Organic French baguettes in various shapes

Last week we went up to Novato, a small town in Marin County that's about 40 minutes' drive from San Francisco. In the summers, downtown Novato hosts a Farmer's Market on Tuesday evenings that looks like something out of Mayberry.

The market covers two blocks in the downtown business district in front of restaurants, cafés, and shops. Along with the market stalls, there's also a petting zoo, toy train rides, inflated trampolines, clowns, balloon art, and face painting. This market isn't just a place to buy food; it's a family affair and a place to have dinner; there were several hot food stands set up serving rotisserie chicken, barbecue, homemade Thai food, and fish & chips.

Along with fresh local produce and fresh local meat from Marin and Sonoma counties, there were stalls selling baked goods, cheese, honey, jam, charcuteries, prepared foods, and sauces. Downtown Novato boasts a wonderful garden supply store and an old-fashioned candy shop, which complemented the farmer's market perfectly. What better way to spend a summer evening than hanging out at the market with your family and friends?

Delicious baked goods

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Squash and potatoes

Blueberries

Berry mix

Pluots - a hybrid of a plum and an apricot, from California's San Joaquin Valley

Rosa Bianca eggplant and plums

(Images: Kathryn Hill)