The Best Road Trip: Enjoy Farms & Markets in Stockton, California

Stockton, California is surrounded by rich, fertile land that produces quality crops shipped across the country, and the best stays close to home for lucky locals and smart visitors. From Asparagus to cherries to blueberries, there are a number of agricultural businesses located in and around the city that offer delicious fruits and vegetables, along with other fine selections, that are born from years of work and skill. Read on for a few favorites that should make your list the next time you take a drive.

For a full list, along with a handy map, check out SanJoaquinFarms.com.

The Fruit Bowl

Found along Waterloo Rd (Hwy 88), The Fruit Bowl is home to some of the freshest, locally-grown produce in the area. If it's large varieties of fruit, nuts, jams, local honey, olive oils, and some Lodi Wine you're looking for, Fruit Bowl has you covered. And if that wasn’t enough, the bake shop creates delicious pastries, cookies, muffins, along with fruit and cream pies. Moreover, you can savor all of the delicious treats you score here while relaxing at one of their outdoor picnic tables.

If you’re looking for a recommendation on pies - the Fruit Bowl pie is our favorite!

In Season Market & Nursery

Just a block away from Oak Park, on Alpine Ave., In Season Market & Nursery was founded by native Stocktonians with a dream of offering a wide range of local organic and naturally-grown fresh produce and artisan foods along with the best nursery plants. Everything inside In Season is literally that: fresh produce and foods that are currently "in season." This local favorite specializes in keeping their shelves stocked with olive oils, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, nuts, almonds, and jams. However, it doesn't end there. This spot also serves up locally made soaps and gardening supplies, delicious espresso and specialty coffee, as well as rare and unusual plants.

Pro Tip: Enjoy your coffee to-go while taking a stroll through their beautiful garden.

Calivirgin Olive Oil

The home of delicious, award-winning olive oil resides 5 minutes north of Stockton in our neighboring city of Lodi. Owned and operated by the Coldani family, Calivirgin offers mouth-watering varieties of oils and vinegar, as well as a variety of wines. Whether it's tasting their oils or sipping a glass of Old Vine Zinfandel, Calivirgin provides a festival for your palate with behind the scenes information and education on the olive oil making process. It is truly a fascinating thing to learn.

U-Pick Farms & Specialty Shops

A1 AG Farmers Market

Located in Lathrop, just 15 min south of Stockton, A1 AG Farmers Market offers a HUGE variety of produce for you to scour through. Delicious locally grown fresh fruits & vegetables can be found here, like red Russian kale, blue kale, chard, collard greens, tomatoes, varieties of onions, peaches, nectarines, and apricots - the list is almost endless! From June to September, visitors also have U-Pick opportunities throughout the property as peaches, plums, and nectarines are prime for the picking.

Stay updated on A1 AG's latest produce by clicking here.

Lockeford Meats & Sausage

This little shop, located just off of Highway 88 in Lockeford, houses some of the most delicious meats and sausages you will find in Northern California. Various types of smoked sausages, jerky, beef sticks, salami, bacon, tri-tip, and more await you inside Lockeford Meats & Sausage. The flavors that pack a punch and will be a welcome addition to any BBQ. It is normal to see a line of people stretching outside the shop and waiting along the sidewalk. Park your car, get out, and join them. We promise it's absolutely worth the wait.

Tip: if you’re hungry for some ribs while in Lockeford, just on the other side of Highway 88 is Daddy’s House of Ribs. Click here for more info.

Clements Ridge Produce

This family-owned business evolved from a small shop in a field of strawberries in 2006 into the full-scale market it is today. Located in the small town of Clements, about 20 minutes up Hwy 88 from Stockton, Clements Ridge offers a full variety of fresh produce as well as baked goods and specialty foods. You can pick up some of their homegrown preserves and marmalades, or get your hands on a zesty tri-tip sandwich.

Clements Ridge also offers both fresh fruit pies and pot pies to fully place you in a righteous food coma.

Cheese Central

Who doesn't love cheese? Cheese Central, located on School Street in Downtown Lodi, offers over 100 varieties of cheese from around the world. This shop is no joke. The owners are well educated and can help you find the perfect flavors for every palate. Whether it’s on its own or paired with oils, preserves, or wine, Cheese Central will increase your knowledge of cheese while leaving a great taste in your mouth.

Bonus: Cheese Central also offers group classes and demonstrations for those looking to venture down this tasty road.

Looking for more? You can message us 7 days a week for assistance, and check out our pages on shopping, dining, and things to do in Stockton. Find more farms and markets at SanJoaquinFarms.com along with a helpful map to guide your trip. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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