Dear North Market Shopper,

While other Farmers’ Markets in town are beginning to wind down, we’re still going strong. And this recent spate of warm weather has provided an extra boost to our growers.

This season started a little late with a cool and rainy Spring, but as the summer has progressed growing conditions have been ideal. So, don’t be surprised when you see some customarily summer produce along with the more traditional Fall offerings.

Additionally, as we don’t have an established end date for our Farmers’ Market, this season you can most likely expect freshly picked produce late into October and possibly into November.

As the holiday season approaches it’s time to start thinking about those special occasions and festive gatherings. It’s never too early to start planning and “shopping” the Market for creative ideas. Every year, we’re the focal point for the finest and freshest local ingredients. This year will be no different.
 

Read the rest of Dave’s note here⇒

Farmers’ Market update for October 8

Participating farms;

Anderson Orchard   I’ll have sunflowers (pollenless) , zinnias and mixed bouquets, potatoes, quince, assorted pumpkins and decorative squash, wreaths of wild viniferous vines entwined with bittersweet, sprigs of bittersweet,
papaya plants and apple dumplings made from organic apples.

Blossom Acres Produce  I will have naturally grown beans, candy onions, collard greens, garlic, ground cherries, heirloom tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, lettuce, mizuna, mustard greens, okra, peppers, potatoes, radishes and delicious red Russian kale.

Bridgman Farm I’ll have delicious tomatoes, onions, peppers and winter squash.

Ehmann & Sons Greenhouse  Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, MUMS are here and assorted vegetables including beets, cabbage, collards, eggplant, mustard greens, okra, poblano peppers and radishes.

Honeyrun Farm  This week we will have lemon verbena infused honey, chunk honey, comb honey, spring and summer honey, honey stix, handcrafted soap and beeswax candles.

K & R Garden Fresh Produce We will be bringing cucumbers, eggplant, okra, onions, hot and sweet peppers and squash.

Oakvale Farmstead Cheese We will be bringing our family’s Farmstead Gouda washed in Barley’s Russian Stout. 

Ohio Farm Direct  We’ll be bringing our whole milk cheeses including cheddar, mozzarella, baby swiss, pepper jack, garlic and herb, tomato basil pinenut and lemon zest. Plus, blueberry and strawberry drinkable yogurt and soft serve vanilla ice cream.

Oink Moo Cluck Farms  We will be bringing our beef, pork and chicken.

Persinger Farm This week I will have beets, broccoli, cabbage, fall squash, gourds, okra, onions, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, seedless watermelon, tomatoes, zucchini and green beans.

Quiver Full Farm  We plan to bring Keiffer pears, dried tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, popcorn, granola, pancake mix, chunk honey, honey, whole wheat flour, farm fresh eggs, cornmeal and pears. And we will be sampling pancakes with our homemade pancake mix!

Rhoads Farm Market This week we will have tomatoes (ask about field specials for canning), peppers, eggplant, beets, turnips, butternut squash and possibly a limited supply of Brussels sprouts.

Rock Dove Farm  We will have turnips, fennel, head lettuce, salad mix, eggplant, beets, parsley, sage, lemon mint, mint, and basil.

Somerset Greenhouse  I’ll be bringing butternut squash, potatoes, garlic, basil, lots and lots of peppers and lettuce.

Thomas Family Orchard We will have FIFTEEN varieties of apples and apple cider!

Toad Hill Farm   I will have arugula, Asian stir fry mix, kale, mizuna, onions, parsley, potatoes, summer and winter squash, tatsoi  and turnips.

Toby Run Growers  Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms.

Wayward Seed Farm We’ll have certified organic arugula, celery, daikon radishes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, fall greens, herbs, onions, and leeks. Special guest Jim Budros will be onhand from 10AM-12PM grilling up calcots!

Harvest Festival Schedule of Activities

• Farmers’ Market and Market merchants open at 8 a.m.
• Market to Market breakfast in Dispatch Kitchen, 8 – 10 a.m.
• Cooking demonstrations at Local Matters tent, 9 – 11 a.m.
• Live music by Joey Hebdo, 9 – 11 a.m.
• Face painting, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Free cookies for kids, from Mozart’s Bakery, 10 a.m.
• Mark Wood Cowboy Fun Show, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Autumn crafts with Columbus Artmobile, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Live music by Gipson and Fitz Trio, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Pumpkin Pie contest, 1 p.m.
• Live music by Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk, 1 – 3 p.m.
• Apple pie contest, 2 p.m.
• Live music by Folkwood Players, 3-5 p.m.
 

