Perched in the picturesque heart of Copperopolis, California, Spring Up In The Hills represents the essence of what authentic community markets should be; a genuine gathering place where local farmers, artisans, craftspeople, and food producers come together to share their passion with neighbors and visitors alike. Located at 695 Main Street with stunning hilltop vistas as its natural backdrop, this seasonal market has become a beloved tradition for those who appreciate fresh local produce, handcrafted goods, and the authentic California community spirit that thrives here every Saturday during spring and early summer. Shop handmade décor at Patty’s Attic Memories or discover local treasures at the Los Feliz Flea
Quick Reference Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 695 Main St, Copperopolis, CA 95228 |
| Phone | (209) 718-0369 |
| Admission | Free Entry |
| Parking | On-site and street parking available |
| Bike Friendly | Bike racks provided |
| Season | Spring through early summer |
| Entry | No tickets required |
| Pets | Leashed pets welcome |
| Payment Options | Cash preferred; most vendors accept cards |
| Atmosphere | Community-focused, family-friendly |
Market Hours & Operating Schedule
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Spring Up In The Hills operates exclusively on Saturdays during the spring and early summer seasons, making it a highly anticipated weekly tradition for local residents and visitors alike. The market’s seasonal schedule means visitors should verify current operating dates by calling (209) 718-0369 or checking for updates, as specific opening and closing dates may vary based on seasonal agricultural cycles and local planning.
The Spring Up In The Hills Experience: Tradition & Community
Spring Up In The Hills represents far more than a commercial transaction space; it’s a living expression of Copperopolis’ values, natural bounty, and vibrant artistic community. The market embodies the transition from winter dormancy to spring growth, when local farmers harvest their first crops, artisans complete winter projects, and the entire community emerges energized by warmer weather and renewed connection to the land.
This isn’t a market obsessed with maximizing sales volume or attracting massive crowds. Instead, Spring Up In The Hills prioritizes quality over quantity, valuing the stories behind products more than the speed of transactions. Vendors are encouraged to develop relationships with regular customers, to share knowledge about their products, and to participate genuinely in community building rather than simply occupying booth space.
Parking, Transportation & Practical Information
On-Site Parking & Arrival Strategy
Spring Up In The Hills offers convenient on-site parking directly adjacent to the market, a significant amenity that eliminates the frustration and planning complications associated with searching for parking in downtown areas. However, popular Saturday mornings mean the on-site lot fills up relatively quickly as visitors arrive throughout the morning hours.
Arriving early ideally within the first hour of market opening ensures you’ll secure prime parking spots immediately adjacent to market entrances, providing easy access to vendor stalls while minimizing walking distance, particularly important for those with young children or mobility considerations. This market is the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning outdoors, finding new favorite foods and treasures while supporting the local economy. Explore more on the California Flea Markets. Early arrival also offers the added benefit of experiencing the market’s most vibrant energy before peak crowds arrive, allowing for more leisurely browsing and meaningful conversations with vendors.
Bicycle-Friendly Access
Spring Up In The Hills actively encourages sustainable transportation by providing multiple bike racks, making cycling an attractive and practical option for visitors. This commitment to eco-friendly access reflects the market’s broader values around environmental consciousness and sustainable living. For those within reasonable cycling distance, arriving by bicycle eliminates parking concerns entirely while supporting the market’s sustainability mission.
The bike rack accessibility also makes Spring Up In The Hills appealing for families with children, groups of friends, or anyone seeking a more active, environmentally conscious way to access the market experience.
Public Transportation
While specific public transit routes should be confirmed before visiting, the downtown Copperopolis location suggests regional transportation options may be available. Calling (209) 718-0369 can provide current public transit information for visitors planning to access the market without personal vehicles.
Free Entry & No Admission Costs
True to its community-oriented philosophy, Spring Up In The Hills charges no admission fee whatsoever. Entry is completely free, with no tickets required and no hidden charges. This open-door policy makes the market accessible to everyone regardless of shopping budget, creating an inclusive environment where people visit for the experience, community connection, and cultural participation rather than feeling financially obligated to make purchases.
Featured Vendors: The Heart of the Community
| Vendor | Specialty | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|
| Hilltop Honey & Jams | Locally harvested honey & preserves | Seasonal varieties; small-batch production; authentic local sourcing |
| Copper Valley Breads | Artisan breads | Organic grains; fresh daily baking; traditional techniques |
| Golden State Pottery | Handcrafted ceramics | Beautiful handmade pieces; perfect gifts; unique local artistry |
| Fresh Earth Organic Produce | Locally grown fruits & vegetables | Vibrant selection; peak seasonal freshness; direct from local farms |
| Rustic Treasures Woodcraft | Handcrafted wooden items | Kitchen utensils to decorative pieces; artisan quality; local craftsmanship |
Hilltop Honey & Jams
This vendor embodies the agricultural heritage that defines Copperopolis and the surrounding region. Their locally harvested honey represents the culmination of seasons of care beekeepers working with local flora to produce honey that tastes unmistakably of place. The honey’s flavor profile shifts throughout the spring and early summer season as different flowers bloom, allowing regular market visitors to experience the evolving taste of the local landscape.
