We were looking for a farmer's market that was open on Sundays as we were meeting up with a friend…read moreto work with her dog's neutrality in higher-
stimulation environments, and Carmichael Farmer's Market came up during our search. I also liked that it was open later in the day compared to most other farmer's markets.
Upon arrival, there was a good amount of people enjoying the breezy August day, and parking wasn't too difficult to find. We ended up parking along the perimeter of the park itself, since the farmer's market is located at Carmichael Park and the main lot was full.
For a smaller farmer's market, there were still a good variety of vendors, and a handful of produce stands. Food and drink vendors were also present, and of course the matcha stand was popping.
The matcha stand was called Luz & Leaf, and had a small but varied menu, including a seasonal mango matcha lemonade for the summer. I had to go for the London Fog Matcha Latte, since I love earl grey tea (and lavender syrup).
This matcha latte was the perfect drink for walking about the farmer's market, and so smooth. The ice level was just right, and I'm so glad they had oat milk for me, as that has been my milk of choice these days for my coffee/matcha orders. There were only two girls manning the matcha stand, and they were working diligently to whisk matcha and get orders out in a timely manner. I absolutely did not mind waiting, and enjoyed watching the girls put together everyone's drinks. I also got a stamp card from them since I would definitely want to have more matcha from them again.
The other vendor we ended up purchasing from was a sweet lady who sold green tea leaves, including Kan Cha, which is one of the rarest teas in the world. She works directly with small farms who grow the special tea leaves, and sells them at a really reasonable price point. I ended up getting a packet of the Kan Cha, and will be making some once it gets cold enough to make hot tea (she recommended to steep it in hot water for best flavor notes).
As we were busy training with my friend's dog, we didn't quite experience as much of the framer's market as much as I wanted to, but I'm sure we will be back some other time. This farmer's market is super dog friendly, so it's a perfect environment for working on handler engagement and neutrality. The majority of the dogs seemed decently behaved, but I personally wouldn't bring my own dog to this farmer's market, especially since the majority of dog owners don't pay good enough attention to their dogs, and don't hold their dogs to a high standard of obedience like I do with my own dog. We had a few close calls where owners didn't care and literally allowed their dogs to stare at or wander close to my friend's dog, which is very rude.
All in all, I'm glad to see this little farmer's market thrive, and would love to check out some of the other vendors next time we visit.