Ready for spring? Here’s your guide to farmers markets in and around Lexington
With temperature highs expected to be in the mid-70s Saturday, it’s the perfect opportunity to get outside and soak up the sun at one of the lively farmers markets in and around Lexington.
Whether you’re hoping to rediscover an old favorite or explore a hidden gem a little farther away, the Herald-Leader has you covered. We’ve curated this list to help you learn about some of the markets, including their seasons, hours of operation and what they have to offer.
Make sure to check each market’s website for the latest about what they have in stock and up-to-date hours before you head out.
What foods are in season right now?
Before you head out, make sure you look into what’s currently in season.
Maple syrup, white onions, winter squash and sweet potatoes all come into season this time of year.
In April, shoppers will start seeing spring greens in farmers market stalls, including collard greens, asparagus and radishes.
For a complete season produce guide, check out this guide compiled by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for tips on how to shop “Kentucky Proud.”
Which farmers markets are open in March?
Though still early in the year for many, some area farmers markets are opening this weekend. Others offer year-round hours.
The popular Lexington Farmers Market is open year-round. Located in the heart of downtown next to the historic Lexington courthouse, this market buzzes with life in the late spring and summer.
Between November and March, the market’s downtown location is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and until 2 p.m. April through October.
This market really wakes up in April, offering more than 50 vendors during its busiest months at its separate Southland Drive location Sundays only.
However, market manager Josh England told the Herald-Leader there will be plenty on offer this weekend, with about 20 vendors expected to turnout. They’ll offer a variety of meats, spring greens, bedding plants and root vegetables.
The Lexington Farmers Market is a definite standout for its year-round offerings and variety, England said.
“We do pull from a larger base and have a larger variety of products,” England said.
Clark County’s Beech Springs Farm Market opens for the season March 4, according to its website.
This family-owned and operated market specializes in farm-fresh fruits and veggies and features a peach and apple orchard out back. It offers seasonal jams, jellies, local honey, baked goods and other delicious treats. (Its homemade apple pies are highly recommended).
Beech Springs Farm Market opens in the early spring with a large selection of fresh flowers and bedding plants before transitioning to seasonal produce throughout the summer, along with autumnal embellishments, like pumpkins and other decorations.
It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. You can find it at 4776 Old Boonesboro Road in Winchester.
Though it’s a bit of a drive from Lexington, it’s hard to beat what the Berea Farmers’ Market has to offer.
This year-round market is “growers only,” which means if a vendor is selling it, they’ve grown it themselves.
Along with fresh and locally-grown fruits and vegetables, plants, honey, eggs and other produce, the Berea Farmers’ Market taps into the creative energy of this artsy college town. Here you can find unique, handmade artwork.
Open every Saturday at 633 Chestnut Street in Mitchell Tolle building, the market’s hours of operation in March are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What other farmers markets are opening this spring?
Black Soil Kentucky starts its season in late May, opening its farmers market Saturdays from May 21 into early October. Its hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aiming to reconnect Black Kentuckians to their legacy and heritage in agriculture, Black Soil is not to be overlooked. Its CEO, Ashley Smith, hopes to bring urban families together with rural- and urban-based Black farmers and growers to promote self-sufficiency and healthy living.
Amber Fuller, who administers Black Soil’s community-supported agriculture program, said all of the market’s products are “locally sourced from Black farmers.” It offers a selection of local meats, honey and candles, among other items.
The market is located at 109 West Loudon Ave., Suite 102, and it shares parking with downtown Lexington’s Greyline Station.
When you buy from Bluegrass Farmers’ Market at 1837 Plaudit Place in the Hamburg area, you can be sure you’re shopping local.
That’s because market representative Roger Postley says everything they offer is “made, grown or baked by the vendor.”
Opening in April, Bluegrass Farmers’ Market offers all local produce, meats, cheeses and flowers. Though it isn’t strictly a craft market, some vendors offer homemade soap and a few other handcrafted items.
Its hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. It also opens Tuesdays later in the season from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m, Postley said.
Featuring products from about 20 vendors, some come from as far away as Casey County, Postley said.
“Feel free to ask questions” of the vendors about how to use their produce, Postley said. You’d likely be met only with blank stares if you tried to ask that same question at Kroger, he joked.
Outside of Lexington, you can find the Dodd’s Corner Farmer’s Market in Nicholasville.
The market, which describes itself as part farmers market, part cafe and part micro-restaurant, makes its home in a historic building that used to be the local seed store 100 years ago.
Dodd’s Corner strives to be a haven “where local farmers, producers, crafters, artisans and ‘food-preneurs’ come together to provide a variety of fresh produce” and other products.
“It’s time to return to a time when people know where their food comes from,” the market’s Facebook page reads.
Located at 309 North 3rd St. in Nicholasville, Dodd’s Corner is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tracing its roots back to days when local farmers would sell out right of their pickup trucks, the Paris-Bourbon County Farmer’s Market is open not just year-round but all week long.
At this outdoor market at 720 High St. in Paris, market vendors offers everything from free-range eggs and local honey to quality meats and fresh-baked pastries. Its fruit and vegetable offerings change seasonally, while jams, jellies, candies and other locally made food are offered year-round.
Its outdoor market opens every Saturday in March and April from 10 a.m. to noon, also opening Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the summer and fall.
The Woodford County Farmers Market stands out from the rest by strictly sourcing its goods.
“Unlike other farmers markets in the area, our farmers market has a strict 50-mile limit in order for a product to be considered ‘local,’” its website reads. “Because of this 50-mile guarantee, we can assure you that the produce and products you see at our farmers market are fresh.”
The Woodford County Farmers Market credits its development to support from the University of Kentucky, and it sees itself “as a way to bring together farmers and members of the surrounding communities as they make connections, build relationships and buy and sell good, honest products.”
The market features locally grown produce and starter plants, local honey, fresh flowers, fruits, baked goods, jams, jellies, canned veggies, locally made jewelry, crafts and more.
Its open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Lexington Road Plaza, located at 525 Marsailles Road in Versailles.
Though you can typically find its stall at the Lexington Farmers Market, Elmwood Stock Farm of Scott County also has a farm store just outside of Georgetown.
You can purchase organic eggs, meats, fruits and vegetables on location there or order online for pickup at the Lexington Farmers Market. Elmwood also offers direct-to-door shipping, meaning you don’t even have to leave your home to shop locally.
Are there any hidden gems we missed? Email suggestions to Herald-Leader service journalism reporter Aaron Mudd at amudd@herald-leader.com.
This story was originally published March 4, 2022 at 10:41 AM.