Visit one of Sacramento's many Farmers Markets

My husband and I love to visit Farmer's Markets and Sacramento has several to choose from! We are very lucky that we are the "Farm-to-Fork Capital" and have abundant fresh veggies all over town and on different days of the week. Here is a list of farmers markets in the greater Sacramento area:

Midtown Farmers Market -- A year-round market held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring over 200 vendors offering local agriculture, prepared foods, artisans, and crafters. 

Downtown Sacramento Farmers Market -- Located at Capitol Mall (Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and at  Caesar Chavez Park (Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) providing fresh California-grown seasonal favorites including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, herbs, and cheeses. 

Oak Park Farmers Market -- Held at McClatchy Park every Saturday from April to November, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a diverse group of vendors selling locally produced fruits, vegetables, specialty plants, breads, cheeses, tamales, fresh flowers, and more. 

Carmichael Farmers Market -- Located at Carmichael Park, this year-round market operates every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, honey, eggs, meat, herbs, olive oil, cheeses, and olives. 

Fair Oaks Farmers Market -- Situated at Fair Oaks Park, this market is open every Tuesday year-round from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, featuring fresh local produce, coffee, arts and craft vendors, meat vendors, and more.  

Sunrise Mall Farmers Market -- Held in front of Macy’s parking lot at Sunrise Mall, this year-round market operates every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring over 80 vendors offering fresh organic produce, baked goods, canned fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, prepared foods, crafts, and more. 

Natomas Farmers Market -- Located at North Natomas Regional Park, this market runs every Saturday from June to September, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., offering a variety of local produce and goods. 

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, exploring these farmers markets is a delightful way to experience the best of Sacramento's agricultural offerings.

Backyard chicken rules within the City of Sacramento

I was asked this week if chickens are allowed at residential properties within the City of Sacramento. I have had several clients who live within the city limits who have had chickens. Chickens can be great for laying fresh eggs or as family pets. Thanks to an ordinance that was passed in 2011, the short answer is -- YES -- chickens are allowed, but of course that comes with plenty of rules to follow. For example:

• Maximum of 3 chickens per parcel
• No roosters allowed
• No slaughtering permitted
• Chickens must be in a coop at all times
• Chickens must have adequate food, water, and ventilation

There are also several requirements relative to the size and location of the chicken coop. And of course the city also requires a permit and fees.

To read the full list of rules per the City of Sacramento website, click here. And you should inquire directly with the city with any questions.