Day 8: Best Use of Space Under a Freeway Overpass
Like many cities, Sacramento is crisscrossed by a series of different freeways (I-5, I-99, I-80, US 50), and the numerous interchanges and intersections are often located on elevated sections above the surrounding surface streets. One nearby overpass covers the block between W & X Streets and spans 6-8th Streets, just south of Southside Park. During the week, the space under this overpass is used as a parking lot for downtown commuters, most of whom are state workers and walk from the lot to their office buildings 6+ blocks away.
On Sundays, however, this same space is home to an amazing and comprehensive year-round Farmer's Market, with vendors selling all sorts of local and seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants, olive oil, honey, nuts, cheese, fish, meat, eggs, dried fruit, bread, pastries, and wine.
Situating the FM under the overpass provides protection from the weather for shoppers and vendors alike, so no worries about rain in winter and lots of constant shade from the heat in summer. Perhaps not the prettiest of venues, but very practical!
Mr. E makes the weekly trek to the FM for all of our fruit, veggies, eggs, nuts, and olive oil. And occasionally cheese and surprise flowers for me. :) The only exceptions are for organic bananas at the grocery store (not something grown in California) and organic lemons and limes when citrus isn't in season here.
We are SO lucky to have this bounty just blocks from our home, and since we both grew up in much colder climates with much shorter growing seasons and far fewer varieties of local produce, we remain incredibly appreciative of our access to fresh and local food.
To me, this is such a fabulous use of the space under a freeway overpass that would otherwise sit empty and unused over the weekend.
On Sundays, however, this same space is home to an amazing and comprehensive year-round Farmer's Market, with vendors selling all sorts of local and seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants, olive oil, honey, nuts, cheese, fish, meat, eggs, dried fruit, bread, pastries, and wine.
Situating the FM under the overpass provides protection from the weather for shoppers and vendors alike, so no worries about rain in winter and lots of constant shade from the heat in summer. Perhaps not the prettiest of venues, but very practical!
Mr. E makes the weekly trek to the FM for all of our fruit, veggies, eggs, nuts, and olive oil. And occasionally cheese and surprise flowers for me. :) The only exceptions are for organic bananas at the grocery store (not something grown in California) and organic lemons and limes when citrus isn't in season here.
We are SO lucky to have this bounty just blocks from our home, and since we both grew up in much colder climates with much shorter growing seasons and far fewer varieties of local produce, we remain incredibly appreciative of our access to fresh and local food.
To me, this is such a fabulous use of the space under a freeway overpass that would otherwise sit empty and unused over the weekend.
posted by jms | 3:27 PM
2 Comments:
I love reading your blog! Having moved from Sacramento to Phoenix, I sure miss the farmer's markets and the abundance and availability of FRESH LOCAL eats! I also enjoy the jog down memory lane with your daily experiences. Happy times with cherished memories of our friendship and the city we hold dear! -fellow fish
APM Says---
That's super cool!
You're right, good use of the space.
Sometimes, when I do the Sat morning shopping (our Farmer's is in the courthouse parking lot) I will bring Nell home flowers as well.
If it wasn't for your beastly cats, I'd say APM and Nell could come for a wknd. Maybe next year.
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