The handmade fruit preserves showcase the same commitment to seasonal authenticity and quality. Made from locally sourced fruit at peak ripeness, these preserves capture the essence of spring’s abundance in glass jars. Vendors enthusiastically share knowledge about which honey varieties work best for different uses and which preserve flavors pair with specific foods, transforming a simple purchase into an educational and cultural experience.
Copper Valley Breads
For bread enthusiasts, Copper Valley Breads represents a masterclass in artisan baking. Using organic grains grown locally or sourced from nearby regional producers, their breads embody the farm-to-table philosophy that defines Spring Up In The Hills’ vendor community. The commitment to traditional baking techniques means loaves are created with time and care rather than industrial speed, resulting in complex flavors and satisfying textures that supermarket bread cannot match.
The daily baking schedule ensures market visitors encounter bread at peak freshness, still warm from the oven in many cases. The vendor’s passion for their craft is evident in their willingness to discuss grain varieties, fermentation processes, and flavor development conversations that deepen appreciation for what might otherwise be taken-for-granted daily staple.
Golden State Pottery
This vendor showcases the artistic talent flourishing within Copperopolis’ creative community. Each ceramic piece is individually handcrafted, meaning visitors encounter functional art rather than mass-produced goods. From beautiful dinnerware to decorative pieces that transform living spaces, Golden State Pottery offers items that serve as lasting reminders of your market experience and connection to local artists.
What distinguishes these pieces is their combination of aesthetic beauty and functional quality. These aren’t fragile art objects meant only for display they’re dishwasher-safe, durable ceramics created for genuine use in everyday life. This philosophy that beautiful handcrafted items should be lived with and used reflects the market’s overall approach to sustainable, intentional consumption.
Fresh Earth Organic Produce
The produce stall at Spring Up In The Hills showcases what peak seasonal freshness actually means. Rather than the generic produce available year-round at grocery stores, Fresh Earth Organic Produce brings vibrant, at-peak vegetables and fruits harvested within days of the market. The variety changes based on what’s in season during that specific Saturday, creating a discovery experience where regular visitors look forward to discovering what’s newly available.
Local farmers bring produce directly to market, eliminating supply chain intermediaries and ensuring both maximum freshness and direct economic benefit to farming families. The produce’s visual appearance deep colors, varied sizes, visible signs of organic growing methods communicates authenticity and quality far more effectively than any marketing claim.
Rustic Treasures Woodcraft
This vendor represents the handcraft tradition that enriches any community market. Their handcrafted wooden items range from practical kitchen utensils to decorative pieces, each representing hours of skilled work. The wood selection, finishing techniques, and attention to detail elevate these items beyond mass-produced alternatives, creating pieces that improve with age and use, developing patina and character over years.
Accommodations & Overnight Stay Options
Nearby Hotels & Lodging
| Hotel | Distance | Best For | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Copper Valley Inn | 5-minute drive | Comfort & convenience | Cozy, family-run, complimentary breakfast, easy market access |
| Gold Strike Motel | Near Main Street | Budget travelers | Affordable lodging, convenient downtown location, local dining access |
| Miner’s Mountain Retreat | Regional proximity | Nature lovers | Rustic charm, modern amenities, serene setting, mountain views |
The Copper Valley Inn
Located just five minutes from Spring Up In The Hills, The Copper Valley Inn represents the most convenient accommodation option for market-focused visits. This family-run hotel maintains the warm, personal hospitality that characterizes Copperopolis’ community approach. The complimentary breakfast means you can fuel up before market arrival, making your morning even more enjoyable. The close proximity allows leisurely market browsing without concern about travel time back to lodging.
The intimate, family-operated nature of this inn means you’re likely to encounter owners or staff who genuinely know the market, vendors, and local attractions invaluable sources of insider recommendations that enhance your entire Copperopolis experience.
Gold Strike Motel
For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking straightforward, no-frills accommodations, Gold Strike Motel provides convenient downtown location access to Main Street dining, local attractions, and easy market proximity. The budget-friendly rates make it an excellent choice for families or groups wanting to maximize spending on market purchases and local dining rather than accommodations.
Miner’s Mountain Retreat
For visitors seeking a more immersive nature experience beyond the market, Miner’s Mountain Retreat offers rustic charm combined with modern comfort. The mountain location provides beautiful vistas, quiet contemplation space, and connection to the natural landscape that influenced this region’s settlement and continues to define its character. This guesthouse works particularly well for those planning extended Copperopolis visits incorporating both market time and outdoor recreation.
Famous Stalls & What Makes Them Special
Spring Up In The Hills’ most beloved stalls have earned their reputation through consistent quality, genuine community commitment, and the personal relationships vendors build with regular customers. Hilltop Honey & Jams draws repeat visitors who arrive specifically seeking their latest seasonal honey varieties or preserves. Copper Valley Breads’ daily fresh baking creates a sensory experience—the aroma of baking bread preceding the market’s official opening—that signals the market’s vitality and appeal.