Market to Market Ride

Ahoy maties! We’re coming down to the final hours to pre-register for the October 8 Market to Market ride for $15. Register online here⇒ until noon Friday.

Choose “Team Zombie” or “Team Pirate” and dress accordingly or choose your own team and costume entirely, but  make sure to get your photo taken at the Nash Imaging Events photo booth at The Hills Market for chances to win additional prizes!

Three cheers for our participating sponsors and organizations: The Hills Market, North Market, B1 Bicycles, Columbus Alive, Columbus Crave Magazine, Crimson Cup Coffee, Columbus Food Adventures, Dine Originals Columbus, The Fawcett Center, FLOW, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Local Matters, Nash Imaging, OEFFA, The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Creatures, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Slow Food, Small Business Beanstalk, Snowville Creamery, WCBE: Central Ohio’s NPR Station, Wexner Center for the Arts and Yelp Columbus.

Participating Farms:

Anderson Orchard  I’ll have Asian pears, baked goods, pollen-free sunflowers, gladiolus, fig plants, papaya plants, tomatoes and zinnias.

Blossom Acres Produce  I will have naturally grown beans, candy onions, collard greens, garlic, ground cherries, heirloom tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, lettuce, mizuna, mustard greens, okra, peppers, potatoes, radishes and delicious red Russian kale.

Bridgman Farm I’ll have delicious tomatoes, onions, peppers and winter squash.

Ehmann & Sons Greenhouse  Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, MUMS are here and assorted vegetables including beets, cabbage, collards, eggplant, mustard greens, okra, poblano peppers and radishes.

Honeyrun Farm  This week we will have lemon verbena infused honey, chunk honey, comb honey, spring and summer honey, honey stix, handcrafted soap and beeswax candles.

K & R Garden Fresh Produce We will be bringing cucumbers, eggplant, okra, onions, hot and sweet peppers and squash.

Oakvale Farmstead Cheese We will be bringing our family’s Farmstead Gouda washed in Barley’s Russian Stout. 

Ohio Farm Direct  We’ll be bringing our whole milk cheeses including cheddar, mozzarella, baby swiss, pepper jack, garlic and herb, tomato basil pinenut and lemon zest. Plus, blueberry and strawberry drinkable yogurt and soft serve vanilla ice cream.

Oink Moo Cluck Farms  We will be bringing our beef, pork and chicken.

Persinger Farm This week I will have beets, broccoli, cabbage, fall squash, gourds, greens, okra, onions, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, seedless watermelon, tomatoes, zucchini and green beans.

Quiver Full Farm  We will be away this week, but we will return on October 8.

Rhoads Farm Market This week we will have tomatoes (ask about field specials for canning), peppers, eggplant, beets, turnips, butternut squash and possibly a limited supply of Brussels sprouts.

Rock Dove Farm  We should have baby turnips, beets, chard,  fennel, kale and sage.

Somerset Greenhouse  I’ll be bringing heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, butternut squash, potatoes, garlic, basil, lots and lots of peppers, lettuce and green beans.

Thomas Family Orchard We will have FOURTEEN varieties of apples and apple cider!

Toad Hill Farm   I will have arugula, Asian stir fry mix, kale, mizuna, onions, parsley, potatoes, summer and winter squash, tatsoi  and turnips.

Toby Run Growers  Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms.

Wayward Seed Farm We’ll have herbs, leeks, paste tomatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, celery and peppers.

Artisan Sunday

Columbus’ creative class of artisans and crafters converges on the farmers’ market on the first and third Sundays from May through October peddling their handmade wares from 12-5PM. Enjoy music by Willie Phoenix from 12-2PM.

