CLEVELAND, Ohio — Eating locally goes beyond being a trend—it’s a practical way to support regional farmers, reduce miles traveled by food and better understand where your food comes from. Across Northeast Ohio, a growing network of small farms, farmers markets and community-supported agriculture programs make it easier than ever to shop close to home.
From weekly CSA boxes to roadside stands and bustling farmers markets, each option offers its own connection to the people growing and producing your food. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your grocery routine or simply supplement it with fresher ingredients, there are accessible entry points for every kind of shopper.
This guide highlights where to go and how to navigate the region’s local food landscape. Along the way, you’ll discover producers who are not only feeding their communities but doing so with sustainability in mind.
Ohio City Farm is just one of many local options for CSA plans. Alex Darus
Local CSA programs and farm boxes
Many local farms offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs which provide packages of fresh, local food on a regular basis. Often, groups like Fresh Fork Market and Murray Hill Farm support a variety of local farmers, resulting in seasonally diverse options. From curated boxes at the Chef’s Garden in Huron to produce, pantry and prepared meal options at Ohio City Farm, there are plenty of ways to support local farmers and accomplish your weekly grocery shopping at the same time.
Murray Hill Farm; pickups at Amherst, Avon, Elyria, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Medina, North Olmsted, Oberlin, Rocky River and Westlake City Fresh, 16 locations including Berea, Buckeye-Shaker, Collinwood, Elyria, Euclid, Lorain, Ohio City and more Fresh Fork Market; 20+ pickup locations in Beachwood, Chagrin Falls, Cleveland Heights, Hudson, Lakewood, Mentor, Solon, Strongsville, etc. and Ohio City Provisions, 3208 Lorain Ave., ClevelandThe Chef’s Garden; delivery Ohio City Farm by Re:Source Cleveland, Cleveland Plum Creek Farm, Valley City Grace Brother’s Farm, Nursery & Supply, North Royalton Rainbow Farms, MadisonCrown Point Ecology Center, AkronVillage Family Farms, Cleveland
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The Chef’s Garden Farm Market is located in Huron, Ohio.Judie Vegh, Special to Cleveland.com
Farm Markets/Farm Stands
A farm market, different from a farmers market, sell fruits, vegetables, and other items often grown or made at farms of various sizes. The market is typically open daily during the growing season and, perhaps, beyond. Shoppers gather products then check out at one counter. Northeast Ohio has several options worth visiting for locally grown goodies.
Bauman Orchards, 161 Rittman Ave and 10370 Akron Road, Rittman – Nearly a century old, Bauman Orchards is worked by a fourth generation. In season, the farm sells peaches, pears, plums, Concord grapes, sweet corn, pumpkins, gourds, squash cider, and, of course, many varieties of apples. They sell about 400 pies – mostly pumpkin and apple – during the holiday season.
The Chef’s Garden, 9009 Huron Avery Rodd, Huron – In its’ second and third generations, The Chef’s Garden focused on farm-to-chef distribution, until the pandemic inspired them to restore farm market sales. Seasonal produce and meat as well as local pantry items and dry goods make it a one-stop shop. Many items are heirloom and non-traditional varieties and rarely found at mainstream retail. They are also available online for single items or produce boxes. The market is open year ‘round.
Pumpkins are a big part of fall at Eddy Fruit Farm in Chesterland.Paris Wolfe
Eddy Fruit Farm, 12079 Caves Road, Chesterland – Like many farm markets, Eddy’s is off the beaten bath. The family-owned farm has been around since the 1860s, growing items like apples, cherries, peaches, grapes and more. Secret: In spring and early summer, they sell the best strawberries in Northeast Ohio.
Farm Dog Fresh, 33479 Lake Road, Avon Lake; 17112 Madison Avenue, Lakewood; 15903 West Park Road, Cleveland — Farm Dog Fresh is a pop-up produce stand with three locations in Northeast Ohio, specializing in freshly-harvested produce. Farm Dog Fresh prioritizes working directly from Northeast Ohio farmers, but also buys from farms in Southern states to bring in early season staples like corn and melons before the local crop is ready.
