Northside Farmers Market

One of the smaller markets, but as it's the neighborhood I was born and raised in, it is near and dear to my heart. For the most part you will find produce and bread. Sometimes honey or baked goods. You might also find a bite to eat! I particularly enjoy the market in the summer because then it's outside at Hoffner Park. In the winter it's inside the church up the road.

Being a rather hardcore farm market devotee, I am mainly reliant upon individual family (non-commercial) growers and local markets such as these for the vast majority of my own food, serving, and workshop purposes. Nomatter where I must travel, my first order of business is to locate the nearest and/or best farm market in the area. In the case of my present situation in town, Northside's market seems to fit both bills. This nearby market is truly a fabulous neighbourhood find and, in my humble opinion, the finest the city has to offer. Each time I find myself visiting Cincinnati, local growers and conscious community members manage to consistently charm me into squeezing in more visits. Market hours seem somewhat unusual to me (4pm to 7pm), but I always feel compelled to make a trip to see which seasonal treats have been brought in to share. This area has some great pesticide-free growers, and this market is more of a fun, educational gathering place than a necessary chore for keeping the refrigerator well stocked. The vendors (farmers as well as artisans and smallscale merchants) are incredibly knowledgeable and take great pride in the services they provide for local community members. I always end up learning something there, and Autumn provides an amazing harvest from all surrounding areas. Most growers seem to be as keen as I for cultivating produce free of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilisers-which I find to be quite refreshing. This warm, friendly community market seems to have nearly everything one could possibly wish to find at a local market... and possibly more!

As a new resident perusing the streets of Northside, I happened upon a placard claiming a Farmers' Market from 4pm to 7:30pm at the North Presbyterian Church. I walked in through the doors of the Church and found a smallish set-up with tables stocked with wares from various farmers and food producers. Fab Ferments was my first stop where I had utterly sublime Kimchi. Their juniper caraway saurkraut was super tasty too. I spoke with one of the two business partners of the fermented food operation and it was a pleasure to speak to the fellow who made the food I was enjoying so much. His affected hippiesque speaking style was appreciated, not overwhelming and lent authenticity to the experience. I was, after all, chowing down on rotting vegetables. But rotting in a truly remarkable way. Flute music was being played by another guy at a nearby table, and it seems that music is scheduled for proper marketing ambiance. The website lists some of the products to expect, but microgreens, honey, various root vegetables, gourmet cookies, spices and herbs, apples and other stuff I'm forgetting are there for your shopping convenience. As with most farmers' markets, bring cash. Wednesdays from 4-7:30pm. Street parking and probably lot parking available, though I walked it.

A local year round mid-week farmer's market that I can walk to? Doesn't get much better than that. Oh wait, yes it does. It's small but amazingly seems to have just about anything you would need. Sure, there's plenty of veggies, but there's also all kinds of meat, eggs, cheese, etc.The market is, obviously, better in the summer time when it is outside. There's at least one food truck around and street pops usually makes an appearance. Local favs like Fab Ferments and the (OMGBESTTHINGEVER) Blue Oven Bakery are there every week. The past few weeks, there's been plenty of starter plants and herbs as well.A few more awesome things: you no longer need to worry about having cash! You can now have your credit card charged at the main booth in exchange for tokens. They also take food stamps.

The Northside Farmers Market is held outdoors at the Jacob Hoffner Park on Hamilton Ave. during the spring, summer and fall on Wednesday from 4 pm until 7 pm in the evening. This is not just a small reasonably priced produce market where locally grown, raised and made items from fruits and vegetables to eggs, bread and meat can be purchased. It is a fun family activity. In addition to vendors selling the above items you can refresh yourself with a bubble tea or enjoy a tamale for a snack. Sometimes there is live music being performed by a local musician making the experience even more enjoyable. If you want a bunch of fresh flowers for a vase or garden and flowering plants you will find it here also. One vendor sells apple and blackberry pies in small Mason jars. He will ask you what your "taste" is and offer you a sample on a spoon. Last week I saw vendor that does head, neck and shoulder messages. Right next to the market area is the playground and benches for families to enjoy. I always see friends and neighbors talking and laughing while their children play. After shopping you can relax in the grassy area on the back side of the park or maybe even read a good book in this peaceful little corner in Northside. Come check it out sometime. You will want to come back again. Until next time be kind to each other.

Great selection, great community feel, nicest people with the most flavorful products!

I love, love, love this laid back farmer's market with a fantastic variety of foods. You can get local veggies (some normal, some unique), fruits, fresh bread, and even eggs and meat. Chat with the vendors, support local farmers, and afterward let your kids play in the park. :)

This was my first time at the market. It's now on my calendar to go back every week. They had vendors representing bakeries, farms, pet treats, honey, organic gardeners, home made delicious food and desserts, soy sauces, vegetables, pasture raised eggs, composting, etc. It was spacious outside and something for everyone. I'm very happy with my purchases. Some vendors took credit cards, others requested cash or check. I bet when it's gets later in the summer with more veggies ready to go, this will be the place to shop.