Red, plump strawberries. Greener than green zucchinis.
Sweet, golden honey. Local, fresh, delicious produce everywhere you turn. Welcome
to summertime in Alabama – the season of farmer’s markets.
Auburn and Opelika are home to many farmers markets, some
seasonal and others year round.
Alabama has more than 48,500 farms throughout
the state, covering about 9 million acres. According to the
United
States Department of Agriculture, farmers markets have some of the freshest
and best produce around because the produce is grown close to where you live.
As a result, you have access to more fruits and vegetables at the peak of the
growing season, and it’ll taste better because it hasn’t been sitting in a
supermarket! You also help the community grow, as locally-owned retailers
(including farmers) return more than three times of their sales back to the community
as compared to chain competitors according to
this
infographic.
Here’s where you can go in Auburn and Opelika to taste the goodness for yourself.
Year-Round
These farmers markets are open year-round, and offer plenty
of diversity at great prices.
 |
Photo courtesy of Market at Blooming
Colors Facebook page. |
Market at Blooming
Colors / 1192 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL 36832 / (334) 887-0887
The Market at Blooming Colors features fresh Auburn-grown
vegetables, including several pepper varieties, watermelons, vine ripened
tomatoes and more. They also sell
organic blueberries, sweet peaches and shelled peas among other specials! The
Market at Blooming Colors is open Monday - Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and
from 10:00 - 6:00 on Sunday.
Parkway Farmers
Market / 3829 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801 / (334)
737-2080
The Parkway Farmers Market, across the street from Mandarin
House, is one of Auburn and Opelika’s best kept secrets. With plenty of fresh
and frozen local produce and Southern favorites like fatback and okra, the
Parkway Farmers Market is a must-try market. They also have seasonal plants for
sale outside, and have an excellent selection of pumpkins come Halloween! The
Parkway Farmers Market is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Opelika Farmers Market / 411 S. 10th St., Opelika, AL 36801 / (334) 705-0010
Yes, Opelika has a year-round farmers market too! Found in downtown Opelika, this farmers market offers some of the freshest produce in the city. Featuring local and seasonal fruits and vegetables, be sure to stop by for your grocery shopping and to pick up a few delicious treats!
Seasonal Markets
Opelika Main Street
Farmer’s Market / Lee County Courthouse Square /
(334) 745-0466
The Opelika Main Street Farmers Market begins on June 3,
2014 at 3 p.m. and goes until the end of the season. Come walk around the
square each Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. to find delicious produce like heirloom
tomatoes and zucchini. Vendors even sell local honey and homemade ice cream. Depending
on the year's crop, the market may continue through September or until produce
is depleted. Look for further updates about the end date at
opelikamainstreet.com.
The Market at Ag
Heritage Park / corner of Lem Morrison and Donahue / (334) 321-1603
The Market at Ag Heritage Park will open the 2014 season
Thursday, May 8 at 3 p.m. Find fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and
other goods at the market every Thursday through August 21.
The Market at Ag Heritage Park was started in 2005 and in
the years since has become a favorite summertime tradition for the Auburn
community. Hosted by the College of Agriculture, The Market features local
farmers offering seasonal, fresh-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables, as well
as other delicious treats like goat cheese and beautiful cut flowers.
