Shop Local With Downtown Dayton Farmers’ Markets

One of our favorite things about living downtown is the close proximity to the wonderful downtown Dayton farmers’ markets.  Farmers’ markets are a great way to support local businesses and experience new, exciting, and fresh foods.  Buying local also lessens your carbon footprint, meaning you’re creating fewer emissions into the atmosphere.

2^nd Street Market

So where should you go?  The 2^nd Street Farmer’s Market downtown is just a short one mile walk, drive, or Link bike ride up 2^nd Street.  Food Stores galore greet you through the narrow building and spill out onto the sidewalk.  A morning here can set you up with fresh meat, dairy, and produce for the week.  Still not convinced it’s worthy of your Saturday morning or early afternoon?  You can find prepared foods ready to take home or have a delicious, unique lunch on-site.  Many vendors sell hand-made goods, as well, so Christmas shopping will be a snap!  The best part of this Dayton gem?  The 2^nd Street Market is open year-round.

Garden Station Sunday Market

Looking for a fun Sunday outing?  Head over to the Garden Station Sunday Market on the corner of Fourth Street and Wayne Avenue.   Garnished in outdoor art and sculpture, this quaint city lot market prides itself on featuring only items grown or created locally; re-sellers are not allowed.

3^rd on Third Market

Always a delight, you can count on the unique at 3^rd on Third.  This bazaar is much more than a produce market.  Happening only on the 3^rd Sunday of the month, 3^rd on Third is a mix between artistic vendors, fresh produce, and food.  When heading out, be sure to plan to stay for lunch; a variety of food trucks are stationed at the market during hours.

Night Market

Looking for a date night that is definitely different?  Head over to The Yellow Cab Night Market!  Residing in the old Yellow Cab building on 4^th Street, this market has everything you need for a great night out with food trucks, beer, and more!  Make sure you check the market’s Facebook page before you go for dates, hours, and themes.  August’s market is boasting a “Condiment Convention.”  Sounds delicious!

Farmers Market Recipes

You’ve headed out and harvested, so now what do you do with your bounty of vegetables?  Here are a couple of First Place’s favorite recipes.

Looking for a healthy side dish that only gets better as leftovers?  Make a Very Downtown Veggie Salad!  It’s a healthy side dish that goes great with grilled meats on a hot summer day.

Very Downtown Veggie Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steamed edamame beans
• 1 cup steamed sweet corn
• 1 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 cup chopped multi-colored bell peppers
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1/3 cup chopped red onion
• 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp stone ground or Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:  Juice the lemon and add to the mustard and oil.  Add mixture to a large bowl with chopped veggies, and let sit at least an hour.  Serve and enjoy!

Wanting to be a little “bad” this weekend?  Make some First Place Beer Batter Veggies!  This recipe works with most any veggies you gather at the market, but standard favorites are Sweet Onions, pickles (chips or spears), mushrooms, and green tomatoes.  If you’re looking for the unusual, try this recipe with green beans or broccoli.  If you do select a heartier veggie such as broccoli or cauliflower make sure you slice it thinly, no thicker than a quarter inch.

First Place Beer Batter Veggies

Ingredients:

• Two pounds veggies of choice
• 1 cup flour
• 1 12 oz can of beer
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:  Heat 1 cup oil (olive or coconut are best!) in a skillet on medium-high.  Beat the egg and beer together, and then mix into flour in a large bowl.  If you like a little more flavor, try adding one of the following to the batter:  1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp cayenne pepper, 2 tbsp garlic powder, or 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.  Dip vegetables into batter mix and add into hot oil.  Flip when side has browned and crisped.  Remove from the pan, drain, and salt and pepper to taste.

What do you love at the Dayton farmers markets?  Make sure you share your latest fresh finds with us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

 

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