There were many reasons why my husband and I decided to move to Davis a few years ago: it’s a small town with many eateries, various sporting and music events thanks to UCD and oh yeah, the famous Davis Farmers Market. It wasn’t until we settled in that I came to find out that Davis has not one, but two farmers markets – each unique in its food and fun.
First, there’s the Saturday morning market, which everyone seems to know about as it draws a crowd from neighboring towns and cities. This is more of your traditional market, with various fruit and vegetable booths, flowers, natural meats, a few local wineries and fun Davis crafts. One of my favorite Saturday morning activities is to grab a cup of drip coffee and browse the produce for dinner inspiration. It’s a farmer’s farmers market, which I love.
The Wednesday night market is a whole different ballgame; it feels more like a community picnic in the park. There’s always a band set up on the grassy “stage” area and Central Park is covered in blankets, families, strollers and kids. There is a group of tables set up on the side for people who didn’t bring a blanket and it’s common for folks to bring a bottle of wine and a board game. And I don’t mean a few board games – these people are serious Scrabble tournament types! There is often a rock climbing wall, pony rides and bounce houses set up to help entertain the young ones. And the booths are also different: there are a few produce booths, but the majority are local restaurants. The perfect way to “do” the Wednesday night market is to pack a blanket and come hungry. Everyone in your family can try a different restaurant for dinner and dessert and relax on the grass while enjoying music. My go-to is the tri-tip sandwich and apple slaw from the Buckhorn, and a popsicle from the popsicle bike, this time it was the blueberry lemon yogurt – yum!
Davis Farmers Markets
Central Park
4th and C Streets
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (year-round)
Wednesday: 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (summer only)
Davis Beerfest 2011
Stout. Porter. Hefeweizen. Pilsner.
For beer lovers everywhere, just the sound of these brews is enough to make mouths water.
The world’s third most popular beverage-beat only by water and tea-is at the center of a foam-guzzling culture that geographically ranges from the famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany to the pubs of London, England and, more locally, Beerfest 2011 in Davis.
Davis’ fourth annual Beerfest is kicking off its hop-filled festivities on Saturday, June 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sudwerk Brewery.
The fest is hosted by Citizens Who Care, an organization that is dedicated to helping the elderly and their caretakers.
The $35 price of admission includes the opportunity to taste more than 100 handcrafted beers, tour the Sudwerk Brewery, the ever-festive availability of Nugget-provided sausage, and of course, a commemorative souvenir mug…which is definitely why I’m going.
There will be about 40 local brands represented, including my favorite as a recent Chico State grad, Sierra Nevada.
Tickets for designated drivers are also available for a discounted price of $10, which includes food and unlimited soft drinks. Win.
Photo courtesy of Flikr user VXLA.
Picnic Day, UC Davis
It’s that time of the year again! UC Davis’ 97th annual campus-wide open house, Picnic Day, is this Saturday, April 16, 2011. The theme of this year’s Picnic Day is “Rewind” and was chosen with hope that Picnic Day attendees will revive the spirit of the first picnic day in 1909.
Picnic Day at UC Davis is a family-friendly event for all to come and experience the diversity and achievement at UC Davis and the surrounding community in the areas of research, teaching, service and campus life. Picnic Day is a FREE event and open for everyone, no registration required to attend. For the schedule of events, visit the Picnic Day website.
When I was a student at UC Davis, Picnic Day was always one of the most memorable days of the year. It was the best excuse to wake up early and wander around campus with my friends enjoying the exhibits, parties, demonstrations, live music, food, and the crowds of people present on one of the busiest days of the year in Davis.
Of course, the SacFoodies especially love all the great food at Picnic Day! The abundance of food vendors and food-related events available throughout campus are reason enough for us to attend each year. Check out some of our previous SacFoodies Picnic Day posts to learn more.
Picnic Day Office
University of California, Davis
349 Memorial Union
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 752-6320
Tightwad Tuesday: Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day!
Ice cream is the perfect treat to enjoy during the warm spring and summer months, so be sure to stop by Ben & Jerry’s in Davis today from 12pm to 8pm for FREE ice cream!
What: Ben & Jerry’s FREE Cone Day!
When: Today, April 12, 2011 from 12pm to 8pm
With the abundance of Ben & Jerry’s flavors, everyone is bound to find a favorite. Ice creams, sorbets, sugar-free ice creams, and frozen yogurts will all be available at Free Cone Day, including some of the delicious new Ben & Jerry’s flavors:
Late Night Snack: vanilla bean ice cream with a salty caramel swirl and fudge covered potato chip clusters
Red Velvet Cake: red velvet cake batter ice cream with red velvet cake pieces and a cream cheese frosting swirl
Americone Dream: vanilla ice cream with fudge covered waffle cone pieces and a caramel swirl
Bonnaroo Buzz: coffee and malt ice cream with toffee chunks and a whiskey caramel swirl
Clusterfluff: peanut butter ice cream with caramel cluster pieces, peanut butter and marshmallow swirls
To see the full list of flavors available and to find Free Cone Day locations outside of the Sacramento area, visit the Ben & Jerry’s website.
Ben & Jerry’s
500 First Street, #9
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 756-5964
Note: The line is usually pretty long on Free Cone Day, so we suggest that you either get there early or prepare to wait.
Taste of Davis 2011
When people ask me where I grew up, I usually respond by saying “Davis, California” followed at lightning-speed by a supporting qualifier: “It’s just outside of Sacramento.” But more and more, I’m noticing there’s no need to put my hometown on the map in such a way. Lately, my response has been met with comments such as “Oh, I have a friend that went to UC Davis” or “Yes, I’ve heard of the great Farmers Market they have there.”
Whether you know Davis like the back of your hand or have never made the jaunt down I-80 West (no, a stop at In-N-Out on Olive Drive en route to/from Tahoe does NOT count), there’s an event around the corner that you don’t want to miss.
Taste of Davis is back this Friday, March 18 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Center. This is the second annual Taste of Davis hosted by the Davis Chamber of Commerce, and I was fortunate enough to attend last year, so I’m speaking from experience when I say it’s worth your while. The evening will showcase bites and sips from more than 30 restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries, and other local businesses.
Tickets are $50 in advance or $65 at the door. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets by phone at 530-756-5160 or online HERE. Hurry – the event sold out last year!