Ripe produce, fresh-baked pastries and other tasty treats abound at farmers' markets throughout Okanogan Country.
     Farmers' markets open in the spring with bedding plants, early crops, baked goods and other items, and continue through October when harvest season ends in Okanogan Country.
     Popular with residents and visitors alike, the markets provide a refreshing way to spend a morning or an afternoon in direct pursuit of apples, cherries, peaches, pears and nectarines grown in local orchards, and garden fresh greens, tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, sweet corn and myriad other fresh produce.
     They offer potted and cut flowers and other items. Often there will be master gardener plant advice, kids' crafts, music and fresh-baked goodies thrown into the bargain.
     Visiting a farmers' market provides a leisurely way to meet friendly local residents and enjoy the unique flavor of one the area's many rural communities.
     Many farmers' markets also offer gourmet coffee and other snacks, along with crafts and art items.
     Farmers' markets are conducted in:
     • Bridgeport, 8:30 a.m. to noon Fridays at the junction parking lot by the Union 76 station.
     • Okanogan, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays (May through October) at Legion Park on North Second Avenue.
     • Omak, 3:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays (June through October) at Civic League Park on Ash Street, a block off Main.
     • Oroville, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays (July through September) in front of the Oroville Public Library.
     • Tonasket, 3-6 p.m. Thursday afternoons (June through October) at Triangle Park off Highway 97 at the north end of town.
     • Twisp, 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays (April through September) at the Methow Valley Community Center on Highway 20.
     For more information on agri-tourism opportunities, visit www.OkanoganCountry.com or check out the "Okanogan Grown Agricultural Guide," produced by the Okanogan County Tourism Council and the Partnership for a Sustainable Methow.
     It's available online at www.OkanoganCountry.com or through local chambers or commerce and visitors centers, or by calling 1 (888) 421-3199.