Fitch’s Farm Market, 4413 Center Road, Avon — Fitch’s has been family-owned and operated since 1983. A huge variety of seasonal produce is available every week, from fresh-cut greens to tomatoes to garlic. Pick-your-own options are available for strawberries, beans, peppers and tomatoes when in season. Open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
GAR Horizons, 13623 GAR Highway, Chardon – GAR Horizons is a first-generation farm inspired by founder/farmer/owner Catherine Wolcott’s involvement in 4-H programming. What launched as a farmers market stand in 2015 became a farm market in 2018. And it keeps growing. Farm-grown products include pumpkins, gourds, potatoes, carrots, beets and more. The store also sells locally farmed dairy and meat, handcrafted pierogies and pantry staples.
Good Earth Farm Stand, 9600 Madison Ave., Cleveland — Another urban farm in Cleveland that specializes in seasonal produce like greens, tomatoes, peppers and beyond. Good Earth opens from 3-7 p.m., Monday and Thursday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Howard’s Apples Farm Market, 9575 Bainbridge Road, Chagrin Falls — Apples, pick-your-own blueberries, sweet corn, seasonal produce and more are available at Howard’s in Chagrin. The store is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.
Krieg’s Farm Market and Custard, 3175 North Ridge Road, Vermillion — The open-air fruit and vegetable market offers a weekly selection of homegrown produce alongside its custom fruit custard. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Let’s Grow Akron Community Farm Store, 462 Harvey Ave., Akron — Let’s Grow Akron has been a non-profit champion for community food gardens in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food. The farm store is a hub for seasonal produce, mushrooms, honey, eggs, pickles, teas, seasonings and much more. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and Let’s Grow Akron also pops up on Tuesday evenings at the Summit Lake Farmers Market. Cash, credit, debit and EBT are accepted.
Miller’s Apple Hill, 50549 Telegraph Road, Amherst — This year-round farm star is at its peak during the fall, when the apple orchard is in full-swing. Apple picking, cider and pumpkins are always a part of the fun. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
New Creation Farm Market, 12126 Clark Road, Chardon (also sells at His Provisions Butcher Shop at 6108 CR201, Millersburg) New Creation is a family-owned farm that offers pasture-raised pork, beef, chicken, lamb and eggs. The store is open from 1-5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On Saturdays, the farm also hosts the “Chuckwagon” from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. offering ready-made dishes made with products from the farm and a picnic area.
Ohio City Provisions, 3208 Lorain Ave, Cleveland – Ohio City Provisions brings the farm market to the city, serving as a grocery store and butcher shop. Shoppers will find sustainably raised local meats, locally made cheese, seasonal produce, whole grains, flours, dried beans, freshly baked breads, farm eggs, yogurts, milk, fermented foods, canned goods and much more.
Oxbow Orchard, 6765 Canal Rd, Valley View – Oxbow Farm is a bit of a secret and more like a farm stand. The farm leases land in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, just 15 minutes south of Cleveland. Farmers raise grass-fed Icelandic sheep for wool and meat. Shoppers will find broiler chickens and turkeys raised on pasture using organic feed. Seasonal vegetables, seedlings and flowers are available as are handmade pottery, wool products and craft items.
Bill Patterson, president of Patterson Fruit Farm in Chester Township, puts more honeycrisp apples out for sale.Peter Krouse, cleveland.com
Patterson Fruit Farm, 11414 Caves Road, Chesterland – In its 6th and 7th generations, Patterson’s has two locations — the farm market on Caves Road and the Patterson Family Fun Fest on Mulberry Road. The large farm market offers a broad array of apple and pumpkin varieties, fresh produce, locally raised meat, maple syrup, honey, kitchen and gift items and much more. It’s a destination for baked goods, especially pies during the holidays.
PurpleBrown Farm Store, 1619 Mill St W, Peninsula – After operating a small market at the farm location, Sasha and James Miller moved their retail concept to a fuller grocery store a few years ago. In addition to seasonal produce, they offer a wide selection of dairy and pantry items as well as some prepared foods. All products are grown or made within 60 miles. Grocery items beyond produce include honeys and jams, organic flour, dried beans, crackers, freshly baked breads, artisan cheeses, cured meats, milk and eggs. Alongside produce, they also offer pasture- raised and organic-fed chicken, turkey, beef, pork, goat and bison.
