Did you waste away the summer watching Netflix? Yeah, so did we. But it’s definitely not too late to enjoy the season. Our fair city has farmers’ markets in nearly every neighborhood on nearly every night of the week (into October). Here’s a day-by-day list of some of the best:
Monday
Clifton:Even on its busiest nights, this intimate market hardly fills the small space of Clifton Plaza. But its vendors are friendly, its produce fresh, and there’s live music to keep the place pulsing. Plus, there’s a certain charm about the Gaslight District on a summer evening. Tip: Get some fresh herbs from Sacred Grove Farms—they offer locally grown mint, oregano, and tarragon. 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m.; 329 Ludlow Ave. next to Om Eco Café.
Tuesday
Loveland: This market keeps historic downtown Loveland bustling every Tuesday. With more than 40 vendors, it’s a one-stop shop for everything from roasted nuts to Malaysian fare. Tip: Grateful Grahams is there every week, selling their impressive variety of homemade Vegan crackers. Use the crumbly chocolate grahams as a piecrust or as a remix for your next round of s’mores. 3 p.m.–7 p.m. in Historic Downtown Loveland, across from Paxton’s Grill. More info: lovelandfm.com
Wyoming: For such a small town, Wyoming’s market really delivers; stock up on organic greens, fresh berries, and hormone-free meats and eggs. Tip: Order yourself a wood-fired pizza from the Fireside Pizza truck and find a spot on the green for some live music. 3 p.m.–7 p.m. at the Village Green, corner of Wyoming Ave. and Oak Ave. More info: wyomingfarmersmarket.net
Wednesday
Mariemont: What this market lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in quality. Occupying the back corner of the elementary school parking lot, the modest Mariemont market brings top-notch vendors and loyal customers together each week, rain or shine. Tip: Be sure to visit Two Chicks Who Cater, an Anderson-based catering company who brings their ready-made salads, jams, and spreads to the market. 4–7 p.m. in the Mariemont Elementary School parking lot, 6750 Wooster Pike.
Northside: The neighborhood of Northside really shines on market days, with almost 40 vendors and shoppers of all ages coming to take part. Tip: While you shop, cool off with a frozen treat from OTR-based company Streetpops, which uses natural ingredients for an inventive array of popsicles (avocado, anyone?). And don’t skip a visit to Blue Oven Bakery’s booth—their English Muffins are the stuff of breakfast legend. 4–7 pm at Hoffner Park, Corner of Hamilton Ave. and Blue Rock Rd. More info: northsidefm.org
Thursday
Madeira: With an undeniable family vibe, this market echoes what Madeira is all about. More than 35 vendors invite residents to the historic downtown center to nibble, socialize, and restock on market favorites. Tip: Morning Star Farms of West Alexandria’s Spelt Crunch cereal is a must-try, and their certified organic poultry and meat products are impressively fresh. Also be sure to check out (and sample) the multitude of flavors from Summuh Hummus, from asparagus-infused to balsamic-based. 3:30 p.m.–7 p.m. at the corner of Dawson Rd. and Miami Ave. More info: madeirafarmersmarket.com
Friday
Alexandria: The Alexandria market is just one of three branches of the Campbell County Farmer’s market. Just off of I-275, it’s handy to downtown and the perfect place to stop and stock up on fresh ingredients for summer entertaining. Tip: Little Rock Farm’s booth offers it all: fresh veggies, bright flowers, and dangerously delicious baked goods. Their loaves are phenomenal, but you should really indulge with a homemade handpie. The flaky, fruit-filled pockets are exactly what they sound like—portable, messy, and delicious.3–6 p.m.; 7634 Alexandria Pike. More info: ccfarmersmarket.net
Lettuce Eat Well: Open year-round, this West side market features local farmers, specialty merchants, and artisans of all kinds. Voted the #1 Farmer’s Market in Ohio in the American Farmland Trust’s annual “I Love My Farmer’s Market,” guide, it’s geared towards maintaining a sustainable, supportive community and has food and fun for the whole family. Tip: Don’t miss Jose Madrid’s gourmet salsa, handcrafted and kettle-cooked in Zanesville, Ohio. Nationally award winning (even in Texas), they offer varieties like Mild Spanish Verde and Cherry Chocolate Hot. 3–7 p.m. at Cheviot United Methodist Church, 3820 Westwood Northern Blvd. More info: lewfm.org
Saturday