Things you should register for on October 8:

(1) The Market to Market Ride on Saturday, October 8. Grab breakfast at the North Market or The Hills Market then hit the Olentangy River Greenway to the market at the opposite end of the trail. Visit with local vendors and organizations along the way to get your passport stamped, then pick up a backpack of goodies and discounts when you reach your destination, oh, and a scoop of Jeni’s Ice Cream too! Registration is $15 in advance (limit 400) and $20 at the door. Register online here⇒

(2) Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home demonstration in the Dispatch Kitchen at the North Market on Saturday, October 8 from 12-2PM. Cost is $10 per person (limit 75) and includes free ice cream tasting! Register online here⇒

(3) The Harvest Festival Pumpkin and Apple Pie Contests. If you make a marvelous pumpkin or apple pie, you should enter it into our Harvest Festival baking contests for a chance to win $100 in North Market gift certificates. The Pumpkin Pie Contest will be held at 1PM and the Apple Pie Contest at 2PM. Limit 15 entries per contest.  Email mmartineau@northmarket.com for more details.

Ahoy Maties! Supporting local foods, local merchants, Ohio purveyors and Ohio farmers (and having a little fun while doing it) is the mission at the heart of two Columbus markets, North Market and The Hills Market. The markets aligned to create the Market to Market ride in October of 2009 and have since sent more than 1,500 cyclists pedaling up and down the Olentangy River Greenway. On Saturday, October 8th they will host the fifth Market to Market ride. As it’s the Halloween season, the markets are using the October ride to encourage costumed cycling. All riders are encouraged to join “Team Pirate” or “Team Zombie” and dress commensurately while peddling their way up and down the bike path.

Participants have the option of starting at either market to fuel up with breakfast before embarking on the 13 mile adventure to the market at the other end of the bike trail. Each participating rider will be issued a passport at the beginning of their journey. Bikers can collect stamps along the way by visiting with local vendors and organizations set up along the path including B1 Bicycles, Columbus Alive, Columbus Crave, Columbus Food Adventures, The Fawcett Center, FLOW (Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed), Local Matters, Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA), The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Creatures, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Slow Food, Small Business Beanstalk, WCBE, Wexner Center for the Arts and YELP Columbus.

 Nash Imaging Events will be stationed at The Hills Market with a photo booth to capture costumed riders and prizes will be awarded to five costumed cyclists based upon photos posted on the Market to Market facebook page. Participants who arrive at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and a drawstring backpack filled with coupons and goodies from local foods purveyors worth a total value of $50 worth of savings and samples. All participating riders will also be entered into a random drawing for a messenger bag from Seagull Bags. Costumed riders are eligible for prizes including a gift certificate from B1 Bicycles, tickets to a Columbus Food Adventures Tour, Dine Originals Columbus certificates, gift certificates from the Small Business Beanstalk and a set of oils from The Olive Orchard.

But wait! There’s more! Both markets will be hosting activities to provide riders a bit of entertaining “distraction” during each leg of their cycling journey. The Hills Market will be offering “Ohio Market Day” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along with cooking demos featuring heart healthy and gluten-free cooking presented by the Wexner Heritage Foundation. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the Olentangy River Greenway, the North Market will be celebrating its annual Harvest Festival. Local Matters will join the Market’s seasonal farmers in the plaza with cooking demonstrations to celebrate the culmination of Local Foods Week. Jeni Britton-Bauer will host an ice cream making demonstration and book signing in the Dispatch Kitchen from 12-2 p.m. and abundant live entertainment by local musicians will add to the gaiety of that day.

Market to Market will take place on Saturday, October 8. Registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and a drawstring backpack filled with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods from both markets. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8- 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Registration can be made online at northmarket.com or thehillsmarket.com by phone by calling 614-846-3220 (The Hills Market) or 614-463-9664 (North Market), or in person at either location beginning September 16. Participating organizations and sponsors include: The Hills Market, North Market, B1 Bicycles, Columbus Alive, Columbus Crave Magazine, Crimson Cup Coffee, Columbus Food Adventures, Dine Originals Columbus, The Fawcett Center, FLOW, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Local Matters, Nash Imaging, OEFFA, The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Creatures, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Slow Food, Small Business Beanstalk, Snowville Creamery, WCBE: Central Ohio’s NPR Station, Wexner Center for the Arts and Yelp Columbus.

THE HILLS MARKET & NORTH MARKET’S MARKET TO MARKET RIDE CELEBRATES BEING GREEN
 

Columbus, Ohio – Supporting local foods, local merchants, Ohio purveyors and Ohio farmers is the mission at the heart of two Columbus markets, North Market and The Hills Market. The markets aligned to create the Market to Market ride in October of 2009 and have since sent more than 1,000 cyclists peddling up and down the Olentangy River Greenway. On Saturday, May 7th they will host the fourth Market to Market ride. With the coming of Spring, the markets are using the May ride to celebrate the start of the biking season and “being green in Columbus.”

