LITTLE ITALY FARMERS MARKET

Although OB farmers market was my first experience in San Diego and will always hold a special place in my heart, I have found my new love and it goes by the name of Little Italy. The Little Italy Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from 8 am -2 pm and takes up a few blocks starting at West Kettner Blvd. and going down to Front Street. It’s right in the heart of all the wonderful Italian restaurants that make up this adorable, charming area in San Diego. Back East in New York City Little Italy is not only huge, but a famous area that we would visit often. This is where we could enjoy homemade pasta dinners, the best New York pizza you could find and handmade desserts that were out of this world. Therefore, we were really excited to check out San Diego’s smaller version of the place we know and love.

            We woke up early Saturday morning and headed towards the downtown area where we had visited a few times before on different vacations out here. We recognized the area instantly and found our way to the market. As we drove around for parking we had trouble finding a spot and then out of nowhere we saw that there was an entire parking lot for those shopping at the market. Not only was the parking lot available, it was free. This absolutely blew my mind because you would never find something like that back home, making things so convenient for the people wanting to shop and check it out. We grabbed a spot and followed the music that was coming from a few blocks over. There were rows and rows of different vendors when we got to the market and we were immediately overwhelmed by all of the great products around us.

            All of the vendors had free samples out for everyone to try of all of the different items from fresh guacamole, different granola, tortilla chips, hummus, smoothies and crepes that smelled like heaven. We jumped right in and began walking up and down the streets, buying various items along the way. Of course, when we got to the end of the market we spotted this truck that appeared to be selling clothing. The store was called “Therapie Boutique” and it was the first time I had seen a clothing store based out of a truck. We hopped on and walked around looking at all of the different and unique items that they were selling and of course made some purchases. Then we got off, picked up some of the vegetables that we needed and enjoyed the live free music on that beautiful, sunny day.

            Not only did the market have so many different items to choose from, but the atmosphere was amazing. OB Farmers Market was great because it is by the beach, but Little Italy was so charming that I couldn’t imagine spending my Saturday morning in a better place. The live music was amazing and everyone walking around had such a chill vibe as oppose to people on top of each other trying to buy things and rush around in a hurry. That is one of the major differences that I’ve noticed so far about San Diego compared to NYC. People here take their time at these farmers markets, walk around to see what everyone has to offer and enjoy conversations and talking to people. Back East people want to get in and get out when they’re shopping for anything. At stores they grab what they need and rush back out to their busy lives, completely uninterested in making conversation or meeting new people. This was a major selling point for Amanda and I when we were deciding to move here and today’s trip to the Little Italy Famer’s Market has proven to me that we have made the right choice and we’re exactly where we want to be at this time in our lives. I strongly recommend anyone living in the area to check it out next Saturday morning and to go with an empty stomach because there are too many delicious foods being made right in front of you that you will need to try out!