Anderson: Tucked away near the Anderson Towne Center, this new-ish market is thriving with more than 20 vendors and weekly regulars. Wake up with cold brewed coffee, fill up on food truck fare, and get shopping with plenty of fresh options from nearby farms you probably never even knew existed. Tip: Try the summer-squash pizza crust from Wittmeyer White Oak Valley Farm. Top it with fresh sauce from Brocato’s Italian Market, a sprinkle of cheese, and as many fresh veggies as possible and you’ve got yourself an easy, gourmet summer dinner. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Anderson Center Station, 7832 Five Mile Rd. More info: andersonfarmersmarket.org
Montgomery: You’ll find everything you need here, from specialty snacks to lots and lots of locally sourced ingredients for a fresh and delicious summer meal. Tip: Make a visit to Mt. Kofina’s for specialty olive oil imported from the owners’ family groves in Greece. Their store isn’t far, but they bring every variety to market each Saturday.9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Montgomery Elementary School, 9609 Montgomery Rd. More info: montgomeryfarmersmarket.org
West Chester: Though it may be quite the hike from downtown Cincinnati, this market is worth the drive. Boasting more than 30 vendors, it buzzes every Saturday morning with weekly regulars and lucky passers-by. Tip: Wooden Shoe Baked Goods is an in-home dessert powerhouse that sells only at this market. Try this summer’s seasonal scone: Blueberry with Lemon Glaze. Top it off with a rich cup of artisan coffee from the local roasting company, La Terza, and you’ll be the happiest camper of them all. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., the intersection of West Chester Towne Centre and Center Pointe Drive. More info: westchesterohiofarmersmarket.org
Sunday
Hyde Park: Though it’s got plenty of competition, the Hyde Park farmer’s market might be our favorite. The variety is unrivaled, with vendors selling everything from handmade soaps and fine teas to freshly baked loaves to blooming bouquets of flowers. And the locale is the perfect spot to stroll through stands before lounging by the fountain or brunching nearby. Come hungry and with lots of time to spare. Tip: Early Bird Gardens & Bakery uses locally-sourced, gluten-free, and organic ingredients in their killer scones and muffins. Grab a few, and bring home a jar of Red Raspberry Sauce from Shag Bark Farms. Spread on toast or drizzled over ice cream, it tastes like summer.9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. in Hyde Park Square on Erie Ave.; More info: hydeparkfarmersmarket.com
Daily:
Boone County Farmer’s Market: Open from May-December, Boone County Farmer’s Market sells seasonal goods grown right in Northern Kentucky. With almost 40 farm partners, they offer “apples, zucchini, and everything in between.” 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily; 6028 Camp Ernst Rd., Burlington. More info: boonecountyfarmersmarket.org
Farmer Produce Market of Cincinnati: Tucked away in an unassuming parking lot alongside the Lunken Airport, this produce market is small but mighty. Most days you’ll find only a few tents, but their offerings are not to miss. Tip: The Wagner Farm truck sells the sweetest late harvest tomatoes (nicknamed “Fourth of Julys”) and the juiciest white peaches you’ll ever try. Mon–Fri, 1:30 p.m.–6 p.m.; weekends, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Wilmer Ave. off State Route 52 in Linwood
Newtown Farm Market: The mecca of all markets, Newtown Farm Market offers 300+ varieties of fresh fruits and veggies, an artisan deli, Amish baked goods, a full-service greenhouse, and gourmet groceries.Tip: Treat yourself to a frozen custard and visit the chatty in-house parrot, Polly. Mon—Sat, 9 a.m–7 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; 3950 Roundbottom Rd. More info: newtownmarket.com
Findlay Market: This Cincinnati landmark has been around for more than 150 years and is still going strong. Open year-round, the public market space hosts roughly 40 fulltime vendors, each offering specialty items from different cuisines and cultures. On weekends during the summer, the iron-framed market house and outdoor farm shed fill with even more vendors with plenty of fresh and locally produced finds to keep you there all day. Tip: Bring an empty stomach and a full wallet. Tues–Fri, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Outdoor Farmer’s Market: Sat, 8 a.m.–2 pm; Sun, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; 1801 Race St. More info: findlaymarket.org/farmers-market
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