When summer comes in the South, it’s time to make the rounds in a foodie’s favorite place to forage: farmers markets. Filled with locally grown pickings and produce, farmers markets in Auburn and Opelika bring farm-fresh foods to our tables. Some even take feeding hungry tummies as a source for continued community outreach and improved food initiatives.
O Grows Farmers Market
A state-certified farmers market held seasonally, the Opelika-based O Grows Farmers Market will be open every Tuesday this summer from 3 to 6 p.m. Fresh produce and foods, sourced through their network of local community gardens and farms, will be available for purchase.
A community-university collaboration, O Grows works to provide food security and promote localism. This includes tending the Opelika Community Garden, spearheading youth gardening programs, and running the farmers market from the Southside Center for the Arts’ grounds.
Dates open: 6/16, 6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11
The Market at AG Heritage Park
One of the other farmers markets in Auburn and Opelika that runs through the summer is The Market at Ag Heritage Park. You can expect The Market to set up shop every Tuesday from June through August, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
The Market at AG Heritage Park comes at the courtesy of the College of Agriculture, and is a fully open, solely growers-sourced farmers market. You’ll find herbs, ornamental plants and flowers, jellies and jams, soaps, honey, cheese, and fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables at the market. The market rests on Auburn University campus, right off of Donahue Drive at the Edward L. Lowder barn.
Dates open: 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6
Auburn’s City Market
Hosted by Auburn Parks and Recreation, Auburn’s City Market rounds out the farmers markets in Auburn and Opelika. Head there every Saturday this summer, besides July 4, from 8 to 11 a.m.
Farmers offering fresh produce and foods, along with local artists, will flock to Town Creek Park to sell their goods and goodies. Due to current circumstances, all products will come prepackaged for safety’s sake.
Dates open: 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29
Summary
Here in Auburn-Opelika, we’re fond of our farmers—and the food they grow for us. The farmers markets in Auburn and Opelika show that each and every year. There’s no doubt it brings even more joy to our lives this season! Just remember to practice social distancing when visiting. Stay six feet apart from others, and try not to touch anything that you do not plan on purchasing!
Ryan Roberts knows a thing or two about the Auburn-Opelika community. Let him help you put down roots or simply move locations if the moment seems right. You can contact him conveniently through this form for all your real estate needs in the Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin areas! As for more ways to spend summer locally, you’ll want to peruse through our blog—because there’s quite a bit!
