The Best Public Markets in America

Pike Place Market in Seattle
Photo: Flickr/WordRidden

If you’re in search of authentic local flavor while you’re traveling, a public market is the place to find it.  Across the US, public markets feature specialty shops, eateries, local artisans, and regional vendors serving up an eclectic variety of flavors.   Here’s a select bunch of public markets from Frommer’s you’ll want to sample sometime soon.

Oxbow Public Market in Napa, California
In 2007, the 40,000 square-foot Oxbow Public Market opened its doors, and the market has been packed ever since.  Find international cuisine like Pica Maize Kitchen’s Venezuelan sandwiches, local oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company, and sweet treats like Kara’s Cupcakes.  Of course, being Napa, you’ll find a wide selection of fine wines including merlots, zins, and chardonnays.

Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Across the country in Philly, you’ll find the Reading Terminal Market housed in a former train shed.  Sample treats straight from Pennsylvania Dutch country including shoofly pie and scrapple., and of course, you also find plenty of Philly favorites like hoagies and cheesesteaks.  The market also features a great selection of kitchen wares and cookbooks to help transform all your fresh market finds into the perfect home-cooked meal.

Pike Place Market in Seattle Washington
Open since 1907, Pike Place is arguably America’s most famous market.  Overflowing with food, antiques, flowers, bakeries, and shops, the market attracts a mix of both locals and tourists stopping by for a piece of the action.  Two of Pike Place’s must-sees are the Pike Place Fish Market—famous for its “flying fish” and the original Starbuck’s coffee, which has called the market home since 1977.

More of America’s Best Public Markets

• Market Square in San Antonio, Texas
• Los Angeles Farmers Market in Los Angeles, California
• Milwaukee Public Market in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Chattanooga Market in Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Pittsburgh Public Market in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• West Side Market in Cleveland, Ohio
• Eastern Market in Washington, D.C.

Wherever your foodie travels take you, stay with us when you get there. >> Find a Courtyard Location

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Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, Calif.

Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
580 Beach Street
San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 775-3800

Brian’s Blog: Take a Video Tour of the Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley

Last month, I was out in San Diego, California, and stopped by to visit our newly opened Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley hotel. It’s a beautiful hotel in a beautiful city, but instead of writing about it, I decided to film a video with the hotel’s general manager, John Blem, while I was out there. Click below to see the hotel for yourself!

Thanks for helping me keep Courtyard on the go.

Brian

Courtyard Victorville Hesperia, Calif. (new hotel)

Courtyard Victorville Hesperia
9619 Mariposa Road
Hersperia, Calif. 92345
(760) 956-3876

Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle, Calif.

Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle
595 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, California 92108
(619) 291-5720

Courtyard San Mateo Foster City, Calif.

Courtyard San Mateo Foster City, Calif.
550 Shell Blvd.
Foster City, California 94404
(650) 377-0600

Courtyard San Diego Sorrento Mesa/La Jolla, Calif.

Courtyard San Diego Sorrento Mesa/La Jolla
9650 Scranton Road
San Diego, California 92121
(858) 558-9600