Harvest is at its peak in northeast Ohio, so this is the time you’ll find farmers markets overflowing with their greatest bounty.
Luckily, after a tentative start, most of the area’s farmers markets are up and running for leisurely shopping to check out the goods and buy what catches your eye. Some still take pre-orders; some have an early time slot for people who are older or immune-compromised. Most really really want you to wear a mask so everyone lives to see another harvest.
A few markets are taking the year off; many are foregoing the added attractions, such as live music, chef demos and yoga classes, for the year. Here are some places to pick up locally grown and produced foods.
NORTH UNION FARMERS MARKETS
All of the North Union Farmers Markets are open, including their two flagship, year-round markets at Crocker Park and Shaker Square, both on Saturday morning. The Sunday markets at Chagrin Falls and Legacy Village, the Wednesday market at Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus; the Thursday Market at Van Aken district and the Saturday market at Pinecrest are also open, with ending dates staggered in September and October. NU has a long list of safety precautions they are taking and half hour early entry periods for those at high risk.
TREMONT FARMERS MARKET
The Tremont Farmers Market is back in Lincoln Park for its usual season, ever Tuesday evening from 4-7pm through September 29, with 3:30-4pm reserved for high-risk shoppers. Many of their vendors accept pre-orders — you can find a list on the Tremont Market site — and they recommend wearing masks. Music in the gazebo is off for this year and there are no non-food vendors.
COIT ROAD FARMER MARKET
The Coit Market in East Cleveland, which runs 8am-1pm Saturdays year roundand 8am-1pm Wednesdays through October, has its out indoor building, which is spacious, uncrowded and taking extreme safety precautions including requiring masks, spacing out vendors and providing hand sanitizer at the door. There’s a 7:30-8am shopping period for seniors. It’s still hosting a few special events, some of them on its outdoor patio, including cooking demos and Care-A-Van health screenings.
COUNTRYSIDE FARMERS MARKET
Countryside Farmers Market in Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Howe Meadow returned a little late after testing out an all pre-order/pick-up model. It takes place Saturdays 9am-noon through October 31, with 8:30-9am for vulnerable shoppers. Masks are required and many vendors take pre-orders. There are no extracurriculars, no cash accepted and no onsite food or drink.
KAMM’S CORNERS FARMERS MARKET
Kamm’s Corners Market at 19609 Albers Avenue runs Sundays 10am-1pm (9:45-10:30 for seniors and other vulnerable populations). Vendors & volunteers will wear masked and they’re recommended for shoppers. Some vendors accept pre-orders. There’s no extra programming this season
BAYARTS THURSDAY MARKET
The BAYArts at Huntington Reservation takes place twice a moth on Thursday from noon-3pm. Remaining dates are August 27, and September 10 and 24. It features food and art vendors and a food truck outside, and the gallery and gift shop are open. Masks are required.
LEAF COMMUNITY FARMERS MARKET
The LEAF Market takes place on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30pm through October 29 at the Lakewood Public Library’s main branch, offering produce, homemade/baked items, crafts and prepared food to eat on the spot.
