Farmers markets are great places to get the freshest and best quality produce, meat, eggs, cheese, bake goods, honey, maple syrup and preserves/sauces (as well as many other things!). Many times your produce, if not the other products too, are also cheaper than supermarkets. In addition to that, there are many more benefits. Like, you get to know (and trust) the people who are growing/raising/making the food that you feed your family, you are supporting local business, you are reducing your carbon footprint, and, in many cases, you are reducing the unneeded additives in your family's diet (from artificial coloring/flavoring, to preservatives, insecticides, hormones, etc) just to name a few.
Not to mention it's also great for your children. No doubt my five year old's favorite person is Ms. Sue of Sue's Kitchen at our farmers market. She makes the most incredible pies we have ever had (no kidding, they are amazing and I had never been a huge pie fan before). Aside from that, even though he is shy, when we are eating the food we buy from the market every week, he is talking about all the farmers or bakers that we bought it from. We have also visited a few of the farmers from our local farmer's market for their u-pick seasons, maple syrup festivals, fall parties, etc. This year we are going to visit them and help in the garden or the barn for an hour or two as well, as most farmers welcome you to visit and help (even if you aren't in a CSA). It's just a great way to teach your children so much, in additional to all the other fantastic benefits of buying from farmers markets.
Below is a comprehensive list of farmer's markets in Central Ohio, which was created by restaurantwidow.com.
Tuesdays
Worthington:: This year marks the first weekday market in Worthington! 4pm - 7pm at the Sharon Memorial Hall, 137 E Dublin Granville (161)
Downtown:: Pearl Alley Market 10:30am - 2pm on Pearl between (and including) Broad and Gay Streets. This market features tons of food vendors and makes a refreshing change for lunch breaks. Park on Long or Spring and walk if you don't like looking for parking.
Wednesdays
Dublin:: 4pm - 7pm at the Dublin Community Church, 81 W Bridge St (161, just west of Dublin Road in Old Dublin). This market has grown to 15 vendors, and there is plenty of easy parking lot parking for those who might skip other markets because of heavy traffic. There is a gluten-free bakery, a bonus for many people.
Westerville:: 3pm - 6pm at the corner of N. State and E Home streets (uptown Westerville). Strangely, this is one market I have never been to, owing to the fact that I've worked Wednesday nights pretty consistently since beginning RW. I have a friend who lives in Westerville, however, and she likes this market a lot.
Creekside (Downtown Gahanna):: 4pm-6pm beginning June 30th. This market includes crafts and jewelry as well as produce. Going to Creekside is like a little vacation, especially if you live in an urban area. It's really charming. That being said, I haven't been to this market yet. If you go, please let me know how it is.
Athens Farmer's Market:: 10am - 1pm 1000 E State St in Athens (about 1 hour SE of Columbus) Athens is widely considered to be the Berkeley of Ohio - they have an amazing food scene for being a small college town.
Upper Arlington Farmer's Market:: 3:30pm - 6:30pm Mallway Park, 2096 Arlington Avenue.
Thursdays
Blendon Township:: 3pm - 6pm. this is a brand new market for 2010, so that's cool. This market is located in Southern Westerville, at 6350 Hempstead Road.
15th St Market:: I am super excited about this market, because it is the closest to home, and I have Thursdays off throughout this summer! woohoo! I am also excited that students might be encouraged to shop for local produce.
Downtown Powell Market (Far North):: 3pm - 6pm in the Municipal Building, 47 Hall St
Fridays
Carrousel District Farmer's Market (Mansfield):: 4 W 4th St 9am - 2pm
Downtown:: Pearl Alley Market 10:30am - 2pm on Pearl between (and including) Broad and Gay Streets. This market features tons of food vendors and makes a refreshing change for lunch breaks. Park on Long or Spring and walk if you don't like looking for parking.
Saturdays
Jefferson Community Market (NE side):: 9am - noon at Jefferson Community Park 7494 Clark State Road. This market begins June 12th. Yet another I haven't visited! I might have to take a road trip one of these Saturday Mornings.
Logan County:: 8:30am - noon at the corner of S Detroit and Chillocothe streets in downtown Bellefontaine.
Main Street Market::(Canal Winchester) 9am - 1pm 36 S High St in CW.
Athens Farmer's Market::10am - 1pm 1000 E State St in Athens (about 1 hour SE of Columbus) Pretty much considered to be one of the best markets in the state of Ohio. One of the only places I know of where you can buy shrimp at a farmer's market.
Worthington:: 9am - noon probably the largest in Central Ohio; definitely one of my favorites. It seems this market grows by leaps and bounds every year. You can find everything here and there is frequent entertainment. Numerous special events throughout the year and other shopping whilst cruising the market.
Clintonville:: 9am - noon Just south of High & North Broadway.
North Market:: 8am - noon and beyond, usually there is entertainment and there are also frequent special events with chefs cooking.
Another benefit that we take advantage of is that many of the meat/poultry and egg farmers will deliver to you all winter long. It might only be once a month, but you can continue to enjoy their farm fresh product and it's so worth it! In addition, many of the bakers or makers of other products (preserves, maple syrup, soap, candles, etc.), will also make product for you in the winter by request.
If you haven't been to a farmer's market yet - go! If you frequent one, or many, and have some tips, advice, favorites, missing info, please share!
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