July 22, 2015August 24, 2016 by Caroline

Caroline’s Picks: Farmers Markets

As someone who loves to cook (and eat!) there is nothing better than spending a few hours outdoors in the summer, shopping for fresh ingredients at a local farmers market. I love to comb through the wares at different stalls, and am always inspired by a new or unusual ingredient that I score during my trip. Due to its close proximity to so many produce growers, Columbus is crawling with amazing farmers market options, each with their own unique vendors and atmospheres. Here are my picks for my 5 favorite farmers markets in Central Ohio:

New Albany Farmers Market:

The New Albany Farmer’s Market is held Thursday evenings, which I appreciate because you can stop by after work, since it’s one of the few markets held on a day other than Saturday. Another reason is that it has plenty of parking nearby, which can be a struggle with more urban areas. Some of my “can’t miss” vendors: Sock Hop Soda Shop (50’s sandwiches and shakes), Beehive Bread (cheese bread and raspberry cinnamon rolls), and Root 23 (grapefruit basil and vanilla ginger syrup).

http://healthynewalbany.org/activities/farmers-market/

Worthington Farmers Market

This market is absolutely huge; there are so many vendors you almost have to make two rounds to ensure you don’t skip anything! They also regularly feature live music during the market. Vendors to try: Blue Jacket Dairy (yay! cheese curds and goat cheese), Dangling Carrot Farm (heirloom tomatoes and kale), Silver Bridge Coffee (fresh coffee and beans).

http://worthingtonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/p/vendors.html

Granville Farmers Market

I like that this market is a little farther out of town, because the variety of merchants is great and different from other venues closer to the capital city. Stroll around this charming Licking County town and enjoy the sights. Check out: Bailey’s Drive-In Donuts (huge donut holes), Bird’s Haven Farms (fresh produce), Branstool Orchard (peaches and apples).

http://www.granvillefarmersmarket.com/vendors/

Clintonville Farmers Market

Clintonville’s market is actually held on two days during the summer, Wednesday and Saturday. It too is large-scale, with vendors for everyone. Buy goods ranging from fresh flowers to jams and salsa. Stalls to sample: Dan the Baker (amazing breads of all kinds), J-POPS (gourmet ice pops), and Oink Moo Cluck (chorizo and fresh eggs)

http://www.clintonvillefarmersmarket.org/

Easton Farmers Market

Easton’s market is great, because you can shop the farm wares and then shop more in the mall! There are children’s activities and chef demos too. Vendors to visit: Celebrate Local (outpost of the awesome local store), Ohio City Pasta (gnocchi and fettuccine), Tiger Mushroom Farms (gourmet ‘shrooms)

http://www.eastonfarmersmarket.org/vendors.aspx