Hey again, Summer in Trinidad is full of barefoot mornings, sun-warmed berries, salty swims, and that unmistakable smell of someone grilling dinner three cabins down. This is the season when nature feeds us in big, bold flavors—stone fruits, beach BBQs, and cold drinks on shady porches. There’s no rush. Just plenty to savor.
Let’s dig into what summer tastes like up here on the North Coast.
Garden-Ripe Goodness: What’s in Season
Summer markets here are lush and buzzing—overflowing with fruit, flowers, and fresh catch. You’ll find more than just produce: people bring jams, breads, wild bouquets, and jars of pickled everything.
What’s Ripe Right Now:
- Strawberries, raspberries, and early blackberries
- Snap peas, shell beans, and sweet corn
- Zucchini and summer squash (so much of it)
- Tomatoes in every shade
- Wild herbs: lemon balm, mint, coastal sage
- Local halibut and salmon
Where to Taste It:
- Trinidad Farmers Market (Wednesdays in Saunders Park)
- Blue Lake Sunday Pop-Ups
- Farm stalls along Highway 101 — keep an eye out for hand-painted signs
Beach Dinners & Backyard Feasts
We don’t take summer evenings for granted. Long daylight hours mean spontaneous beach dinners, late-start BBQs, and the occasional backyard crab boil.
Local Go-Tos for Grill Nights:
- Murphy’s Market: Great for local seafood and house-made marinades.
- North Coast Co-op: Organic meats, veggie kebabs, and picnic sides.
- Katys Smoke House: Fresh halibut, salmon, and smoked fish spreads.
What’s in the Cooler:
- Hard kombucha from Humboldt Distillery
- Local ciders (wild apple blends are a favorite)
- Fresh home made ceviche, potato salad, and bags of kettle chips
Where We Eat It:
- Moonstone Beach at sunset
- Your neighbor’s deck, even if you only met them yesterday
- Somewhere off Scenic Drive with camp chairs and an ocean view
Sweet Things (and Cold Ones)
There’s always room for dessert. And something icy.
Seasonal Treats We Love:
- Marionberry ice cream at Arcata Scoop
- Strawberry shortcake at family BBQs
- Ice-cold watermelon eaten straight from the cooler
Sips That Hit the Spot:
- Sparkling lemonade with muddled mint
- Locally brewed beers (check out Mad River or Redwood Curtain)
- Sun tea steeped on a porch rail with lemon and lavender
Summer Food Moments You Don’t Want to Miss
Blackberry Foraging (Late July to August)
- Bring a bucket, wear long sleeves, and head for the roadside brambles. There’s a good patch off Stagecoach Road. Eat half as you go.
Trinidad Fish Festival (Early July)
- Fresh grilled fish, crab races, live music, and town spirit at its finest.
Beach Potluck Bonfires
- These pop up organically—someone brings a guitar, someone else shows up with sausages and skewers. If you hear one happening, bring something to share and follow the smoke.
Final Bites
Summer food in Trinidad isn’t complicated. It’s ripe fruit eaten warm from the sun, grilled fish on a paper plate, or a popsicle melting down your wrist. It’s shared meals, slow moments, and bellies full of berry juice. Eat outside when you can. Share what you have. And don’t forget extra napkins.
See you at the bonfire,
Lisa & Taylor
Camp Trinidad
