INDIANAPOLIS – In the summer you can find berries, tomatoes and watermelons on the grocery store shelves and on the tables at farmers markets around the city. But if you’re interested in fresh produce directly from the source during the fall and winter, where should you head? The winter farmers market of course!
Many people may not know you can still catch local foods at farmers markets during the cooler months, and a great variety too.
From apples and pears to leafy greens like spinach, you find it all – even some baked goods, meat and dairy.
If you think Saturdays are the only day of the week to score fresh items, our list can prove you wrong.
Here are four farmers markets in the Indianapolis area to visit this fall and winter. To find your closest market, check out the map at the bottom of the story.
Indy Winter Farmers Market
Led by Growing Places Indy, this market runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon beginning Nov. 12- April 29 at Circle City Industrial Complex. Feel free to bring your SNAP benefits as they can be used with the market’s two matching programs. The latest information on vendors, parking and special events can be found at Indywinterfarmersmarket.org.
Broad Ripple Winter Market
Serving the Broad Ripple, Butler-Tarkington, Mapleton-Fall Creek and Meridian- Kessler neighborhoods, this farmers market is located at Bent Rail Brewery beginning Dec. 3 through April 22 from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. Some of their weekly vendors include: Amelia’s Bread, H20 Micro Greens, Red Frazier Bison Ranch and more. A full list of vendors can be found at broadripplewintermarket.org.
JCC Farmers Market
Summer or winter, the JCC Farmers Market in open, and guess what? They’re the only market to operate on Sundays. Shop from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. for all of your local goods in addition to participating in their other events such as yoga on the lawn and live music concerts. More information can be found at jcc.org.
Farm to Fork at Normandy Farms
If you’re worried about the chemicals used on foods, you may want to visit the Farm to Fork Market on the corner of 79th Street and Marsh Road as the produce and meat are chemical free, with many of them being certified organic. This market is year-round and takes place Friday evenings from 4-7 p.m. in the summer and on Saturday mornings inside a heated building. More information can be found at farmtoforkmarket.org.
