Top 8 Farmers Markets in San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo County

Reviewed By Z8145WIpaulm - Pismo Beach, United States

Local Eval.: Out of the many [11-19] local [ within 100 miles of SLO] Farmer's Markets on almost all days of the week, except on Sundays, this small-medium sized Farmer's Market is a winner. We are regulars at several of them. While it is quite a drive from the SLO/Pismo area, the scenic drive and proximity to glorious coastal views/parks/ocean [e.g. Shamel County Park/ Moonstone Parks], more than compensates for this. Curiously, while Cambria has several of the same vendors as many other Southern FM's, it is run independently of the others, including the North County FM's. This is only a problem, if you have left over chits from other NCFM's. Cambria's FM is located in a pleasant area right next to the Veterans Center and a memorial, at the beginning of downtown Cambria, right off the 101. While they have good range of vendors, the two stars here are Cambria's own Linn's BBQ/Pies, and Mt. Olive Organic Farm from Paso Robles [both of which have physical stores or farm]. Linn's BBQ somehow makes one of the most savory, smoky, succulent, BBQ meats that one can find anywhere, including Huli-Huli chicken in Hawaii. I am not sure what magic goes into their BBQ, but I suspect that slow roasting over a proper wood fire gives it a unique taste, which is well worth over an hour drive. We also found that their homemade Raspberry/ Rhubarb mini-pie was flawless. While they are likely affiliated with their Cambria store, I did not see any mention of their BBQ on Linn's store reviews. While Linn's BBQ is strictly limited to Cambria, Mt. Olive OF [aka MOOF] does get around to at least a few other SLO county FM's, including the huge SLO/ Madonna Plaza Sat. 8AM one, as well as, the quaint, lesser know FM, in serene Baywood, every Monday at 2PM. MOOF, offers a vast selection of all kinds of locally grown creations, produce, and vegetables. They have everything one can imagine from teas, to eggs, to even edible flowers. There are other locally well known vendors that also appear at several of the other FM's, including ones that bake, sell seafood, meat, soup, and more. A few are specific to the Cambria region, such as Olive Oil/Wine, local veges, and more. The vendors and customers make for a rather festive event, and it is quite fun, even in the winter. By going off-season, you benefit from less congested touristed area, and can be almost alone on some of the many nearby beach parks/ hiking trails, where it is great idea to have a impromptu picnic, from all the goodies that you snag here. In general, the prices here are quite reasonable for pricey Cambria, and are a bargain compared to the touristy places. Since you are nowhere near SLO's Whole Foods, Lassen's, TJ's, or even the local health food store in Morro Bay, this is likely the best place to score great eats if you stay in the area. In summary, Cambria's FM is a winner & well worth repeated visits!