I’m always shocked when someone who lives in San Francisco tells me they’ve never been to the Alemany Farmers' Market. It’s the biggest, cheapest, and most fun farmers' market in the city. I haven’t been to one anywhere in the Bay Area that compares.

You can find every fruit and vegetable that’s in season, and discover new varieties you’ve never heard of – the one that was new to me today was the “Snow Leopard Melon.” Vendors are often happy to talk about what they have on offer and give you a free sample.

It takes place every Saturday morning, year-round, and is usually still selling until around 1pm. Late-comers have slimmer pickings, but can often get fantastic discounts as farmers try to unload the remainder of their stock that would otherwise have to be thrown into the trash or trucked back to the farm.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, you can get fresh bread, eggs, mushrooms (the generous bag of “ugly” Lion’s Mane for $20 is a steal!), orchids and other plants, cut flowers, fresh juice, honey, and olive oil. It’s worth a trip, even if you don’t live nearby, although DO NOT drive unless you plan to park several blocks away and walk over. The parking lot and intersection right in front of the market are a disaster if you’re in a car. The 23, 24, 8, 44, and 67 bus routes all stop nearby, and there is plenty of bike parking near the bathroom building.