The quintessential southern summer would not be complete without a visit to a local farmers’ market! Shelby County’s loamy soil (sorry to nerd you out with soil facts) makes this region the perfect place for farmers to grow all kinds of produce. Get ready to perfect your heirloom tomato sandwich and craft a quality picnic to enjoy on your summer getaway with a visit to these markets!    Columbiana Main Street Music and Market  Where: Main Street, Columbiana, AL 35051  When: Friday Nights in June-August • Market at 6, Live Music at 7  Find them here > https://www.facebook.com/cityofcolumbiana Helena Market Days  Where: 4151 Helena Rd, Helena, AL 35080 When: Saturdays in May through August from  8am - 12pm  Find them here > https://www.facebook.com/The.Helena.Market.Days/ Montevallo Farmers’ Market  Where: 660 Main St, Montevallo, AL, United States, Alabama When: Mondays from 3-6pm • June 2-August 18  Find them here > https://www.facebook.com/montevallofarmersmarket Mt Laurel Farmers’ Market  Where: Manning Place, Birmingham, AL 35242 When: Saturdays from 8am - 12pm  • June - October Find them here > https://www.facebook.com/groups/462890235576/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=10171324255015577 Valleydale Farmers Market  Where: 4601 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 When: Summer Saturdays and Fall Popups from 8am-12pm  Find them here > https://www.facebook.com/ValleydaleFarmersMarket/ Honorable mention:  The Market at Pepper Place, which is a regional favorite just down the road from us in Birmingham! Here, you can purchase produce from Shelby County’s own Lovelight Farms and many other innovative farmers and makers in the state of Alabama!  Some Helpful Tips: 
  • Check the market pages linked above before visiting to make sure there are no rain delays or extenuating circumstances preventing the market from being open. 
  • Be sure to bring cash along in case any traditional farm stands rely on cash payments.
  • Don’t forget your reusable bag to carry all of the fresh produce you purchase!

Looking for more farmers’ markets, farming resources, and best practices for the state? Check out https://www.sweetgrownalabama.org/ and be sure to explore our website for more ideas to help your central Alabama getaway bloom!