5 of the Best Farmers Markets in Ohio

With small businesses struggling around the country now is our time to support local and shop some of the best farmers markets in Ohio.

With hundreds of farmers markets dotting the landscape from Cleveland to Cincinnati and every where in between, shoppers have choices to visit fantastic markets in order to find the freshest produce and wares vendors and farmers have to offer. From large farm operations to urban farmers raising crops within city limits, as well as home-based businesses creating honey products, clothes, and accessories.

If you choose wisely, stops at one or two farmers’ markets in your area can set you up for great homemade dinners with fresh ingredients, accessories that set off an outfit, or the perfect home décor item. Here’s a look at some of the best farmers markets in Ohio.

Covid-19 Information – Please check each farmer’s market’s website for their Covid-19 rules and guidelines and remember that as of now, all residents and visitors to the state are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing in Ohio.

5 of the Best Farmers Markets in Ohio

North Union Farmers Market – Cleveland

With more than three dozen farmers and flea markets located in the Cleveland area, it’s easy to find one that meets your needs. Among the best farmers markets, North Union Farmers Market grew from one person’s obsession with fresh produce and meat.

Donita Anderson was active in the food co-op scene in Traverse City, Michigan. When her family relocated to the Shaker Heights area, she scoped out northeast Ohio farm stands and roadside stands to look for great food opportunities. In 1995, she organized Shaker Heights’ first farmers market, which consisted of a few farmers, who reluctantly agreed to set up a market. With nearly 500 eager shoppers waiting for them to open, the farmers’ inventory sold within minutes. Thus, launched one of Cleveland’s most successful farmers markets.

Today, 25 years after setting up its first stand, the North Union Farmer Market – located at Historic Shaker Square – is home to nearly 100 farmers, artists, and bakers, offering fresh produce, fruit, meat, bread, dairy, honey, and more. From homemade jewelry to blown glass art, you’ll find almost anything you need during the market’s season, which runs 8 a.m.-noon Saturday from mid-April to mid-December. You can find more markets related to the union here.

Hyde Park Farmers Market – Cincinnati

Considered one of the best markets in the Cincinnati area, the Hyde Park Farmers Market grew from two people’s dreams.

Mary Ida Compton and Judy Williams enjoyed shopping for fresh food and produce while living overseas. With that interest as the driving force, the duo eventually organized the Hyde Park Farmers Market, which opened in 2005. With more than two dozen vendors featuring fresh vegetables and fruits, such as succulent peaches and apples, as well as meat delivered fresh from the farm, the farmers market caught on quickly with like-minded shoppers.

Today, more than 1,000 people browse the vendors’ booths at Hyde Park Square each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. thru fall. Then, in winter, the farmers market moves to Clark Montessori and is open Sundays 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Clintonville Farmers Market – Columbus

As it nears 20 years of serving the community, the Clintonville Farmers Market in Columbus has expanded over the years to run between April and November. From 9 a.m.-noon each Saturday, more than 60 vendors offer fresh produce, homemade wares, fresh honey products, sweet potato pies, and much more as one of the few producers-only markets in Ohio.

The Clintonville Farmers Market consists of small and large farms, as well as home-based businesses, who travel up to two hours each weekend to offer shoppers some of the freshest produce they’ll taste, as well as unique home products.

2^nd Street Farmers Market – Dayton

Featuring both indoor and outdoor merchants, the 2^nd Street Farmers Market is Dayton’s largest public market. With dozens of vendors selling fresh produce and wares, the market is usually open Thursday-Saturday, with Sunday hours during the summer.

However, it is currently open as an outdoor market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. With its indoor market, the 2^nd Street Farmers Market is open year-round. Attracting nearly 400,000 shoppers annually, the farmers market rates as one of the busiest in Ohio.

The 2^nd Street Farmers Market offers free parking, with ADA-accessible spots available.

The Amish Market – Youngstown

An indoor market, the Amish Market in Youngstown offers an array of goods, such as fresh produce, dairy, and meat. You can also purchase Amish-made furniture and home décor wares.

Featuring 15 vendors, the Amish Market has been open since 2013. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, thousands of people visit the market year-round.

During your visit, satisfy your appetite with treats such as fried pies, each filled with fresh fruit like apples or cherries.

Whether it’s an outdoor farmers market with seasonal hours or a market offering fresh produce and wares year-round, Ohio is home to several outstanding markets. Bring plenty of bags, because you’ll want to bring home as much as you can carry. While you bring home nutritious goods or the perfect accessory, you’re also helping the local economy and your neighbors by shopping at farmer’s markets.

Do you have a farmer’s market that should be added to this list? Share it in the comments below and tell us why you love it.