Participants have the option of starting at either market to fuel up with breakfast before embarking on the 13 mile adventure to the market at the other end of the bike trail. Each participating rider will be issued a passport at the beginning of their journey. Bikers can collect stamps along the way by visiting with local vendors and organizations set up along the path including B1 Bicycles, Bike the Cbus, Columbus Alive, Columbus Food Adventures, Eartha Limited, FLOW (Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed), Local Matters, The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Art, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, Wexner Center for the Arts, Wild Goose Creative and Yelp Columbus.

Participants who arrive at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and a reusable bag filled with coupons and goodies from local foods purveyors. Those intrepid enough to bike back to their market of origin will receive a completely different bag of goodies, creating a total value of $50 worth of savings and samples. All participating riders will also be entered into a random drawing for locally sourced prizes including a messenger bag from Seagull Bags, tickets to Bike the CBus, a Columbus Food Adventures tour, gift certificates from the Small Business Beanstalk and a set of oils from The Olive Orchard.

But wait! There’s more! Both markets will be hosting activities to provide riders a bit of entertaining “distraction” during each leg of their cycling journey. The Hills Market will be offering “A Taste of The Hills Market” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to taste the best of Hills Market’s classic creations, from their famous Hills Own Ohio Beef Meatloaves to their intricate, housemade Hills Own Carrot Cake. Samples will be available throughout the store, paired with seasonal wines. This event is free; there will be a small fee for wine tastings.  Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the Olentangy River Greenway, the North Market will be celebrating the opening of its Farmers Market. Ohio Proud vendors will join the Market’s seasonal farmers in the plaza selling Ohio-made foodstuffs and abundant live entertainment by local musicians will add to the gaiety of that day.

Market to Market will take place on Saturday, May 7. Registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and reusable shopping bags from both locations filled with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8- 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Registration can be made online at northmarket.com or thehillsmarket.com by phone by calling 614-846-3220 (The Hills Market) or 614-463-9664 (North Market), or in person at either location beginning April 12.

Participating organizations and sponsors include: The Hills Market, North Market, Amanda Hills Spring Water, B1 Bicycles, Bike the Cbus, Columbus Alive, Crimson Cup Coffee, Columbus Food Adventures, Eartha Limited, FLOW, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Local Matters, The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Art, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, Snowville Creamery, WCBE: Central Ohio’s NPR Station, Wexner Center for the Arts, Wild Goose Creative and Yelp Columbus.

The Hills Market is a locally-owned specialty grocer on the north end of Columbus, at the bottom of the Worthington Hills and the top of the Olentangy Bike Path. For 16 years, The Hills Market has provided the best of Ohio and beyond with high quality meat, seafood, produce, bakery, wine, beer and cheese departments, as well as more than 40 feet of in-house prepared foods, a delicatessen featuring custom sandwiches and pizza, full service catering and floral shops and a state liquor agency. The Hills Market is home to The Veranda, a seasonal outdoor lunch space, as well as special events including Pancake Breakfasts, Cooking Classes, Wine Tastings and the Salmon Roast.

In operation since 1876, the North Market is Columbus’ only true public market. More than 30 merchants offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and other specialty food items. The Market also provides an international selection of freshly prepared foods, distinctive gifts and personable service from owner/operators. The North Market is open daily and located steps away from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.
 

North Market Harvest Festival - Baking Contests for Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Pie or Apple Pie

Celebrate the autumnal bounty of Ohio at the North Market Harvest Festival this weekend. There is still room for contestants in all three of our Harvest Festival Baking Contests so if you make a mean Pumpkin Bread (contest at 12PM), Pumpkin Pie (contest at 1PM) or Apple Pie (contest at 2PM), send an email to mmartineau@northmarket.com to get signed up! North Market gift certificates will be awarded to first and second place in each contest.

There will also be live music, cooking demonstrations, adoptable dogs from Columbus Dog Connection and kids activities including free cookies from Mozart’s North Market Bakery, face painting, the Mark Wood Fun Show and fall arts and crafts with the Columbus Artmobile!

