Staff photo.
Shoppers will find food and locally made goods at The Summit Farmers Market each Thursday.
As the days steadily grow warmer and spring fruits and vegetables come into season, the time for farmers markets approaches.
Whether you’re looking for basic produce or artisanal cheese and jelly or handmade jewelry, farmers markets up and down U.S. 280 provide the right atmosphere for a relaxing Saturday morning.
If you don’t know where to go or what to expect, here is our guide to this year’s farmers market season.
Valleydale Farmers Market
Starts May 28
Faith Presbyterian Church
4601 Valleydale Road
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
The Valleydale Farmers Market kicked off eight years ago when members of Faith Presbyterian Church decided their community needed a farmers market closer to their community.
The market includes vendors from Shelby County as well as Chilton and Blount counties. Shoppers will find local produce, honey, eggs as well as preserves and handmade soaps and other handmade goods at the weekly market.
Indian Springs Village Farmer’s Market
Starts May 28
Indian Springs First Baptist Church
3375 Cahaba Valley Road
8 a.m.-noon
Indian Springs Village Farmer’s Market on Facebook
Indian Springs is getting its first farmers market this year. The Village Market, located at ISV First Baptist Church on Highway 119, will kick off at the end of May and run through September.
Amber Ross, manager of the farmers market, said she hopes to start the season with 10 vendors at the first market. She is seeking out vendors who sell farm-raised vegetables and fruits, jams and jellies and other locally produced food items. Interested vendors can contact Ross at 563-4587.
The Summit Farmers Market
Starts June 2
The Summit; parking lot near Saks Fifth Avenue
Thursdays, 3-7 p.m.
The Summit Farmers Market, sponsored by Urban Cookhouse, will be open every Thursday from June 2 through Aug. 11. Each week there will be music provided by Mason Music, kid's activities from Magic City Face Art and about 20 vendors.
This market is open for food and goods such as handcrafted jewelry, soaps and lotions. While no cooking is permitted in the market area without prior approval, vendors are able to sell fruits, vegetables, home canned goods, jellies and other foods. Plants and cut flowers can also be sold at the event.
Mt Laurel Market and Craft Fair
Starts June 4
Mt Laurel Town Center
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
Mt Laurel Farmers’ Market on Facebook
Shoppers looking for more than just food at a farmers market can swing by Mt Laurel. Located throughout the Mt Laurel Town Center, around 20 farmers and more than 30 craft vendors line the streets.
Visitors will find pottery, woodwork, handmade jewelry, fresh fruits and vegetables, goat cheese, local honey and more as they wind through the tents.
