Exploring the Little Italy Mercato

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]armer’s markets help support local farmers and small business and help us consumers “cut out the middleman” to get the freshest and highest quality ingredients without breaking the bank. Each day of the week, you can typically find a farmer’s market in a different neighborhood somewhere in San Diego county.

On Saturdays, Little Italy draws in hundreds of San Diegans to their farmer’s market. Venders offer everything from organic produce to handcrafted jewelry to delicious fresh squeezed juices.

My friends and I decided to spend the morning exploring the Little Italy Mercato. The market was bustling with people of all ages, babies and plenty of little furry friends.

We were instantly greeted with the smells of burning sage, fresh cut flowers and salty ocean air.

Blue skies in Little Italy

Walking through the Little Italy Mercato

Say CHEESE!

Locally produced olive oil

Organic olives, olive oil and agave

Don't panic! It's organic! — Don’t panic! It’s organic!

Snagging some samples

Organic toffee peanut butter? Don't twist my arm — Organic toffee peanut butter? Don’t twist my arm

Salty Sisters sea salt candy

Toffee with dark chocolate and almonds

Fresh cut flowers

We're suckers for Gerbera daisies — We’re suckers for Gerbera daisies

More cheese. Can you sense my weakness?

Local produce

Fresh herbs

Wouldn't be a farmer's market without some sage! — Wouldn’t be a farmer’s market without some sage!

Street performers

Sweet smelling body butter

Taking a break to moisturize

Almond based dip, Bitchin' Sauce. Best stuff ever! — Almond based dip, Bitchin’ Sauce. Best stuff ever!

Stay bitchin' San Diego! — Stay bitchin’ San Diego!

A little farmer's market humor — A little farmer’s market humor

Cheesecake in a cup!

Foodie heaven! — Key Lime Cheesecake heaven!

Check out the Little Italy Mercato website for more details!

Do you have a favorite farmer’s market?

Leave a comment

Cancel reply

Anni

Some really, really pretty pictures.
And talk about CHEESE!
Food pictures really can be so beautiful to look at.

February 11, 2014 at 8:53 pm · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Life is better with cheese 😉

February 18, 2014 at 7:34 pm · Reply

Beautiful pictures, I love farmer’s markets and Italy and France have the best in Europe.
Very interesting and beautiful blog, came here from “The expert vagabond’s” website and will return to read more for sure.

August 27, 2014 at 4:20 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Thanks Claudia! Love Matt’s blog!

August 27, 2014 at 12:01 pm · Reply

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A little slice of paradise for the whole family in Crete! 🇬🇷🌴
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Condé Nast Traveller named Phāea Cretan Malia its “Best for families” pick in its guide to the best hotels in Crete, and after our stay, I can see why!

Finding a resort that’s genuinely family-friendly without sacrificing the things you love about a luxury getaway isn’t always easy. But this place gets it SO right!

A few highlights from our stay:

🍽️ The FOOD! Honestly, one of the biggest highlights. Every restaurant had its own unique atmosphere and menu, and everything we tried was absolutely delicious. I loved that dining here felt like an experience in itself.

🥖 The breadmaking experience: We got to make traditional bread together, which was such a fun, hands-on way to experience a little bit of Cretan culture.

🏊🏼‍♀️ The pools: Gorgeous pools surrounded by lush gardens and plenty of space to swim, play, or just lounge in the sunshine.

🏖️ The beach: The resort sits right on the beach, so you can go from the pool to swimming in the Mediterranean in minutes. The best of both worlds!

🛏️ The rooms: We stayed in a Deluxe Family Bungalow, which had a separate kids’ bedroom with bunk beds, a bedroom for the adults, and two bathrooms. Such a great setup for families!

🧸 The kids’ club: A beautiful space with activities for little ones, giving parents a chance to enjoy some downtime, too.

What I loved most was that it never felt like we had to compromise on the kind of hotel experience I love just because I was traveling with a little one.

Definitely one to save for your next family trip to Greece! 🤍

📍 @phaeacretanmalia | Crete, Greece
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#crete #cretegreece #greecewithkids #familytravel #luxuryfamilytravel

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A little slice of paradise for the whole family in Crete! 🇬🇷🌴
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Condé Nast Traveller named Phāea Cretan Malia its “Best for families” pick in its guide to the best hotels in Crete, and after our stay, I can see why!

Finding a resort that’s genuinely family-friendly without sacrificing the things you love about a luxury getaway isn’t always easy. But this place gets it SO right!

