As the locally-grown food movement continues to surge, Farmers' markets in Baltimore are becoming more and more popular. And why not? Farmers' markets are an excellent place to get fresh, locally grown food directly from the source, so you can be sure exactly what it is you're putting on your plate.
We're not just talking vegetables here. Many markets have vendors who sell meat, seafood, chicken, and everything from hot sauces to prepared foods, fresh flowers, juices, and other treats.
Even if you don't need ten pounds of lettuce, farmers' markets are fun places to stroll through. Fresh tomatoes, corn on the cob, and live crabs are the eye candy of the 21st century.
Sundays
Downtown
Where: Saratoga St. between Holliday and Gay streets (under the JFX)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Dates: May 2, 2010 through Dec. 19, 2010
Note: The largest and oldest farmers' market in the state. Get there early - many vendors sell out on busy days by 11.
Saturdays
Waverly Farmers' Market
Where: 400 block of E. 32nd St.
When:7 a.m. to noon
Note: Open year round
Harbor East
Where:1000 block of Lancaster St/
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Dates: June 5, 2010 through Nov. 20, 2010
Note: If you don't find what you need, pop into Whole Foods (get your wallet out)
Highlandtown
Where: 3500 block on Bank St.
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Dates: June 26, 2010 through Oct. 30, 2010
Thursdays
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Where: 601 North Caroline St.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dates: June 3, 2010 until October
Wednesdays
Mt. Washington Whole Foods Market Farmers' Market
Where: 1330 Smith Ave.
When: 4 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Dates: June 9, 2010 through Oct. 27, 2010
Park Heights Community Farmers' Market
Where: 5201 Park Heights Ave. Pimlico Race Course Parking Lot)
When: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dates: June 2, 2010 through Nov. 24, 2010
State Center Community Farmers' Market
Where: 201 West Preston St.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dates: June 9, 2010 through Oct. 27, 2010
Tuesdays
University Farmers' Market
Where: Plaza Park, Paca St.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dates: May 4, 2010 until November 16, 2010
Village of Cross Keys
Where: Parking Lot of Village of Cross Keys, 5100 Falls Rd.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dates: June 1, 2010 through Oct. 26, 2010