ML Interest Tag: green-market

To Market, To Market: 11 Farmer’s Markets to Explore with the Family

by Shelley Massey

Since sleeping past seven on a Saturday has become a luxury now that we have small kids, why not get a jump on the day by exploring some of Atlanta’s best farmers markets? You’ll find fresh air, bearable temperatures, and who knows? It might be just the trick for getting your littles to love their veggies! Here are our picks for the markets that are the cream of the crop.

Alpharetta Farmers Market

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You'll find free parking in the City Center and Milton Avenue parking decks, and at Alpharetta Baptist Church on Old Roswell Street. There’s also easy pedestrian access across Main Street, making it easy to access this market with over 100 vendors, live music, and a small-town vibe.

When to Go: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Sat.

Find It: North and South Broad streets in front of City Center, alongside Town Green

Online: alpharettafarmersmarket.com

Brookhaven Farmers Market

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You'll find over 40 vendors—both new and returning—at this year's Brookhaven Farmers Market. Be sure and make a stop at Stroopwafels for a  thin caramel and cinnamon waffle.

When to Go: 9 a.m.-noon, every Sat.

Find It: 1375 Fernwood Cir.

Online: brookhavenfarmersmarket.com

Dunwoody Farmers Market

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Drink organic coffee, eat a fresh-baked breakfast sandwich, and shop for tonight's dinner—all while watching the kids play nearby at the Dunwoody Farmers Market. Expect to see new vendors from across Georgia, including Watsonia Farms strawberries and produce, Dickey Farms peaches, Java Gensis organic coffee, and a variety of locally grown, pesticide-free produce, meats, eggs, cheeses and baked goods. We are your weekly stop for honey, jams, frozen treats and desserts. Enjoy kids activities, wellness seminars, composting and gardening tips, all while having access to fresh seasonal produce.

When to Go: 9 a.m.-noon, Sat. through Dec.

Find It: Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Rd.

Online: dunwoodyga.org

East Atlanta Village Farmers Market

This market regularly schedules educational programming, and the amount of EBT dollars swiped is matched with an equal amount of tokens for fruits and vegetables for shoppers using EBT. Masks are required, hand sanitizer is available, social distancing is encouraged, and many vendors offer touch-free checkout.

When to Go: 4-8 p.m. Thursdays

Find It: 572 Stokeswood Ave. SE, Atlanta

Online: cfmatl.org/eav

Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center

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This year-round staple on Atlanta's farmers market scene is open rain or shine every Saturday of the year. They even stayed open through the coronavirus pandemic, doubling in size just to allow for better social distancing. 

When to Go: Open year-round; 8:30 a.m.-noon every Sat.

Find It: Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway, Atlanta

Online: freedomfarmersmkt.org

 

Grant Park Farmers Market

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Go for the produce but leave with a bouquet of flowers and (soon) tie-dye merch. You can also pick up canned and jarred foods from local vendors, and they match EBT dollars with tokens for fruits and veggies.

When to Go: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sun.

Find It: Eventide Brewery, 1015 Grant St. SE, Atlanta

Online: cfmatl.org/grantpark

 

Green Market at Piedmont Park

The Grand Dame of farmers markets ITP, the Green Market at Piedmont Park is back with new safety protocols, including mask requirements, sanitation stations and distancing requirements that reflect local government and CDC requirements. Find local produce, honey, dairy, meal kits, and more at this weekly festival of fresh. Traditional programming, including live music and demonstrations, are TBD this season, but be on the lookout for an announcement soon. 

When to Go: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat., seasonally

Find It: 12th Street and Piedmont Ave. in Piedmont Park

Online: piedmontpark.org/green-market

 

Halcyon Farmers Market

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This younger market, only now in its second year, is nothing to sneeze at. With 40 ventors, locally grown and produced food and wellness items, and free parking, this is definitely worth a look.

When to Go: 4-7 p.m., every Tues.

Find It: 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta

Online: facebook.com/halcyonfarmersmarket

 

Marietta Square Farmers Market

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Taking pandemic precautions seriously, the Marietta Square Sunday market has been suspended, but they're opening an hour early (from 8-9 a.m.) for shoppers with health concerns. You'll find vendors in masks, plenty of hand sanitizer, and no food samples, in addition to the local produce and food you've come to expect from this established market in Historic Marietta Square.

When to Go: 9 a.m.-noon, every Sat.