A few highlights from our stay:

🍽️ The FOOD! Honestly, one of the biggest highlights. Every restaurant had its own unique atmosphere and menu, and everything we tried was absolutely delicious. I loved that dining here felt like an experience in itself.

🥖 The breadmaking experience: We got to make traditional bread together, which was such a fun, hands-on way to experience a little bit of Cretan culture.

🏊🏼‍♀️ The pools: Gorgeous pools surrounded by lush gardens and plenty of space to swim, play, or just lounge in the sunshine.

🏖️ The beach: The resort sits right on the beach, so you can go from the pool to swimming in the Mediterranean in minutes. The best of both worlds!

🛏️ The rooms: We stayed in a Deluxe Family Bungalow, which had a separate kids’ bedroom with bunk beds, a bedroom for the adults, and two bathrooms. Such a great setup for families!

🧸 The kids’ club: A beautiful space with activities for little ones, giving parents a chance to enjoy some downtime, too.

What I loved most was that it never felt like we had to compromise on the kind of hotel experience I love just because I was traveling with a little one.

Definitely one to save for your next family trip to Greece! 🤍

📍 @phaeacretanmalia | Crete, Greece
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#crete #cretegreece #greecewithkids #familytravel #luxuryfamilytravel

Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico! 💀🌼🇲🇽
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
In 2024, I finally got to experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, and it was everything I’d hoped for and more! This had been on my bucket list for YEARS.

One of the things I admire most about Mexican culture is the beautiful way they honor those who have passed. Losing someone we love is one of the hardest parts of being human, and I think there’s something so special about having an annual tradition dedicated to remembering and celebrating their lives.

Día de Muertos is actually a multi-day celebration, with different days dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed, including children and pets.

Families create beautiful ofrendas (altars) filled with photos, marigolds, candles, and their loved ones’ favorite foods and drinks. It’s believed that their spirits return to visit, and these offerings help welcome them home.

What I love most is that it’s not about forgetting the sadness of losing someone. It’s about making space for the joy of having loved them in the first place.

I just think the world could use a little more of this ❤️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#DiaDeMuertos #DiaDeLosMuertos #OaxacaMexico #DayOfTheDead #MexicoTravel

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Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico! 💀🌼🇲🇽
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
In 2024, I finally got to experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, and it was everything I’d hoped for and more! This had been on my bucket list for YEARS.

One of the things I admire most about Mexican culture is the beautiful way they honor those who have passed. Losing someone we love is one of the hardest parts of being human, and I think there’s something so special about having an annual tradition dedicated to remembering and celebrating their lives.

Día de Muertos is actually a multi-day celebration, with different days dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed, including children and pets.

Families create beautiful ofrendas (altars) filled with photos, marigolds, candles, and their loved ones’ favorite foods and drinks. It’s believed that their spirits return to visit, and these offerings help welcome them home.

What I love most is that it’s not about forgetting the sadness of losing someone. It’s about making space for the joy of having loved them in the first place.

I just think the world could use a little more of this ❤️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#DiaDeMuertos #DiaDeLosMuertos #OaxacaMexico #DayOfTheDead #MexicoTravel

Safe to say we love Spooky Season 👻🎃 Happy Halloween from Cape Town, everyone!

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Safe to say we love Spooky Season 👻🎃 Happy Halloween from Cape Town, everyone!

This might just be the easiest way to stay  connected while traveling! 📱✈️
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I use Holafly Plans, a monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 160+ destinations. I installed one eSIM and can stay connected as I move from country to country—all with one monthly price.

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This might just be the easiest way to stay  connected while traveling! 📱✈️
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
From quick international trips to spending an entire year abroad, @holafly_esim has made staying connected while traveling so much simpler.

I use Holafly Plans, a monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 160+ destinations. I installed one eSIM and can stay connected as I move from country to country—all with one monthly price.

As an American traveler, I especially love having a U.S. number that can receive texts while I’m abroad!

Use my code THEBLONDEABROAD for 10% off Holafly Plans for your first 12 months.
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Or click below to find the Holafly Plan that works for you!

Is there anything prettier than autumn? 🍂🤎
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The changing leaves, crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and all those gorgeous golden colors.
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#AutumnVibes #FallFoliage #FallTravel #Autumn

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Is there anything prettier than autumn? 🍂🤎
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The changing leaves, crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and all those gorgeous golden colors.
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#AutumnVibes #FallFoliage #FallTravel #Autumn