#local-food

#local-food

I've worked with Organic Lea for about 10/12 years. They rent a greenhouse on the outskirts of Epping Forest and grow crops for local communities, and we would buy a few things from them. They offered a space to us, which fell through, then this came up, Hale says, gesturing toward the polytunnel in a far corner of the field.

Flanked by the Welsh border and sprinkled with quaint villages and ancient forts, Shropshire's hills are a wonderful place for a serendipitous stroll. So the story goes, the Victorians referred to this quiet corner of England as "Little Switzerland." While that's being a tad generous to its blustery ridges-there are no snowcapped mountains here-Shropshire is an underrated delight. And it's not just spectacular walking you'll find here either.

Dusk settles over Hilo Bay, turning the sky a deep violet and the lingering wisps of clouds the same soft pink as the frangipani that scent the air. In the distance canoes glide across the calm waters, muddling the sky's iridescent reflection. A man gingerly hops across lava rocks, then deftly tosses his fishing net. Local kids perform flips and cannonballs off old stone diving towers.

Across the county, shops and markets brim with goods drawn straight from the sea and soil, crafted by the people who live closest to both. These small producers - farmers, fishers, beekeepers and artisans - are turning the region's harvests into gifts that carry the essence of the coast: jams made from rescued fruit, sea glass shaped by the surf, lavender grown in sun-drenched valleys. Whether you're wandering a farmers market in Pacific Grove or stopping by a family-run shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you'll find plenty of ways to take home a taste or a whiff of Monterey.

Copenhagen has an impressive résumé when it comes to high-quality living. This year, the Happy City Index ranked Copenhagen as the world's happiest city, based on factors like health, mobility, and environment. Plus, the World Happiness Report named Denmark the second-happiest country in 2025. After spending a week there on a solo trip getting a small taste of the Danish city and talking with locals, I think I understand why.

Sunset After Dark is a new community market in San Francisco's Sunset District. It's a celebration of local food, culture, and small businesses. The inaugural event will turn three blocks of Irving Street into a lively, family-friendly street festival with food vendors, performances, music, a rib eating contest, raffle prizes, and one night only food collaborations from local businesses. Sunset After Dark is being organized by Dear Community and Smokin' D's with the support of local merchants, parent teacher associations, and individuals from the community.

One of my favorite restaurants is Milk & Honey in Harlan, Iowa, a small town in the western part of the state. The restaurant is run by Ellen Walsh-Rosmann, who is also a farmer and a mother. Milk & Honey has a delicious homemade strawberry jam that's way better than the normal mediocre corn syrup-based jam packets served at most diners. Their skillets include chorizo made from pork raised on Ellen's farm.

If you live in the greater Los Angeles area, it's likely you have a defining San Fernando Valley moment or routine. Those can include waiting 30 minutes at Glendale's Porto's for savory potato balls or meat pies. Or perhaps that's flying out of Southern California's top-ranked airport, Hollywood Burbank, at least according to Fodor's Travel Guide. Maybe you melted your face off in Woodland Hills, the hottest city in all the county, or unsuccessfully tried to reverse parallel park there.

I'm a copy editor and a Bay Area native who's lived in San Francisco since 2004.

The Old Oakland Summer Stroll on July 25th celebrates local food, art, and culture with sidewalk activities from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring local vendors and performances.

Choosing fresh corn involves looking for vibrant green husks that feel slightly damp, as dry or brittle husks indicate aging kernels. The husk protects moisture and flavor.

The Prescott Night Market is a vibrant community event that brings together residents, local food makers, artists, and entrepreneurs once a month from June to October.

Farmers markets are a great way to get your product out there. This food is so important to me and my family, and I'm ready to share it with even more people.