Caroline's Picks

One of my favorite aspects of living in Ohio is that we have so many local small business owners putting out great products. Why shop at the big box stores when you can get unique gifts and tasty treats from retailers right here in Columbus? All of the items shown below are available at either Celebrate Local at Easton or the New Leaf Market at the Lancaster Greenhouse, and in the case of some items, both locations!

Liberty Pottery is based in historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton. This thrown stoneware often has an Ohio theme, and comes in a variety of interesting colors to suit any decor. Look for beautifully-made platters, pitchers, coffee mugs, and more. I especially like the robin’s egg blue glaze they use, and the saucers serve as great bases to hold a candle.

I’m in love with Ridiculously Good Salsa. It is super fresh and great for summer entertaining. My husband lived in New Mexico for a while, and knows good salsa. He and I both give the onion-based zing of the “happy medium” version a big thumbs up. Or, pick up the “mellow” style for topping nachos or fish. Appetizer dilemma solved.

One of my favorite companies for rustic home decor is Columbus Barrel Co. These talented folks craft everything from tables and clocks to sunglasses and cutting boards from re-purposed bourbon barrels. Every creation is gorgeous, and because of the unique grain of each piece of wood, no two items are the same. They do custom orders as well!

Looking for a sweeter wine for patio weather? Wagon Wheel Wines in Canal Winchester has a huge selection of fruit-based beverages, made in-house. Try options such as strawberry-pear cider, hard pink lemonade, black cherry pinot noir wine, or coconut-yuzu wine. I can’t wait to make a tropical sangria with one of these wines as a base. Check out their brick-and-mortar shop in downtown CW too.

These lollipops from Lollipop Lush come in tasty flavors like red wine, root beer, and pineapple lime chili. The suckers would be a great favor for a wedding or as part of a gift box for a friend! You can even customize the wrappers for special occasions, or order the pops made in a fun shape like lips or a mustache for a memorable treat.

Find more info about the products mentioned here:

Celebrate Local: http://www.celebratelocalohio.com/

New Leaf Market at Lancaster Greenhouse: http://www.lancastergreenhouse.com/

Ridiculously Good Salsa: http://rgoodsalsa.com/

Liberty Pottery: http://www.libertypottery.com/

Columbus Barrel Co.: http://www.columbusbarrelco.com/

Wagon Wheel Wines: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wagon-Wheel-Wines/1488666614739202

Lollipop Lush: https://www.facebook.com/pages/lollipop-lush/461397554025459

Keep Connected,

Caroline

The salsa and lollipops were provided to Columbus Culinary Connection gratis. This in no way impacts the nature of my opinions or writing.  

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

Here are some other local farmer’s markets to try:

Bexley: http://www.bexleyfarmersmarket.com/

Canal Winchester: http://www.thecwfm.com/

Lancaster: http://www.lancasterohfarmersmarket.org/

Grove City: http://gcchamber.org/farmers-market/

North Market: http://www.northmarket.com/activities-events/Farmers-Market-Saturday.aspx

400 W. Rich: http://400westrich.com/the-market-at-400/

Powell: https://www.powellchamber.com/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=2:farmers-market&Itemid=46

What is your favorite outdoor farmer’s market? Let me know in the comments below!

Keep Connected,

Caroline