Farm Stores to Fuel Your Summer Adventures
As the season of epic road trips, adventures, and staycations kicks off, we’re highlighting farm stores around the state. Farm stores are a unique institution in Washington State, serving as a place to pick up fresh produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, local beers and wine, as well as being community hubs. You’ll likely see flyers for local events and community resources, and overhear folks calling each other by their first names, and ordering their ‘usual’. In rural areas of Washington, they provide delicious food to locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re heading to the Olympic Peninsula, the Methow Valley, or just down the street, be sure to plan a stop at a farm store to experience the unique local flavors and personality they offer. Find farm stores and other local food near you using the Washington Food and Farm Finder.
Let’s start our tour in Duvall, where Local Roots Farm’s retail storefront carries fresh vegetables grown right on their farm. Local Roots is a family-run farm in the Snoqualmie River Valley. They sell their delicious produce through their on-farm stand, their CSA, and restaurants. In addition to their veggies, the farm store also carries cookbooks for culinary inspiration and other local products – everything you need for a farm-fresh meal.
The Olympic Peninsula is home to majestic rainforests, mountain ranges, coastline, and Key City Fish Company. Key City Fish Company sells the best in fresh seafood, natural meats, and free-range poultry – all from the waters and farmlands of the Pacific Northwest. Their market, located in Port Townsend, has all the seafood goodies your heart could ever desire… plus tacos!
No trip to the Methow Valley would be complete without a stop at the Mazama Store. Nestled up against the foothills of the Cascades, the Mazama Store is a family-owned and operated general store offering “a little bit of everything good”. The store is bursting with natural and organic goods, sundries, local produce, fresh produce, gourmet espresso drinks, and homemade bakery items from their kitchen. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a day in the mountains.
Headed out to Mt. Baker for a summer hike in the mountains? A stop at the historic Rome Grocery is a must. Local food is at the heart of this store, and they’ve got a little bit of everything. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, the store currently offers groceries, beer on tap, local produce, and ice cream as well as a scratch kitchen cooking up delicious sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. So, whether you need a quick meal, or a 6-pack of local brews to-go, Rome Grocery is your one stop shop!
Another local gem is Green Bow Farm store in Ellensburg. Pro tip: it’s the perfect place to stop on your way to a climbing trip in Vantage! Green Bow Farm is a regenerative, pasture-based farm operation producing high quality beef, pork, lamb, chicken and eggs sold direct to their customers. Their farming practices support healthy animals, healthy soil and healthy people all while sequestering nearly 200,000 tons of carbon a year! The selection of meats changes weekly depending on what the kitchen and butcher shop are dreaming up. The farm store also offers eggs from chickens raised on the farm as well as other local products including veggies, cold beverages, cheeses, and more!
Situated on the banks of the Walla Walla River, Frog Hollow Farm is an idyllic stop in southeastern Washington. They focus on growing heirloom and other unique varieties of various crops such as tomatoes, squash, herbs, and flowers. Come in the spring for their annual plant sale to pick up a beautiful hanging basket or take home some veggie starts to grow yourself! The farm store, which is open Spring-Fall, offers fresh produce and flower bouquets along with carefully selected artisan foods and hand-crafted gifts.
Whether you’re driving down the road or across the state, the Food and Farm Finder is here to help you find local goodies along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Hop in the car or on your bike and see all the fun farm stores that Washington has to offer. While you’re visiting, snap a picture of whatever treasures you find and tag us on Instagram and Facebook #eatlocalfirst. Thanks for supporting local by eating local first!
