(Farmers) Market Research

I put $21 worth of gas in my truck & headed over the big bay bridge to Coronado.  I was there to check out Coronado's Farmers Market.  That felt like a good one to start with since Coronado is only 12 miles from OB & I could watch the sunset from one of the nicest beaches in the world afterwards. 

I printed out a check list at the Inn ahead of time:

Market Name: _______________      Date: ____________      Open Hrs: _________

Weekly Fee: _________                   

1. Approximate # of tents?  Customers?
2. Are there Hot Comfort Foods?   Y or N
3. Is there an Eating Section?  Y or N
4. Is the Contact on hand?  Are they Nice?  Y or N
5. What's the Parking Situation (Always a question mark in California)  Easy or Tough?
6. Age Group / Demographic
7. Food Menu Price Range

The Coronado Market was on the bay side next to the ferry landing with beautiful views of the downtown San Diego skyline.  The ferry brought over about 10-30 people every half hour or so pretty much right to the entrance of the market.  I tried to find the contact from my market list (Mary H.) but she was not around & instead I was handed a business card.

Here's what my answers looked like on my first market scout trip:   

Coronado            Tues, 2/21/2012            2:30-6pm     Fee: ?

1. 10 tents
2. No
3. No, but park next door with picnic tables
4. Not Sure
5. Street Parking available walking distance
6. 30s-Seniors
7. No Hot Foods- Only Produce

The market did not look like a fit for Mad Munch, but I did take an amazing stroll on the beach next to the Hotel Del.  The sand there has these golden flecks that sparkle as the tide rolls in.  A real sight to be seen.  As I took down my notes I admired all of the pinks, purples, oranges & blues from an amazing winter sunset.  I felt like I was on the right path.