For a full schedule of Harvest Festival activites click HERE>

Market to Market Ride Saturday

The weather forecast for Saturday is 60 degrees with only a 10% chance of rain. That sounds like the perfect temperature for a scenic ride up and down the Olentangy River Greenway on the Market to Market ride! So grab a friend or two (or go solo and make some on the path) and sign up for this two-wheeled bicycle adventure with benefits! 

Pre-registration is $15 and includes breakfast (either at North Market or The Hills Market - you choose), a sweet t-shirt, a scoop of Jeni’s Ice Cream, a goody bag (or two) and chances to win prizes including an awesome Seagull Bag, a gift certificate bonanza from the Small Business Beanstalk or two tickets to the Local Matters Local Foods Week Harvest Ball. What are you waiting for? You CAN procrastinate and sign up at the door at either location for $20, but we’ve sold out the last two events so why risk it?

Local Matters Local Foods Week

Local Matters is committed to sharing why local food connects us to the most important issues of our time with their 2nd Annual Local Foods Week from Saturday, October 2nd through Friday, October 8th. The week kicks-off on Saturday with the Market-to-Market bike ride and breakfast and concludes with a Harvest Ball on Friday night. During the week, the entire Columbus-area community is invited to add a little more delicious to their lives by competing in Local Matters “Eat Local Challenge” and win some fabulous prizes! For more information and a detailed schedule visit www.eatlocalohio.org.

CupcakeCampColumbus IV coming up next week!

Attention local amateur cupcake bakers, cupcake aficionados and those with crazy cupcake attire…we have a little event we think you just might be into and it’s coming up next Sunday, October 10.

For you cupcake bakers there are still spaces left to enter your cupcake concoctions in the following categories: Bacon, North Market Inspired and Vegan. Email mmartineau@northmarket.com for more details and to register.

And for those who just love to eat cupcakes or wear your love of cupcakes on your sleeve, there are still tickets available. Tickets are $10 and entitle the bearer to abundant cupcake sampling all while supporting the Mid-Ohio Food Bank who benefits from the event. Get your tickets online HERE>

Participating Farms on October 2

Anderson Orchard This week I shall bring sunflowers, pumpkins, cosmos, mixed bunches, organic apple dumplings and free range pork including bacon, Canadian bacon, loin and sausage.

Beech Meadow Farm  Chicken, turkey (legs & breasts) and eggs. Welcome to our newest farmers market family member, baby Noah!

Ehmann & Sons Greenhouse It’s time for fall MUMS! We’ll have a huge display with every color and variety that you can imagine!

Elizabeth Telling Farm CSA pickup only.

Dear North Market Shopper,

When people talk about their visit to the Market they often talk in sensory terms. The “sights, sounds, tastes and smells” of the Market all contribute to a total sensory experience. And we know that coming to North Market is not just a shopping occasion, it’s a full-on experience.

One of our goals is to enhance the Market experience and do it in a way that is both meaningful to our shoppers and supportive of the mission to promote local food and local businesses.

We have some great activities lined-up in the next few weeks that will be fun, educational and most of all delicious:

September 24 & 25 Columbus Microbrew Festival

It’s a celebration of the booming interest in locally-brewed craft beers. Come taste the work of our local craft brewers in this two-day festival.

September 29 Local Brews, Booze and Foods

It’s our best kept secret. This year we quietly started a little after work gathering on our porch. Shoppers were treated to some great Columbus Brewing Company beers and our version of street food creations. This is our last gathering of the year. We’ve invited new local distillery Middle West Spirits to join the fun. Stop by and give it a try.

October 2 Harvest Festival and Market to Market Ride

In celebration of Local Foods Week we host our annual Harvest Festival that features the late season bounty of our Farmers Market…AND what has become one of the fastest growing cycling events in the City. In a little more than a year, the Market to Market ride has attracted hundreds of cyclists who love and support the local foods movement.

The Dispatch Kitchen

Our partnership with WBNS-10TV and the Columbus Dispatch provides the Market with a fun and educational space. Food editor and James Beard Award winner, Robin Davis leads weekly cooking demonstrations with our city’s finest chefs. The Dispatch Kitchen is also hopping with special events such as CupcakeCampColumbus which is scheduled for October 10.

The Market is more than a place to shop for the greatest artisan, local and international foods. It’s a place where we celebrate, we educate and we have a little fun.

It doesn’t take a special event to make you visit an “experience.” It’s our community of 35 business owners, our unique personality and an unforgettable array of the best food in town.

