julia Runyan
The Runyan Group - RE/MAX Exclusive
7201 Pioneer Way, Suite A 101
Gig Harbor
253.549.5110
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