Agriculture — Ohio would be nothing without it. And for me, summer in Ohio would be nothing without the farmers market. From fresh produce and cut flowers to artisan breads and organic meats, the market a fantastic spot to do your weekend grocery shopping. But it’s also a great place to mingle with members of your community and learn a thing or two about where your food comes from — if you don’t have a garden of your own, the local farmers market is the next best thing.
From the shores of Lake Erie to the hills of Appalachia, Ohio hosts myriad markets throughout the summer. Here you’ll find a diverse sampling of some of these markets. Most take place on the weekend, while some occur during the week. And all of them offer fresh, locally grown and produced food and plants.
Athens Farmers Market
When: Saturday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. year-round and Wednesday 10 a.m.–1 p.m. April–December
Where: University Mall parking lot, 1000 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701
What to expect: Small growers, an educated clientele and offerings from Athens favorites, including flatbreads and gourmet pizzas from Avalanche Pizza.
Contact: 740/593-6763
Chillicothe Farmers Market
When: Saturday 8 a.m.–noon May–October
Where: Ross County Service Center, 475 Western Ave., Chillicothe, OH 45601
What to expect: An array of specialty items, from gourmet mustards, gourmet fudge and homemade pies to freshly made pasta and tasty treats for your pet.
Contact: 740/773-6702
The Downtown Farmer’s Market in Bowling Green
When: Wednesday 3–8 p.m. May 12–Oct. 27
Where: Downtown, Main St., Bowling Green, OH 43402
What to expect: Plenty of ways to keep busy after stocking up on produce and flowers — Main St. is lined with bookstores, boutiques, art galleries and great restaurants.
Contact: 419/354-4332
Downtown Powell Farmers Market
When: Thursday 3–6 p.m. June–September
Where: Powell Municipal Building parking lot, 47 Hall St., Powell, OH 43605
What to expect: An opportunity to shop and eat on site — homemade soups, grilled meats, turnovers and freshly squeezed lemonade round out the selection of fresh produce and plants.
Contact: 614/396-3336
Farmers’ Market at Stan Hywet
When: Thursday 4–7 p.m., June 24–Oct. 14
Where: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
What to expect: Gardens worth swooning over — after stocking up on Cuyahoga Valley-grown produce, enjoy a cooking demonstration, live entertainment and a long stroll through the magnificent gardens.
Contact: 330/836-5533
Farmers’ Market of Toledo
When: Saturday 8 a.m.–2 p.m. March–November
Where: 525 Market St., Toledo, OH 43604
What to expect: Special events throughout the summer, including Flower Day (May 29), Berry Jubilee (June 17), Picnic at the Market (July 8), Corn Fest (July 29) and Tomato Fest (August 19).
Contact: 419/255-6765
Findlay Market Farmers Market
When: Tuesday 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. April–December
Where: Over-the-Rhine, 1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
What to expect: History — as Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market and located in a historic neighborhood, Findlay Market tells a unique Cincinnati tale.
Contact: 513/665-4839
Guernsey County Farmers Market
When: Friday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. May–October
Where: Guernsey County Courthouse lawn, Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, OH 43725
What to expect: A diverse selection of locally produced flowers, jellies, pies, fudge, berries, bedding plants, breads, lamb meat, sausages and artisan crafts, from handmade soap to quilts and jewelry.
Contact: 740/439-5432
Lake Metroparks Farmpark Farmers’ Market
When: Wednesday 3–6 p.m. May 19–Oct. 13
Where: Lake Metroparks Farmpark parking lot, 8800 Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
What to expect: Dozens of produce, plant and fresh food vendors, in addition to abundant activities for the family — after shopping, head into the park for a visit with more than 50 breeds of livestock, see a sheep-herding demonstration or take a wagon ride.
Contact: 440/256-2122
Main Street Port Clinton Farmers Market
When: Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. June 19–Sept. 25
Where: Adams Street Park, Port Clinton, OH 43452
What to expect: Enough produce and fresh food for a picnic by the lake — grab a bite for lunch and head to the Lake Erie shore, arguably the best spot in town.
Contact: 419/734-5503
National City 2nd Street Market
When: Thursday–Friday 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–3 p.m. year-round; the outdoor market opens in May
Where: 600 E. 2nd St., Dayton, OH 45402
What to expect: A great selection of bedding plants, potted plants, seedlings and green-focused vendors, including A Greener You, where you’ll find earth-friendly, recycled merchandise for your home and your life.
Contact: 937/228-2088
North Market Farmers’ Market
When: Saturday 8 a.m.–3 p.m. May–December
Where: North Market, 59 Spruce St., Columbus, OH 43215
What to expect: Seasonal produce outside and organic meats and cheese, bakeries, flower shops, international cuisine, deli sandwiches, specialty ice cream and a candy shop inside.
Contact: 614/463-9664
Oxford Farmers Market Uptown
When: Saturday 7:30 a.m.–noon May–September
Where: Main St., Oxford, OH 45056
What to expect: A variety of events for the whole family, including Gardening 101, an informative event for children of all ages that will take place on opening day, May 1.
Contact: 513/505-5238
Tremont Farmers’ Market
When: Tuesday 4–7 p.m. May 4–Oct. 26
Where: Lincoln Park, on W. 14th St. between Starkweather and Kenilworth avenues, Cleveland, OH 44113
What to expect: A unique view of downtown Cleveland, live music from local bands and musicians, chef demos and a crowd of true foodies.
Contact: 216/575-0920
Velvet Ice Cream’s Farmers Market
When: Wednesday 3–6 p.m. June 16–Sept. 22
Where: Ye Olde’ Mill, 11324 St. Rte. 13, Utica, OH 43080
What to expect: A sweet experience — shop for locally-grown produce, honey, corn, baked goods and more before taking a tour of the factory and sampling some delicious Ohio-made ice cream. Eat up — the mill produces five million gallons of ice cream each year.
Contact: 800/589-5000