Dave Wible

Market to Market Ride Kicks Off Local Matters Local Foods Week

Two of Columbus’ premier independent, locally-owned specialty foods markets, North Market and The Hills Market, are returning with what is now one of the most anticipated bicycling events of the season, Market to Market. We are proud to celebrate our third event on the anniversary of the inaugural Market to Market ride with the cycling adventure that was named the “Best Bike Ride for Foodies” in 2010 by Columbus Monthly. Join both markets on Saturday, October 2, as we kick-off Local Matters Local Foods Week in Columbus and celebrate the end of a great summer season with a cross-city local foods-centric bike ride, for amateurs and aficionados alike.

Participants have the option of starting at either market to fuel up with breakfast before embarking on the 13 mile adventure to the market at the other end of the bike trail. Each participating rider will be issued a local foods passport at the beginning of their journey. Bikers can collect stamps along the way by visiting with local vendors and organizations set up along the path including B1 Bicycles, Greenovate, Local Matters, Pattycake Bakery, Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA), Opera Columbus, Seagull Bags,Small Business Beanstalk,Wexner Center for the Arts and Wild Goose Creative. Participants who show completed passports at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and a reusable bag filled with coupons and goodies from local foods purveyors. Those intrepid enough to bike back to their market of origin will receive a completely different bag of goodies, creating a total value of $50 worth of savings and samples. All participating riders will also be entered into a random drawing for prizes including a custom messenger bag created by local courier bag gurus Seagull Bags, tickets to the Local Matters Harvest Ball and a bonanza of gift certificates to local businesses provided by the Small Business Beanstalk.

Market to Market will take place on Saturday, October 2. Registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and reusable shopping bags from both locations filled with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8- 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Registration can be made online at northmarket.com or thehillsmarket.com by phone by calling 614-846-3220 (The Hills Market) or 614-463-9664 (North Market), or in person at either location beginning September 10.

Market to Market will take place in conjunction with The Hills Market’s Ohio Market Day and the North Market Harvest Festival. Ohio Market Day at the Hills Market is a free event from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. featuring the wares of Ohio’s best food producers. The North Market Harvest Festival is also a free event that celebrates the end of a great growing season in Ohio with fall produce and an abundance of baking contests.

Market to Market sponsors include: The Hills Market, North Market, Amanda Hills Spring Water, B1 Bicycles, CrimsonCup Coffee, Greenovate, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Local Matters, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, Snowville Creamery, WCBE: Central Ohio’s NPR Station and Wexner Center for the Arts.

Local Matters is a Columbus-based not-for-profit organization that is taking a leadership role in answering the question of, “What does a healthy community look like through the lens of local food?” Local Matters is committed to sharing why local food connects us to the most important issues of our time with their 2nd Annual Local Foods Week from Saturday, October 2nd through Friday, October 8th. The week kicks-off on Saturday with the Market-to-Market bike ride and breakfast and concludes with a Harvest Ball on Friday night. During the week, the entire Columbus-area community is invited to add a little more delicious to their lives by competing in Local Matters “Eat Local Challenge” and win some fabulous prizes! For more information and a detailed schedule visit www.eatlocalohio.org.

The Hills Market is a locally-owned specialty grocer on the north end of Columbus, at the bottom of the Worthington Hills and the top of the Olentangy Bike Path. For 17 years, The Hills Market has provided the best of Ohio and beyond with high quality meat, seafood, produce, bakery, wine, beer and cheese departments, as well as more than 40 feet of in-house prepared foods, a delicatessen featuring custom sandwiches and pizza, full service catering and floral shops and a state liquor agency. The Hills Market is home to The Veranda, a seasonal outdoor lunch space, as well as special events including Pancake Breakfasts, Cooking Classes, Wine Tastings and the Salmon Roast.

In operation since 1876, the North Market is Columbus’ only true public market. More than 30 merchants offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and other specialty food items. The Market also provides an international selection of freshly prepared foods, distinctive gifts and personable service from owner/operators. The North Market is open daily and located steps away from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.

Two of Columbus’ premiere independent, locally-owned specialty foods markets are returning with an event that debuted with great success last October: Market to Market. The Hills Market and North Market share not only a philosophical connection: one that makes it a priority to provide and promote the best Ohio has to offer to consumers, but also a physical connection: the Olentangy River Greenway (or more commonly, the Olentangy Bike Trial). Join both markets on Saturday, May 1, as they connect to celebrate Ohio-made foodstuffs, the opening of the farmers market and bicycling season with Market to Market: a cross-city local foods-centric bike ride, for amateurs and aficionados alike.

