Pinecrest Wayside Market is something far beyond the traditional open-air fruit stand. Not only has it been stocking some of the best fruits and veggies around since 1948, but it also offers a variety of house-made prepared foods, including perhaps the best smoothies in the known universe.
The market started as a simple fruit stand in the 1940s, but when Eli Tako bought the place in 2002, he gave it a makeover. "We made a lot of changes," Tako says. "We added ice cream, salad, fruit salad... a lot of things.”
Tako says the variety brings in all kinds of customers: "locals, tourists, just people passing by."
Whether you’re craving a midday snack or hungering for an entire meal, Wayside Market has you covered. It sells everything from simple salads and coleslaws to hearty to-go dishes such as chicken and rice, as well as packaged products like chips and crackers to dunk into homemade dips. There are even picnic tables for outdoor seating if you can't wait to dig in.
It’s a solid combination of seriously good stuff and side-of-the-road charm. Produce is arranged in colorful displays like shrines of freshness, and aisles are stocked with homemade jams and sauces.
Once you’ve grabbed enough apples to satisfy your hankering, venture to the other side of the stand, where you’ll find a variety of homemade pies, cookies, muffins, and — if you’re lucky — Knaus Berry Farm cinnamon rolls.
And now for the prime reason to stop here: strawberry milkshakes. As its sign proudly declares, Wayside Market is famous for this cool, creamy concoction that blends just the right amount of sweetness, thickness, and real strawberry flavor.
So next time, skip the Whole Foods run and head here instead. The passion for freshness is evident in every corner. You’ll go for the produce, stay for the sandwiches, and leave with a milkshake in hand.
