A Note From Dave

Dear North Market Shoppers

On March 24th Columbus Alive published their annual “Best of Columbus” issue. It’s a compilation of results from nearly 17,000 online voters and covers a wide array of Columbus interests and attractions.

Deep into the story on page 48, next to the fold was the winner of the “BEST LOCAL FOOD MARKET” category. We’re proud to say that when the votes were cast, Columbus rated us the best.

Here are just a few of the comments and quotes from the story:

“…one of the first places proud Columbusites take their visiting foodie friends to impress them with our city’s shopping and culinary sophistication.”

“…world-class ice creams (Jeni’s), breads (Omega), cheeses (Curds & Whey)”

“…this wonderful place has it all.”

Well, we are “proud” of our Market and we hope our offerings and place in the community make you proud, too. This is truly a tremendous public market.

Read the rest of Dave's note online here⇒

Spring Art Exhibit ~ Ohio Watercolors by Jim Siemer

During the month of April, Jim Siemer will usher in spring with an exhibit of his Ohio Watercolors. Jim is delighted to exhibit his paintings at North Market because it is his favorite destination in Columbus. Jim states, "When I enter North Market's doors I am embraced by a cornucopia of wonderful smells, tastes and sites. I imagine that I have drifted into a food paradise as I am swept along its aisles from one food Mecca to another."

North Market inspires Jim to create art and last spring he painted a watercolor titled "North Market in Spring." On April 9th, he will be unveiling a new watercolor titled "You are never too old to give your love flowers." This watercolor was inspired by observing an older gentleman purchasing yellow roses at Market Blooms, North Market's wonderful flower and card shop.

Read more about Jim Siemer and his art here⇒

Farmers Market Opens April 30

With the arrival of Spring we can happily announce that our farmers will begin returning with their fresh, local, grown on their farms and in their gardens produce, plants and products!

We'll start slow at first with Combs Fresh Herbs, Ehmann & Sons Greenhouse, Folck Family Farm,Ohio Farm Direct, Oink Moo Cluck Farm,
Somerset Greenhouse, Summer Thyme Farm, Toad Hill Farm and Wishwell Farms Produce making an appearance on April 30. As the weather (and the ground) heats up attendance will grow and by mid-summer we'll have a full pavilion of the farmers that you have come to know and trust to bring the best Ohio produce home to your families.

Stop by and say "Hi!" to the new kids on the block

There's an infusion of vibrant new businesses in the southeast corner of the Market. The next time you are meandering about be sure to check in on our trio of outstanding new merchants. At The Barrel and Bottle Jen Burton and Collin Castore have an amazing selection of beer and wine and they are eager to help you choose the perfect potion for your occasion....even if that occasion is simply sitting on your porch! Gary Robinette and Brooke Howell-Robinette are crafting creative cornbread crust pizzas over in the corner at Clever Crow Pizza. Their unique compositions and home-cured, smoked and pickled toppings have created a cult following that includes the likes of Anthony Bourdain. Brittany Baum and Maria Battaglia Gentile are the dynamic duo of pretzel rolling ladies that comprise brezel (pronounced bray-zuhl). From the traditional plain pretzel to seasonal flavors to a cinnamon sugar variety that's perfect for breakfast, these pretzels are sure to become your "gotta have it" snack when you visit the market.

Better Earth Celebrates 20 Years at the North Market on May 1

On a beautiful spring morning, the 1st of May in 1991, Better Earth, Columbus's first Ecology Store, cut its ribbon in front of a small gathering and opened its doors for business. Energized by the growing number of eco-conscious ‘soul mates', Dareen Wearstler opened Better Earth as a store filled with Earth friendly products. Composters, water saving devices, small range solar products, compact fluorescents, organic gardening supplies, earth friendly cleaners, natural personal care, recycled paper goods and more were some of the products offered. Four months later, Better Earth expanded into the North Market selling an assortment of natural products, personal care, aromatherapy and anything else she could squeeze into a little space. Twenty years later, Better Earth has relocated, refocused, consolidated, and is still squeezing as much as possible into a little space in the North Market.

Read more about Better Earth's anniversary here⇒

Market to Market on May 7

It's a fun bike trek with benefits! Fuel up with breakfast at either the North Market or The Hills Market on Saturday, May 7. Then hit the Olentangy River Greenway for the 13-mile ride to the market down the path. Once you arrive you can treat yourself to a scoop of Jeni's Ice Cream and check out the special activities at both markets that day. At the North Market it's the first day of the farmers' market and there will be Ohio Proud vendors, live music and other entertainment. The bike corral will be set up to valet and watch over your ride at the North Market while you eat, shop, browse or just chill out. Pick up goody bags upon arrival and return to each of the markets with discount coupons worth up to $50 in value! For your $15 pre-registration ($20 at the door) you will receive a cool event t-shirt, breakfast, a scoop of Jeni's, goody bags and chances to win awesome prizes!

North Market Artisan Sundays begin May 1

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. You can find fabulous handicrafts from locally concocted bath and body products to vintage inspired jewelry and everything in between.

For a full list of participating vendors on May 1 click here⇒