Farm to Market

Guide to Local Farmers Markets

words and photos by Katie Jackson

Shopping at a farmers market is something other than just buying groceries. It is more than a simple exchange of goods. There is a sense of community between vendors and patrons. Beyond the satisfaction of knowing where their food comes from, the people get to know each other. It becomes a living palate for both food and friendship.

On a recent cold and dreary Saturday afternoon at Howe Meadow, vendors and patrons alike exchanged smiles and welcoming pleasantries amid the scenic surroundings of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Despite the chill, there was magic in the air. Excitement about the season and what’s to come. Anticipation for what this year’s crop yield will bring. Sharing in the joy of honest work and fresh product, as well as the nourishment that can only come from food prepared with love.

In contrast, the opening day of the Highland Square Farmers Market was a picturesque warm sunny day in the city. The sound of busses and cars on W. Market St. was woven into the rhythm of  drum beats, children laughing, and neighbors catching up as they filled their market bags with fresh greens, asparagus and local honey.

No matter which market you attend, the sense of community exists.

The Akron area is fortunate to have both the ecological conditions and public that supports sustainable local farming. Likewise, we are fortunate to have a multitude of locations to shop for locally-grown fresh produce.

We’ve curated a list of local markets for you to attend this summer. Get to know your local growers, your neighbors, and perhaps even a new vegetable or two.

Countryside Farmers Market at Howe Meadow
Season: Open Saturdays from 9 am – 12 pm and runs through October 29
Where: 4040 Riverview Rd., Peninsula

Countryside Farmers Market at Highland Square
Season: Open Thursdays from 4 pm – 7 pm through September 29
Where: Conger Ave. and W. Market St., Akron

Szalay’s Farm & Market
Season: Open daily from 9 am – 7 pm through October 31
Where: 4563 Riverview Rd., Peninsula

Hudson Farmers Market
Season: Open Saturdays 9 am – 12:30 pm through October 8
Where: Village Green, corner of Rts. 91 & 303, Hudson

Munroe Falls Farmers Market
Season: Open Tuesdays from 3 pm – 6 pm through September 27
Where: Brust Park on Route 91, Munroe Falls

Farmers Market in the Falls
Season: Open Fridays from 3 pm – 6pm through September 20
Where: Quirk Cultural Center, 1201 Grant Ave., Cuyahoga Falls

Akron Farm & Flea Market
Season: Open 10 am – 2 pm on the second Sunday of the month from June 12 – September 11
Where: Urban Eats and Musica, 51 E. Market St., Akron

Copley Creekside Farmers Market
Season: Open Thursdays from 3 pm – 7 pm through early October
Where: 1265 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley

Anna Dean Farmers Market at the O.C. Barber Piggery
Season: Open Tuesdays from 2 pm – 6 pm through September
Where: O.C. Barber Piggery, 248 Robinson Ave., Barberton

Stow Community Farmers Market
Season: Open Saturdays from 9 am – 12 pm through early October
Where: Stow Community United Church of Christ, 1567 Pilgrim Dr., Stow

Haymaker Market
Season: Open Saturdays from 9 am – 1 pm through October 29
Where: Franklin Ave. & Summit St., Kent