I read in a guidebook (Time Out I think) that the farmer's market and associated entertainment in SLO on a Thursday evening is 'one of the best evening's fun you can have in California'
We will be staying in Cambria on that evening is it worth the 35 mile trip? And I gather parking is horrendous? Any tips in case we do go? And does the popularity mean long traffic jams to get into town ie how long could we expect the journey to take from Cambria? Thanks Hilary

considering there isn't much to do in Cambria, it might be fun to go. Yes, parking is horrendous. You need to get to SLO early, say late afternoon, to find a decent parking spot. SLO has little parking lots all over downtown and parking along the street, but the parking along the street is metered and I don't think it is free until after 6 PM. I live about 30-40 min south and we never seem to get up there until after 6 and park several blocks away on some side street.

I would suggest heading to SLO earlier to walk around. It's a cute town with some nice shops and a few art galleries. There are not long traffic jams to get into town.

As far as the farmer's market goes, it is blocks long with many vendors selling the typical fruits and veggies, olive oils, almonds, herbs, etc. along with dinner choices. Mostly you will find bbq, but you can find pizza stands, chinese, vegetarian, Indian, and a small variety of other things. Of course all the restaurants along Higuera St. are open as well. Several bands usually play along the street, too. My family always enjoys going and it is a big hit with the college crowd.

Plan on it taking you about 30 min. to get there. Have fun!!

Laurenzo is giving you a good description of the SLO farmer's market. We enjoyed visiting, but we were staying in SLO. In my opinion, I don't think it is worth a 35 mile trip, but take that with a grain of salt. I get tired of crowds very quickly so that influences my decision. If laurenzo's input interests you and if it is a slow night in Cambria go for it.

McClintocks outdoor BBQ (and others) may solve your cheap eats question on your other post.

I went to that market some years ago when I was doing some work in SLO. It was a very fun way to while away some time, but to drive 35 miles for it? I'm not sure I'd do that, depending what other choices I might have closer to "home".

IMO it is well worth the drive...
I usually get there about 4:30PM and have parked abou 3 blocks east of the blocked off streets. Just walking around seems to pass the time ...at 6 PM you will hear a bell or horn announcing the produce area (at north end)is now open for business.
I have been to a lot of Farmer's Mkt. and this is one of my favorites...
Try it , you will like it......

We do the Market very 3 months or so.
http://www.downtownslo.com/farmers.html

The above site will show you a calendar of events. The music is fair, sometimes very good. In autumn the market may have around 15,000 people, and the crowd of Cal-Poly students make it more fun.

If you have the time it’s worthwhile. If you wish to take some additional time and take a more scenic drive, here’s the back route that we often take to Cambria and back.

From Cambria, take 1 south about ½ hr.

Take South Bay Blvd around the back side of Morro Rock into Los Osos (the bears – no relation) about 10 min

Turn left on Los Osos Valley Rd for about 15 min

Exit at Madonna Rd in SLO, cross the overpass and enter 101 north. Stay in the exit lane and exit on Marsh Street.

Drive about ½ mile and park anywhere on the right between Marsh and Pismo Streets. Market is on Higuera Street to the left of Marsh starting at Nipomo Street.

Try the tri-tip! >-

I think Farmer's Market is fun and different. Unlike some other posts, I like it much better when the college students aren't here (the summer). I wouldn't say that it is one of the best evenings of fun in California, but as a local, I always highly recommend it. There are no traffic jams, the drive from Cambria to SLO down Highway 1 is beautiful. The downtown isn't all that big and I don't find parking that bad - maybe just a few blocks away. The only thing you'll find to do in the evening in Cambria is going out to dinner. Depends on what you're looking for.

thanks everybody for such detailed information. I have printed it out and we will just see how we go on the day - I like to have some choices! I think the thread should be of use to others in the future as there isnt much on the board about the farmer's market. I will be doing a trip report when I get home - we are in California and Arizona from 9 Sept to October 2, security at Heathrow Airport permitting! Hilary

Drat those college students! What are they doing hanging out in a University town anyway? >