Area farmers markets kick off their seasons as summer approaches

As school lets out for the summer and schedules hopefully slow down, local farmers markets will kick off their season with fresh produce, artisan foods and locally made items. Markets include:

The Lee Branch Farmer's Market

► Opening day: April 22

► Where: Lee Branch Shopping Center, near Carmike Cinemas

► When: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon

► Web: themarketplaceatleebranch.com

The Lee Branch Farmer's Market is a rain or shine market that features a lineup of 60 market sellers. Items for sale include fresh farm produce and artisan products. The market will be open through Aug. 26.

Chelsea farmers market

► Opening day: May 18

► Where: Chelsea City Hall

► When: Thursdays, 3-6 p.m.

The City of Chelsea will host its first farmers market starting this May. The market will bring together local vendors in front of city hall every Thursday night through the fall.

Valleydale Farmers Market

► Opening day: May 27

► Where: Faith Presbyterian Church

4601 Valleydale Road

► When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon

►  Web: valleydalefarmersmarket.com

The Valleydale Farmers Market kicked off nine years ago when members of Faith Presbyterian Church decided to bring a farmers market closer to their community.  Items for sale include produce, honey, eggs, preserves and handmade goods such as soaps.

Indian Springs Village Farmer’s Market

► Opening day: May 27

► Where: Indian Springs First Baptist Church

3375 Cahaba Valley Road

► When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon

► Web: facebook.com/Indianspringsmarket

Indian Springs Village’s farmers market is returning for its second year. During its 2016 market, vendors sold items ranging from produce to jewelry and dog treats to popsicles.

Summit Farmer's Market

► Opening day: June 1

► Where: The Summit

214 Summit Blvd., in front of Pottery Barn

► When: Thursdays, 3–7 p.m.

► Web: urbancookhouse.com/market

The Summit farmers market, sponsored by Urban Cookhouse, will return this year. It will be open through Aug. 17, and in addition to hosting vendors with food and goods, the market includes a few entertainment options. 

Mt Laurel Market and Craft Fair

► Opening day: June 3

► Where: Mt Laurel Town Center

► When: Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon

► Web: facebook.com/MtLaurelFarmersMarket

Vendors will once again line the streets of Mt Laurel’s town center this year. The annual farmers market brings in about 20 farmers and more than 30 craft vendors, who bring local produce, goat cheese, local honey and handmade items such as pottery and woodwork to the event.

Know about a market that didn’t make the list? Email erica@starnespublishing.com.