Find It: 41 Mill St., Marietta

Online: mariettasquarefarmersmarket.com

 

Peachtree Road Farmers Market

You'll find over 50 vendors at this producer-only market, and all of the farmers are certified organic or certified naturally grown. Live music and a not-to-miss end of season holiday artist markets featuring over 25 local artists make this farmers markets festive. 

When to Go: 8:30 a.m.-noon every Sat. through mid-Dec.

Find It: 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta

Online: peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com

 

 

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Winter Fresh! Indoor Farmers Markets to Visit Now

by Amy Bizzarri

Thought farmers markets went into hibernation for the winter? Think again. Come cold or snow, you can still shop for local, fresh goods and give your kids a taste of the green scene. Click through our album to find indoor farmstands that’ll leave you with the warm-fuzzies.

photo: Green City Market

For foodies and chef fans: Green City Market
Chicago’s big-daddy farmers market draws large crowds year-round. For the colder months, the market moves indoors to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, just a stone’s throw from its usual stomping ground in Lincoln Park. The market takes place every other Saturday through Apr. 28, when the outdoor market returns for spring. It’s a regular who’s-who of Midwestern vendors that come from near and far, so expect produce purveyors, cheese slingers, bakeries, pasta-makers, meat mavens, a honey co-op and lots more.

Kid Tip: Check out the Club Sprouts events, at which little connoisseurs are encouraged to take part in tastings and learn more about their local food.

Held every other Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr., Lincoln Park (773-880-1266) or greencitymarket.org).

For Locavores: Geneva Green Market
Going locavore? Everything at this ultra-green market is grown or produced within 200 miles of Geneva. From small batch preserves to baked goods to eggs, you’ll find all things fine and fresh at this friendly market.

Kid Tip: Snag a quick and easy lunch with soup and sandwiches from Ingelnook Pantry.

Held every Saturday through May, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; First Congregational Church of Geneva, 327 Hamilton St., Geneva (847-501-0430 or geneva-green-market.org).

For south side flavor: 61st Street Market
This South Side community keystone is a hit in the warmer months, and now it’s bringing its heartwarming flavor to the frosty season. Located inside the Experimental Station, it takes place monthly through April, at which point it returns to its 61st Street roots. All the hearty, wintry essentials are present and accounted for, from sturdy greens to freshly baked breads. You’ll also scoop up fresh flowers and made-to-order crêpes.

Kid Tip: Ice cream from Yoberri Gourmet is a hit with the tot crowd.

Held Feb. 9, Mar. 9 & Apr. 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone Ave., Woodlawn (773-241-6044 or experimentalstation.org).

photo: Logan Square Farmers Market

For shopping on the regular: Logan Square Farmers Market
One of the biggest and most family-friendly farmers markets in the city, this event is held indoors every Sunday through March 31 at the Emporium Arcade Bar Logan Square. It’s a food heaven featuring fruits, meats and veggies, plus sweets like cream puffs, chocolate truffles and baked goods.

Kid Tip: Make a meal of it. Try a freshly made breakfast sandwich from Mint Creek Farm or soup from Karl’s Craft Soup.

Held every Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Emporium Arcade Bar, 2363 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square (773-489-3222 or logansquarefarmersmarket.org).

For eco fun: Evanston Indoor Farmer and Artisan Market
Evanston’s monthly indoor farmers market gives the North Shore its fill of farm-to-tote sauces, pastries, veggies, meats and other delectables. Frozen blueberries and luscious fruit preserves are a nice, tasty preview of warmer months to come. You’ll find hot prepared foods such as crêpes and tamales, keeping customers warm on the coldest of days.

Kid Tip: The market is held on the grounds of the Ladd Arboretum, which just so happens to rent snowshoes. Go ahead and try a new winter sport with the family.

Held every Saturday through Apr. 27, 8 a.m.-noon; Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston (847-448-8147 or cityofevanston.org).

— Amy Bizzarri & Matt Kirouac

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Easy Peas-y Lentil Soup

by writerredri

If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty soup perfect for a chilly evening you’ve come to the right place. Get the kids involved in the cooking process by having them help pulse the lentils in the food processor as they observe the chickpeas transform to a cooked state right before their eyes.

Adapted from Bon Appetit
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced & divided
2 tbsp. curry powder
1 cup French green lentils
4 1/4 cups water, divided
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed & drained
1 tbsp. lemon juice
2 scallions, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for garnish)

Method:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Add onion, carrot, salt & pepper and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.

2. Add half of the chopped garlic and cook for another 4 minutes. Don’t let the garlic burn. Mix in the curry powder and let toast for a minute.

