Your favorite outdoor farmers market has probably closed for the season. But before you head for the supermarket to stock up for the upcoming holidays, keep in mind that there are still some markets running that feature products entirely grown, raised or produced by local farmers and entrepreneurs. Of course, you won’t find the range of fresh produce you’ll find during peak season, but you’ll still find some pretty tasty, fresh, organic stuff.
The big kahuna of northeast Ohio farmers markets is the North Union Market group, which runs numerous weekly markets during the summer. But in the winter, you will still find their Shaker Square and Crocker Park Markets running during their normal Saturday hours, 8 am-noon at Shaker Square, 9am-1pm at Crocker Park, through 12/20. Both take a break. Then Shaker returns 1/3 and Crocker Park returns 1/24 with indoor markets on Saturdays from 9pm-noon.
The Downtown Farmers Market on Public Square moved indoors to the 5th Street Arcades in October and will continue to be there every Friday from 11am-2pm. You’ll still find chef Parker Bosley doing a cooking demonstration at noon on the last Friday of every month.
And don’t forget the Coit Road Farmers Market, the area’s oldest and the only one with its own dedicated building. It’s open year round on Saturdays from 8 am to 1pm and is promising a series of free food classes throughout the winter so stay tuned to their website.
What will you find at this time of year? Plenty of long storage crops like apples, squash, garlic, onions and potatoes, greenhouse crops like lettuce, spinach and other greens, products like maple syrup, honey, dairy and baked goods, and organic, grassfed meats.
Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120
Crocker Park Shopping Center, Westlake, OH 44145
Cleveland, OH 44115