Since its founding in the late 1980’s, the Worthington Farmers Market has been happily offering a variety of goods to its customers. While no one is quite sure how the market started, it is believed to have originated as a school project for a couple of OSU students who approached the city of Worthington with their idea to start a market. Nearly thirty years later, the market has grown into a year-round experience with over eighty vendors, and it is one of the biggest markets in Central Ohio.
During the Winter months, November to April, the market is held in the Shops at Worthington Place. Although people are aware of the indoor market, people often forget and question when the market is opening and closing. Staff have to remind people the market is open year round, with a lesser number of vendors setting up booths inside the Shops.
The outdoor market is held May to October a few blocks South at the intersection of High Street and State Route 161. It is often accompanied by a variety of unique events, such as: compost exchange, children’s activities, knife sharpening, yoga on the green, and cooking demonstrations. The outdoor months are definitely more popular for the market; customers enjoy grabbing coffee and strolling the streets in the cool early morning air. The outdoor space also allows for more vendors, and offers a grassy area with benches for different sponsored events throughout the season.
The wide range of vendors present at the market allow for a varied shopping experience for each attendee. Homegrown meats, organic plants, flower arrangements, gluten-free baked goods, salsas, and smoothies can all be found throughout the market streets. One of the more unique vendors is GoldenLife Dog Food, a booth that offers handcrafted meals for dogs, as well as some treats. At Ohiyo Chocolate, the vendor roasts his own cocoa beans and makes chocolate bars. One vendor who is becoming increasingly more popular is Krazy Kraut; his sauerkraut business has grown since he first joined the market and the customers are crazy about his kraut (perhaps that’s where he drew inspiration for his name).
This convenient market – walking distance to several neighborhoods – offers a great Saturday morning alternative to a grocery store. Almost anything a shopper could need can be found at a booth along High Street, and in a much better environment than a busy grocery store.
For more information, visit worthingtonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.
Photos by Randi Walle.
Looking for more Farmers Markets in the Columbus Region? Check out our 2016 Farmers Market List.
