Every summer I can’t wait to hit all the local markets in town. There’s nothing better than fresh peaches over ice cream, fried okra, and the sweetest tomatoes that are all locally grown by farmers from the surrounding Auburn area. These four markets are a must visit for the freshest produce, most unique homemade arts and crafts, and live music at select events throughout the season.
1. The Market at AG Heritage Park
Photo courtesy of aotourism.blogspot.com
Hosted by the College of Agriculture, The Market at Heritage Park hosts local vendors every Thursday of the month all summer long. Buy some of the sweetest peaches and juiciest strawberries that make the perfect summer time ice cream toppings. All the best veggies like new potatoes and vine ripe potatoes can be found at this market as well. Other goods like Bulger Farm’s goat cheese and sweet desserts from Gigi’s Fabulous Food are a must try.
2. Auburn City Fest
Photo courtesy of auburncityfest.com
Once a year the Auburn City Fest makes camp at Kiesel Park to bring us a Saturday filled with live music, local arts and crafts, and amazing food from local vendors. Rain or shine you gotta check out this family and pup friendly event for a special Saturday celebrating community. Have a secret talent for whipping up jams or creating one of a kind crafts? Fortunate for you, any one is free to join this event, so bring your homemade goods and sign yourself up to be a vendor!
3. Parkway Farmers Market
Photo courtesy of agriculture.auburn.edu
Parkway offers fresh seasonal produce as well as frozen vegetables year round. Christmas trees and pumpkins can be found here around the holidays at this family owned Auburn gem. You can even venture to try the locally farmed Large Farm grown eggs and fresh Hass avocados.
4. The Market at Blooming Colors
Photo courtesy of aotourism.blogspot.com
“The newest Auburn tradition,” Blooming Colors is the perfect shop to pick up fresh okra and corn to fry for wonderful summer sides. They offer the best organic blueberries, watermelon and sweet peaches when in season. Ficus trees, Boston ferns and garden pottery can be found in the shop and are the perfect thing to spruce up any yard. Also, check out the Blooming Services section for help making that special event coming up come alive with beautiful flower arrangements.