It’s that time again — flowers are blooming, trees starting to bud out and folks are seeing more and more of that brilliant orb in the sky.

Springtime not only means more time for outdoor gardening and recreational activities in the Pacific Northwest, it’s also the time many begin shopping outdoors. Several local farmers markets are opening.

Each of the markets — from Olympia to Orting and Tacoma to Tenino — offers its own distinct flavor, from farm fresh produce, flowers, food, entertainment, crafts and more.

No. 3 on the 2016 list of Best Farmers Markets, voted on by 2,000 locals and published in January on the Pacific Northwest A-List Results website, is the Olympia Farmers Market, located 20 minutes south of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

No. 1 on the A-List is the Pike Place Market in Seattle, and the Pybus Market in Wenatchee, Wash., took second place.

The Olympia’s Farmers Market, 700 Capitol Way N., is in its 42nd year of operation and is now on its summer schedule through October. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays to Sundays.

At the Olympia Farmers Market, you’ll find everything from worms for fishing to local honey, agricultural items, music, entertainment and a plethora of vendors for everything from balloon art to seafood.

The Puyallup Farmers Market also made it on the A-List, coming in at sixth place. The market, located at 330 South Meridian, is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“What makes our market unique is all the different vendors and the diverse group of people who come to the market,” said Brittany Brown, manager at the Puyallup Farmers Market.

Puyallup’s market offers more than 200 vendors with fresh, local fruits and vegetables, music and specialty food vendors. There also are food demonstrations and do-it-yourself opportunities for children each week. Last week, the kids made flower bombs — a plant creation that helps attract butterflies and bees.

“We like to do anything to help the bees,” Brown said. “With the flower bombs you just drop them, and the rain comes along and does all the magic.”

Saturday will be an opportunity to learn how to make pico de gallo, a Mexican salsa.

“Every vegetable in salsa is available now, so there’s everything you need at the market,” Brown said, adding, “We’re your one-stop shopping (location) — your market mall.”

For more information on the Puyallup Farmers Market, visit: tinyurl.com/l7m2yph or visit its Facebook page: tinyurl.com/kmwysox.