Farmers markets are known year-round for fresh staple foods and produce. However, when spring blooms, farmers markets tend to hit their stride, advancing a particular array of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Tuscaloosa and Birmingham are both home to a range of markets. If you’re traveling, regional hotspots like Montgomery and Atlanta also boast farm fresh shopping options. Here’s a list of local and regional farmers markets, just in time for the spring crops.
Tuscaloosa River Market
Located on the shore of the Black Warrior River, The Tuscaloosa River Market is open Saturdays year-round from 7 a.m. to noon. The market is known for its fresh produce and vendors, and also for hosting special events throughout the year, including the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market, which re-opens April 17. The Tuscaloosa Farmers Market will be open Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. through Nov. 20.
Northport Farmers Market
The Northport Farmers Market is Tuscaloosa county’s only market operated autonomously by farmers. The Northport Farmers Market will be re-opening on Saturdays starting April 21 at 6 a.m.
Alabama Farmers Market
Located in Birmingham, the Alabama Farmers Market has more to offer than food. The Alabama Farmers Market also has a flea market that is open daily to the public and indoor and outdoor space that is available to rent. A list of foods that will be available in April at the Alabama Farmers Market includes cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, pecans, strawberries and turnip greens.
The Market at Pepper Place
Beginning in 2000, The Market at Pepper Place has been serving the Birmingham area with locally-grown goods and activities for all ages. During the summer, the farmers market offers events like chef demonstrations, children’s programs and live music. The Market at Pepper Place is open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.
Montgomery Curb Market
After a recent renovation, the Montgomery Curb Market is once again open to the public. The curb market is in historic downtown Montgomery and has been open since 1947. In addition to fruits and vegetables, the market also has a section of flowers and fresh baked desserts. The Montgomery Curb Market is open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
East Atlanta Village Farmers Market
Voted five years in a row as the “Best Outdoor Farmers Market” in Atlanta’s Creative Loafing magazine, the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market is an established farmers market in Atlanta, Georgia. This farmers market, which reopens this Thursday, April 12, has been selling local goods to the Atlanta area for over 10 years. Additionally, the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market provides chef cooking demonstrations so customers can taste local and seasonal food in addition to learning how to prepare it. The market will be open Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Grant Park Farmers Market
Open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Grant Park Farmers Market also has nods in Creative Loafing magazine and Atlanta Magazine. The market’s weekly free celebrity chef demonstrations have featured the likes of Hugh Acheson, Kevin Gillespie, Steven Satterfield, Virginia Willis and other southern cooks. The Grant Park Farmers Market, located in Atlanta’s Grant Park, sells locally grown vegetables, meats, breads and artisanal foods.
