The PNC 2nd Street Market is a historic railroad building that was reopened as a public farmers market in 2001 in Downtown Dayton. Located just 75 minutes west of Downtown Columbus, this unique farmers market is worthy of a weekend excursion if you’re looking for something new to do relatively close to home.
The long thin building of the 2nd Street Market provides a very linear selling place with one main corridor hallway stretching the length of the building and vendors that line both sides. There is a sit-down area in the middle of the building closer to most of the prepared food vendors, and a small event space on the east end of the building where live music can be found on the weekends.
A total of over 40 vendors call the 2nd Street Market home, including a mix of grocers, producers, bakers, prepared food eateries and arts and crafts booths. Farmers that sell here include Hungry Toad Farm, Gypsy Chick Farm, Garber Farm, Blue Jacket Dairy and more. You can also find bulk spices, a wine selection, crepes, fresh flowers, fair trade coffee, meat pies and plenty of other items.
When compared to the North Market, the 2nd Street Market is smaller in size, though the number of vendors is slightly higher. The thin building can make the venue feel more crowded with a smaller number of people, so it still feels just as lively as any other indoor farmers market venue. The number of produce suppliers at the 2nd Street Market is also higher than what you’ll find inside the North Market (though the outdoor farmers market on Saturdays at the North Market increase this number to swing in its favor), which is great for 2nd Street if you’re looking for a larger variety of fruit and vegetables. But the number of non-food vendors is also higher, which means there’s a lot of space dedicated to selling bird houses, soaps, baby clothing and other retail items.
If you go, keep in mind that the 2nd Street Market is only open on Thursday and Friday from 11am to 3pm and Saturday from 8am to 3pm. Parking is free and plentiful in the area. If you’re looking for more to do in Dayton while you visit, we highly recommend spending some time nearby in The Oregon District for food, shopping, drinks and entertainment.
More information can be found online at www.metroparks.org/Parks/SecondStreetMarket/.