3. Add the lentils and 4 cups of water. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and stir well.  Increase the heat and allow the soup to come to a boil.  Once the soup boils, lower the heat and let simmer on medium for 30 minutes, or until lentils are soft and tender.

4. In the mean time, puree the chickpeas, the rest of the garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup water and lemon juice in a food processor.

5. When lentils are tender, add chickpea mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the soup and combine, letting it heat through. Season with salt, pepper and extra curry powder, if needed. If the soup is too thick, add water in 1/4 cup increments until the soup reaches the desired consistency.

3. Before serving, add lemon juice and chopped scallions to the top of each bowl.

Nicole Leone is the author of Truffle Honey, where she aims to share accessible recipes with novice cooks like her who are navigating their way into and around their kitchens. Nicole lives in New York City and when sheisn’t cooking or trolling the local green market, she can be found singing opera and working in Finance.

photo: Stacey Spencley via flickr

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A Walk in the Park: A Parent’s Guide To Piedmont Park

by Phebe Wahl

Atlanta’s own mini Central Park is stretching its borders and becoming more kid-friendly than ever. With its prime Midtown location, nestled up next to the Botanical Garden and surrounded by casual eateries, families could easily spend a whole day exploring. Check out our guide for a stress-free stroll through the park with a pre-plotted path and all the insider info you need to know to spend your morning navigating nature.

Start Here
Access the parking deck via Monroe Drive, and join the other stroller-clad early birds hoping to beat the heat and the crowds. The deck allows convenient access to the center of Piedmont Park, adjacent to Magnolia Hall. A nifty park map greets you as you exit the deck, while several more maps are conveniently posted throughout the park. Once on foot, hang a right toward the Noguchi playground by way of the gravel path that loops around the Oval Sports Fields. The Noguchi playground is sparse yet shady, with architectural playscapes that lend themselves to the older set.

Potty Break
If you have babes in diapers, you may want to hit up the changing station located inside the restroom right next to Noguchi. Everyone in tow potty trained? Hold out for the restrooms at the next stop, they’re a bit tidier.

Play
Head toward the Aquatic Center and Greystone building for a stop at the Mayor’s Grove Playground. Now here’s a place you may want to stay a while. This interactive playground is perfect for all ages. Bridges, swings, climbing apparatus, drums and more lend themselves to an imaginative, energetic playtime. Parents can rest on the nearby shady benches.

Eat
Lunch time! Don’t feel like packing a picnic? No worries—the Premiere Events Concessions Stand located at the entrance of the pool boasts an extensive menu of kid and grownup crowd-pleasers. Choose from BBQ, burgers or chicken from the grill, or the always satisfying hot dogs, pb&j, nachos and pizza. There’s even a “specialty menu” with more parent-pleasing options such as chicken and tuna salad croissants.

Cool Down
Time to burn some more energy… Load up and head north round the tennis courts, keeping toward the right for a pretty walk with wildflowers and wetlands. As part of a 53-acre park expansion, The Promenade features the Legacy Fountain, a 70-jet splash pad surrounded by lovely manicured lawns. Stop off at the restrooms for a quick potty break and clothing change. From 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the fountains provide kids hours of good, clean fun, while parents look on in envy.

Head Home
Rest assured everyone will be beat by this point, and ready to head home for mid-day naps. Luckily the parking deck is just a short walk downhill from the Promenade.

Good to Know…
Parking: Save yourself the headache of finding street parking and use the deck. It’s $1 every 30 minutes, and well worth it!

Restrooms: Located at both playgrounds, the Promenade and a few more scattered in between, you shouldn’t have any trouble making pit stops.

Concessions: The Aquatic Center Concessions Stand is open Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm and Thursday – Sunday 10am – 7pm. The Legacy Fountain has a drink machine next to the bathrooms.

What to bring: A stroller, water (and lots of it! The Promenade area has very little shade, and while the kiddos may be nice and cool in the fountains, you’ll break a sweat watching them), snacks, sunscreen, bathing suit, water shoes (not required), towel, swim diapers and a change of clothes

What not to bring: Your dog (most of the kid-friendly areas are not dog-friendly)

Hitting the Park on the weekends? Check out their Events Calendar before you go. And on Saturdays, March through mid-December, you won’t want to miss the Green Market from 9am to 1pm.

What is your favorite, family-friendly Atlanta park? Tell us below!

–Anna Cate Little

Photos courtesy of courtesy of the author and Creative Commons via Flickr

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