Participants have the option of starting at either market to fuel up with breakfast before embarking on the 13 mile adventure to the market at the other end of the bike trail. Each participating rider will be issued a passport at the beginning of their journey. Bikers can collect stamps along the way by visiting with local vendors and organizations set up along the path including B1 Bicycles, Greenovate, Local Matters, Pattycake Bakery, Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA), Ohio Proud, Opera Columbus, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, Sustainable Worthington and Wild Goose Creative. Participants who show completed passports at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and a reusable bag filled with coupons and goodies from local foods purveyors. Those intrepid enough to bike back to their market of origin will receive a completely different bag of goodies, creating a total value of $50 worth of savings and samples. All participating riders will also be entered into a random drawing for a custom messenger bag created by local courier bag gurus Seagull Bags.

But wait! There’s more! Both markets will be hosting activities to provide riders a bit of entertaining “distraction” during each leg of their cycling journey. The Hills Market will leave riders with Polynesian dreams from Kahiki Day: a daylong celebration of Kahiki’s past and present. Hills will demo several of Kahiki’s frozen food products as well as a wide array of Polynesian-themed foods throughout the store from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the Olentangy River Greenway, the North Market will be celebrating the opening of its Farmers Market. Ohio Proud vendors will join the Market’s seasonal farmers in the plaza selling Ohio-made foodstuffs and abundant live entertainment by local musicians will add to the gaiety of that day.

Market to Market will take place on Saturday, May 1. Registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and reusable shopping bags from both locations filled with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8- 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Registration can be made online HERE> or by phone by calling 614-846-3220 (The Hills Market) or 614-463-9664 (North Market), or in person at either location beginning April 2.

Two of Columbus’ premiere independent, locally-owned specialty foods markets are partnering to celebrate the bounty that Ohio producers bestow upon our great state. The Hills Market and North Market share not only a philosophical connection: one that makes it a priority to provide and promote the best Ohio has to offer to consumers, but also a physical connection: the Olentangy River Greenway (or more commonly, the Olentangy Bike Trial). Join both markets on Saturday, October 3, as they connect to celebrate the end of a great summer season with “Market to Market”: a cross-city local foods-centric bike ride, for amateurs and aficionados alike. Market to Market will be the kick-off event for Local Matters Local Foods Week in Columbus.

Participants have the option of registering to start at either market and fuel up with breakfast before embarking on the 13 mile adventure to the market at the other end of the bike trail. Each participating rider will be issued a local foods passport at the beginning of their journey. Bikers can collect stamps along the way by visiting with local vendors and organizations set up along the path including Pattycake Bakery, Ohio Proud, Sustainable Worthington, Greenovate and Local Matters. Participants who show completed passports at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and a reusable bag filled with coupons and goodies from local foods purveyors. Those intrepid enough to bike back to their market of origin will receive a completely different bag of goodies, creating a total value of $50 worth of savings and samples.

Market to Market will take place on Saturday, October 3. Registration is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), and reusable shopping bags from both locations filled with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8- 10a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s ice cream will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Early egistration for the breakfast and ride is closed at this time. Participating organizations and sponsors include: The Hills Market, North Market, Local Matters, CrimsonCup Coffee, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, WCBE, Central Ohio’s NPR Station, Amanda Hills Spring Water, Fat Rabbit Racing, Greenovate, Ohio Proud, Pattycake Bakery and Sustainable Worthington.

Columbus-based, Local Matters is a not-for-profit organization that believes the choice to grow and consume local food has the power to affect social, economic and environmental change in our communities. They are committed to making local, sustainably farmed, healthy food available to everyone - and from October 3 through October 9, they’re doing it in a big way with Local Matters Local Food Week. The week kicks-off with the Market-to-Market bike ride and breakfast, includes a fundraiser on Thursday, October 8 at The Hills Market, and will conclude with a Local Food Finale on Friday, October 9. The entire Columbus-area community is invited to add a little more delicious to their lives with Local Foods Week celebrating our Local Food System: Farm to Fork, Urban Ag and Local Food to School. For more information and a detailed schedule visit www.local-matters.org