Summer means it’s time to bask in the glory of local produce and the Tri-Cities has many locally run produce stands and businesses. As we head into peak farm stand season, we are lucky to live in an area in close proximity to so many great farms and their stands. Visiting them not only provides excellent opportunities to support local farms but also a chance to add fresh produce into our daily lives.
Lil Fruit Stand
1345 Lee Blvd.
Richland
Lil Fruit Stand has offered Richland a fresh produce experience for over 30 years. They sell produce from Martinez Farm in Walla Walla, Blakely Farm in Pasco, many small farms in Benton City and other farms around the area. Along with this outsourced produce, Lil Fruit Stand brings fresh to another level with planter boxes on site filled with growing vegetable plants to pick when ripe. They also have a fresh herb garden to harvest from. The stand is open year-round, and inside their shop, local art is found in addition to a variety of goods from different local vendors. Current hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunny Hill Market
6701 W Court St.
Pasco
The owners of Sunny Hill Market began farming in 2001. Several years later, in 2014, their enthusiasm for sharing good food expanded to include an open-air market. This market connects their farm with their love for the community. This connection allows them to provide a welcoming and inclusive market that builds on their ideals of eating healthy and shopping locally. In-season produce will always be available, but they also offer all-natural ground beef and other various beef cuts from JR Ranch in Othello. In addition to their farm-to-table options, different local vendors are featured at the market every weekend. Sunny Hill Market opens in mid-June and runs through September. Located behind Mac’s Garden Center, Sunny Hill Market’s hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Angel Brook Farm
Griggs Ace Hardware & Sporting Goods
1415 George Washington Way
Richland
6820 W Clearwater Ave.
Kennewick
Angel Brooke Farm was founded when the Beus family moved to the Tri-Cities in 2014. Their family had been farming and running small businesses for years. Opening Angel Brook Farm became a way to incorporate all the things they loved into a lifestyle they could share with their community. Angel Brook Farm is based out of Pasco, and they strive to provide a market experience for the area. Any produce or products that their family doesn’t personally grow or raise themselves is sourced from other local farms and friends. They are constantly growing, and this year several new products have been added for sale — raw honey from home-managed hives, pasture-raised chicken eggs, and grass-fed meats. Starting on June 19, these market-style produce stands will be open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily through October.
Local Pumpkin Produce
Although Local Pumpkin Produce isn’t a physical stand, they are a fantastic, simple way to access local produce. Local Pumpkin is a produce box delivery service delivering a selection of fruits, veggies and other items to your door. They take pride in providing local produce during its growing season and organic produce during the off-season. Other available products include grass-fed beef, dairy, cheeses, pork, chicken, and eggs. Local food items can also be ordered. Things like honey, dry soup mixes, cider, artisan ferments, and baked goods (including gluten-free options) are available. There are even soaps and candles to buy. Local Pumpkin Produce is community-centered and highlights local restaurants and other businesses, and ensures every box is precisely what you need and want. As they like to say, “We are a farmers market delivered to your front door.” Their Facebook page is an excellent source to check out for future features and products.
The Country Mercantile
5015 Ava Way.
Richland
232 Crestloch Rd.
Pasco
The Country Mercantile began as a small, seasonal produce stand that has grown into an exciting community scene at their two locations. This family-owned and operated store sells local produce, gourmet foods from across the Northwest, and many homemade items like chocolates, fudge, and ice cream. Other highlights of the Country Mercantile are the deli, gift department, and many seasonal events throughout the year. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to stay up to date on what’s happening. From their Harvest and Pumpkin Patch Festivals to their Big Red Barn petting zoo, you won’t want to miss out on the fun.
FreshPicks Smoothies & Fruit
8378 W Grandridge Blvd.
Kennewick
Open year-round, FreshPicks Smoothies & Fruit sells local produce and offers yummy smoothies too. All fruits and vegetables are sourced from the Rowley & Hawkins Fruit Farms located in Basin City. Along with the fresh selection of fruits, both fresh and dried, many other products made from the farm itself are available. This includes preserves, pies, and juices. Stop by check out their selection from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Check out their Facebook page for updates and other valuable information.
As the weather warms up, farms are continually preparing to share their crops. Make the most of the bounty by buying locally from fruit stands. The support allows small, local farms to remain a viable, healthy option for produce selection. Including fresh produce in our daily lives is beneficial both for our bodies and our communities.
