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Food, Fun, and Community:
Ohio Farmer's Markets

Nothing beats heading out early on a Saturday morning, canvas bag in hand, to explore local farmer's markets. All over Ohio, small towns, suburbs, and cities host markets; some are open only during the growing season, and some all year. Here are some of Ohio's farmer's markets that I have enjoyed exploring.

Canal Winchester Farmer's Market (www.mainstreetcanalwinchester .org)
Open May-October, Saturday mornings
This market in historic downtown Canal Winchester features a colorful array of heirloom fruits and vegetables, from Spitzenberg apples to Black Diamond watermelons, as well as baked goods, jams and jellies, and maple syrup. Third Saturdays the third Saturday of each month include antique tractor and fire engine shows, a kids' festival, dog days, and a harvest fest in the fall.

Guernsey County Farmer's Market
Open May-October, Friday mornings
Featuring around 25 local farmers and craftspeople, this market in the shadow of the county courthouse in downtown Cambridge gives a glimpse into small-town life in southeastern Ohio. Come to buy Appalachian yard art and listen to old-time music, as well as to buy regional honey, organic produce, and mingle with the locals.

The North Market (www.northmarket.com)
Open year round, Tuesday-Sunday, with some store hours Monday
It's all inside, and all the time, at Columbus's North Market, near the Arena District downtown. Since 1876, the North Market has been home to fishmongers, butchers, farmers, and bakers. It still has all these now with the addition of ethnic food stands, gourmet groceries, soy candle sellers, and other merchants. One million people visit the market each year, which also serves as an incubator to new businesses. It's a good place to buy groceries, eat lunch, or just explore.

West Side Market (www.echogate.net/market)
Open year round, Mondays through Saturdays
Owned by the City of Cleveland and operated by the parks and recreation department, the West Side Market is a northern Ohio institution. In addition to the requisite fresh fruits and vegetables, vendors at the market offer meats, spices, herbs, flowers, and dairy items. And for visitors who want to eat on the spot, the many immigrant communities in Cleveland offer everything from garlic and olive oil-drenched tabouli to Slovenian sausages. The market is busiest on Saturday mornings; other days provide the same immense selection, without the crowds.

Yellow Springs Market
Open May through October, Saturday mornings
This is a small market with a hippie touch, in a famously alternative village just outside of Dayton. Buy black raspberries along with hemp soap, Amish jams along with tie-dyed shirts. And after the sun rises in the sky and lunchtime approaches, a stop at Ha-Ha Pizza, a restaurant on the north edge of town, is a great way to top off the morning.

Learn more about this author, Vivian Wagner.
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