The distinct smell of crêpes wafting out of the makeshift bakery under a tent tempted Judy and Mike Stephens, who recalled with nostalgia the same sweet treat they had in France many years ago.
“They look and smell delicious,” Judy Stephens said as she waited for her order.
The Laguna Niguel couple shopped the newly launched farmer’s market in the Dana Point Harbor on Wednesday, Sept. 24, a chance to spend the morning pursuing an assortment of fresh fruits, baked goods and other offerings from small vendors.
Live music by Joe Blanchard was playing in the backdrop, while kids were searching around for a scavenger hunt.
Amelia Hildt, 3, was busy looking around for a pelican and a starfish.
“There’s the starfish!” her father, Tyler, called out when he spotted a stuffed animal version of the sea creature.
“I think it’s great, we’ll come back every Wednesday. This is good for this area. Look at it today, it’s very busy,” said Judy Stephens. “People will want to come, for sure.”
Mike Stephens added that it would be a great outing for retired people, the couple typically opting to stay away from weekend crowds. And, newly constructed parking structure just next door was a convenient perk.
“We’re also looking forward to all the changes here,” he said, noting that they stroll the harbor often.
The Dana Point Harbor is undergoing a $600 million renovation, and the latest addition of a farmer’s market helps bring people to the area while construction is ongoing.
The market lured dozens of vendors from near and far.
Aaron Peterman was giving out olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings from the family’s Gourmet Blends, based in Torrance. The company goes out to 14 different markets, and is making its way toward San Diego.
Local vendor Jaime Weber was giving out tastings of her almond dip and spread from her company, Ardent Vegan, which she started three years ago.
She originally made it for her own health lifestyle, she said, until friends and family kept asking her to make it anytime there was a party, encouraging her to launch it into a business.
“We have a lot of good traffic, good people and lots of good conversations,” she said, as she handed out tastings on opening day. “I like the people here, it’s a great atmosphere and it’s always good weather. I’m excited about this, I’m looking forward to coming here each week.”
Katie Sorensen, director of marketing for Burnham-Ward Properties, said the farmer’s market has always been envisioned with the harbor footprint, especially following the parking structure opening.
“We are thrilled to have the capacity to accommodate both vendors and guests consistently for the first time,” she said in an email. “This initiative is rooted in engaging the local community, supporting small businesses within the market and at our harbor storefronts, and celebrating our waterfront location. Hosting the market presents an opportunity for us to not only highlight our steadfast tenants, but to keep our locals familiar with the project in real time as each phase of construction progresses.
Sorensen said the harbor developers were “overwhelmed by the community response and turnout for the official market launch,” noting that many vendors sold out of product.
“We look forward to seeing the midweek market continue to grow each week as a new harbor tradition,” she said.
The farmers market will be open weekly from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays in the harbor’s Village Parking Lot, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point.