If you’ve never been to the Athens Farmers Market, which runs from 9am to noon on Saturdays at the Market on State, you’re missing out. Arguably the best farmers market in the surrounding counties, there’s always delicious food, local-made wares, and organic, local produce you’re just not going to find anywhere else. We could go on all day about how much we love Snowville’s cheese or John’s crazy breads, but we’ll boil it down to 5 reasons experiencing the Athens Farmers Market during your time at OU is a must.
1. Local Heritage
There’s a special feeling at the farmers market, and a special feeling about knowing that what you’re buying was grown and raised just down the road. The Athens Farmers market has been around since 1972. That’s 50 years of farm-to-table produce, meats, cheeses, wines, and more, which is also 50 years of the local community supporting local businesses.
2. Food Trucks
Ali Baba’s is an Athens staple you’ll see all over town and campus, and one of those places is the farmers market! The Lebanese-y cuisine is mouth-watering. It would be a mistake never to try an Ali Baba’s gyro. Also, Dr. May’s Thai Kitchen. May’s food is unreasonably good, and very authentic, which makes sense, because she’s Thai herself. She provides a delicious cuisine you just won’t find around here.
3. Avalanche
The owner of Avalanche Pizza has completely reinvented the term “bread.” Seriously – you have never eaten bread like this before. From asiago loaves stuffed with artichoke, bacon and potatoes, to breads made with local ramps, you never know what crazy bread concoction John’s going to show up with on Saturdays. But you can count on it being delicious, and something you’ll never see except at the Athens Farmers Market.
4. Local Wines, Ciders & Mead
Visiting the farmers market is a great way to get an idea of what the local wineries have to offer, as well as West End’s delicious ciders and meads. They usually give samples for you to try – come have a tiny Saturday morning wine tour!
5. Plants, Plants, Plants
Whether you’re looking for a cute succulent for your front window, or any kind of delicious produce you can imagine, there are over a dozen vendors for all your plant and produce needs. And they’re all locally grown without awful chemicals or pesticides.
There are so many more than 5 things we love about the Athens Farmers market. Some vendors have artisan pottery, others have handmade jewelry, there’s a leather worker, clothing makers, and more. And we can’t forget about Laurel Valley Creamery’s cheeses – many a lactose intolerant has sacrificed a day of stomache aches purely because their cheeses are so good. So, have we convinced you yet? Seriously – the next Saturday you’re wondering what to do and it’s a beautiful sunny day outside, visit the farmers market!