As much as many of us enjoy field-fresh fruits and veggies from summer farmers markets, there’s something to be said for the heartiness of winter market offerings.
When the weather turns, some farmers markets move indoors so you can still enjoy the local produce and goods sold by vendors in the community. Here are a few winter farmers markets to check out. And remember to wear your masks.
Countryside Old Trail School Farmers’ Market
countrysidefoodandfarms.org
2315 Ira Road, Bath
Select Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon: Nov. 14, 21; Dec. 5, 12, 19; Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 20; March 6, 20; April 3, 17
Storage and high-tunnel crops, pasture-raised meats, breads and baked goods, artisan cheese, eggs, grains and honey.
“The opportunity to have a direct connection with the source of your food, even during the winter, draws people to our market,” says market manager Serena Jones. “This market has a diverse group of vendors who provide a wide array of seasonal goods and an opportunity to support local producers.”
Frostville Farmers’ Market
frostvillefarmersmarket.com
24101 Cedar Point Road, North Olmsted
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 7-April 24
(9:30-10 a.m. for immune-compromised and seniors)
Seasonal produce, maple syrup, microgreens, mushrooms, garlic, honey and bee products, pastured meats, eggs, pasta sauces, jam, granola, baked goods, pierogies, soup and cookie mixes, hummus, cheese, breads, alpaca fiber clothing and more.
“Our market has been part of the North Olmsted community for 10 years,” says Angie Obbish, market manager. “Customers can count on us to meet their needs when it comes to having fresh, local food available. Our farmers and vendors truly care about our customers and it shows in their interactions with them.”
Haymaker Farmers’ Market
haymakermarket.com
Kent
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1pm (Closed 12/26)
(10-10:30 a.m. for self-identified vulnerable populations)
November – Franklin Ave. under Haymaker Parkway bridge
December -March – United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 E. Main St.
April – Franklin Ave under Haymaker Parkway bridge
Prepared foods, fruits, vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, garden starts, perennials, jams and jellies, preserves, grass-fed beef, pork, and chicken, eggs, pastured cow milk cheeses, honey and bee products, maple syrup and maple products, baked goods (breads and sweets) including traditional, vegan and gluten-free, locally roasted coffee and whole beans, tea, kettle corn, handmade soaps, lotions and art.
“The Haymaker Farmers’ Market remains open year-round because we know that our customers rely on the market to get the freshest, best quality, healthiest, most delicious, local food available anywhere,” says Andrew Rome, market manager. “This is a producers-only market where you can talk directly with the people making your food and be assured that everything is the best quality.”
North Union Farmers Markets
northunionfarmersmarket.org
The Van Aken District, Shaker Heights
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon, outdoors through Dec. 19
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon, Jan. 2 – March 27
(9-9:30 a.m. – vulnerable population hours)
220 Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake
Saturdays, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., outdoors through Dec. 12
Saturdays, 9 a.m.– noon, Jan. 2 – March 27
(9-9:30 a.m., vulnerable populations hours)
Apples, root vegetables, greens, hydroponic lettuces, winter squash, herbs, frozen fruits, local honey, milk, fresh eggs, pasture-raised meats, local baked goods and artisans.
“Celebrate our 25th year of operating certified producer-only markets in Greater Cleveland. This winter farmers from 22 counties will bring apples (18 varietals), greens, lettuce squash, herbs, berries (frozen), eggs, pasture-raised meats, artisans and so much more. We accept SNAP and Produce Perks,” says market manager Emma Visnic.
Margaret Briller is a freelance writer in Northeast Ohio.
Photo: Frostville Winter Market, Nikki Odengray