Golden State Pottery’s evolving collection means even regular visitors discover new pieces each week as artists complete fresh work. Fresh Earth Organic Produce’s seasonal transformation reflects nature’s calendar, making each visit a celebration of what that specific moment in the growing season offers. These stalls have become anchors within the market’s community, reliable gathering points where visitors know they’ll encounter quality and connection.
Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
Arrive Early for Optimal Experience Coming within the first hour of market opening ensures you’ll secure excellent parking, encounter vendors when their stalls are fully stocked, and experience the market’s energy before crowds arrive. Early morning also provides the best light for photography and the most opportunity for unhurried conversations with vendors.
Bring Reusable Shopping Bags Many vendors provide packaging, but bringing your own reusable bags reduces waste while aligning with the market’s sustainability values. Reusable bags are also far more convenient than managing multiple single-use bags while navigating crowded market areas, particularly if you’re purchasing substantial quantities of produce or other items.
Dress in Layers for Variable Mountain Weather Copperopolis’ hilltop location means mornings can be noticeably cooler than midday temperatures. Wearing layers a light jacket you can remove as temperatures rise ensures comfort throughout your visit without the bulk of heavy outerwear as the day warms.
Bring Sufficient Cash While most vendors now accept card payments, many prefer cash for faster transactions and reduced transaction fees. Cash also enables more flexible negotiation on bulk purchases or creates natural opportunities for vendor conversations. Having cash on hand ensures you won’t be unable to purchase from any vendor.
Engage Vendors in Meaningful Conversation The vendors at Spring Up In The Hills are passionate about their work and genuinely enjoy sharing stories about their products. Ask about honey varieties’ flavor profiles, bread grain selections, ceramic glazing techniques, or produce growing methods.
Plan Your Route Through the Market With produce stalls, baked goods, and handcrafted items spread throughout, mapping a logical route prevents retracing steps and ensures you don’t miss vendors.
Check on Seasonal Availability The market’s seasonal operation means specific vendors and product availability may change.
Return Regularly to Track Seasonal Changes Spring Up In The Hills’ beauty partially derives from its seasonal transformation. Regular visits throughout the market season allow you to track how available produce, honey varieties, and vendor focus shifts as the season progresses.
Photography & Instagram-Worthy Moments
Spring Up In The Hills offers abundant photographic opportunities that capture both the market’s vibrant energy and the natural beauty that frames the experience.
Fresh Earth Organic Produce Displays The vibrant colors of seasonal produce deep greens of fresh lettuce, brilliant reds of strawberries, golden yellows of early squash create naturally rich, colorful photography without artificial enhancement. Overhead compositions of produce arranged in wooden crates or baskets, close-up detail shots highlighting texture and freshness, or lifestyle images of shoppers selecting items all effectively communicate the market’s appeal.
Golden State Pottery Booth Aesthetic The handcrafted ceramics arranged on rustic wooden tables create charming, naturally composed photo backdrops. The combination of finished pottery pieces with artisan workspace elements communicates both beauty and craftsmanship. Detail shots of individual ceramic pieces, capturing glazing techniques and form, or wider booth photographs showing the vendor’s full collection all tell compelling visual stories.
Sunrise-Lit Market Scenes Early morning market photography captures beautiful light quality as sunrise illuminates the market against the surrounding hills. The warm early light creates atmospheric conditions that flatter market scenes, vendors at work, and crowds of visitors beginning their market exploration. The hilltop location means sunrise light comes across the landscape in particularly beautiful ways, creating natural backlighting and interesting shadow compositions.
Why Spring Up In The Hills Is a Must-Visit Destination
Spring Up In The Hills transcends typical market experiences by authentically celebrating the convergence of land, seasonal cycle, community talent, and genuine connection. This market exists not primarily to maximize commercial transactions but to bring community members together in celebration of spring’s arrival, local agricultural production, artisan craftsmanship, and the natural beauty that defines Copperopolis.
Beyond shopping, Spring Up In The Hills functions as a cultural gathering where Copperopolis’ identity, values, and creative spirit become tangible. Visiting the market means participating in something larger than individual transactions—you’re supporting local agriculture, sustaining artisan traditions, strengthening community bonds, and celebrating the specific beauty and character of this California region.
FAQs
When is Spring Up In The Hills held?
The market operates every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM during the spring and early summer months.
Is there an entry fee to attend the market?
No, the market is free to attend for all visitors.
Is parking available at the market location?
Yes, there is on-site parking as well as nearby street parking options.
Are pets allowed at Spring Up In The Hills?
Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed and well-behaved, contributing to a family-friendly atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Spring Up In The Hills at 695 Main St, Copperopolis, California 95228 has truly become a highlight of my spring weekends. It combines the warmth of a small community market with the quality of fresh, local products and beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re there to pick up seasonal produce, discover handmade crafts, or simply enjoy a lively Saturday morning outside, this market offers something genuine and memorable. I invite you to visit and experience firsthand the spirit that makes Spring Up In The Hills a special place to be in Copperopolis.