Quarry Hill Orchards, 8403 Mason Road, Berlin Heights – The Gammie family bought the farm in 1931. The third generation, Brooke and Ben Gammie are now involved in growing cherries, peaches, pears, apples and berries as well as wine grapes. Shoppers enjoy the opportunity to pick their own then relax with a new, fresh-fruit ice cream. Or make a date for apple picking and stop by the family’s Quarry Hill Vineyards for a glass of Ohio Wine.
Rainbow Farms, 2464 Townline Road, Madison – Larry and Tina Kclo started the farm in 1983. Since then their children and grandchildren have been involved in the farm, farmers markets and the farm market. The farm started with strawberries and now grows more than 40 different fruits and vegetables (200 varieties) for sale. The indoor market opened in 2010 and has expanded beyond produce to include maple syrup, honey, candles and other local products. Seasonal pick-your-own produce items include strawberries, raspberries, currants, tomatoes, peppers and thornless blackberries. With the future in mind, in 2005, Rainbow Farm became the first farm in Lake County to be permanently preserved as farm under Farmland Preservation Act.
Strawberries for sale at Red Wagon Farm in Columbia Station.
Red Wagon Farm,16081 East River Road, Columbia Station – Red Wagon sells at farmers markets and at its own farm market. At the farm, you will find fresh produce, apples, pumpkins and more. Red Wagon and Four Paws Brewing are located at the farm and offer a craft brewery experience alongside an ice cream shop, bakery and more.
Richardson Farms, 6984 Lafayette Road, Medina, (330) 722-4029 — Among the oldest farms in this list, Richardson Farms started in 1858 and is now under the supervision of a sixth generation of plant and vegetable growers. Vegetables include greens, herbs, asparagus, green onions, carrots, radishes, beets, beans, peas, tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot peppers, cucumbers, pickles, summer squash, zucchini, eggplant, garlic and more. Fruits include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, peaches, plums, pears. They also have pick-your-own apples and peaches alongside a large pumpkin patch.
Rittman Orchards is a 125-acre fruit farm with an apple focus. They grow 125 varieties of apples.Paris Wolfe
Rittman Orchards & Farm Market, 13548 Mount Eaton Road, Doylestown – Operated by the Vodraskas (now in their third generation of farming), Rittman Orchard & Farm Market offers a variety of produce, kitchen wares, gifts, pantry items and apples, apples, apples. The 125-acre orchard grows 125 varieties of apples as well as plums and peaches. Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins are also a part of the fun. Shoppers enjoy filling large bags with their favorite or a mixture of apples. The bakery is also a tempting stop. For those who make time, Bent Ladder Cider and Wine is across the parking lot and an interesting experience. Artisan, estate hard ciders are available by the flight, glass and bottle.
Sage’s Apple Farm, 11355 Chardon Road, Chardon – Growing apples since 1867, Sage’s Apple Farm sells a lot more than apples. Products include signature sweet corn, grapes, berries, plums, pumpkins, gourds, a variety of vegetables, mushrooms, microgreens, caramel apples, local cheese and meat, dairy, fresh cider and so much more. Can’t decide from the myriad apple choices? Test a free sample. The farm also offers a bag of mixed pie apples for home bakers.
Sirna’s Farm & Market, 19009 Ravenna Road, Chagrin Falls — Craig & Anne Marie Sirna bought the farmhouse and property in 1997 to maintain its century-old farming roots. Then, they educated themselves to become farmers and create a “hobby farm.” That goal grew and today they have a market offering fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meat, value-added products and more.
Solidarity Urban Farms, Ship to Shore, 201 W. 10th St., Lorain — A farm part of the Church of the Redeemer, Solidarity Urban Farms aims to fight community hunger and bring people together through gardening. The farm stand is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays from June through October.
Szalay’s Farm & Market, 4563 Riverview Road, Peninsula — Szalay’s Farm and Market is best known as a nearly 100-year-old, family-owned sweet corn farm. Aside from its famous corn, Szalay’s market also offers produce, flowers, baked goods, honey, maple syrup and more. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily, and only accepts cash or checks (ATM on site).
West Orchard Farm Market, 3034 North Ridge Road, (440) 259-3192 — Started in 1891, West’s Orchard is being operated by a fifth generation. Today’s market was started in the 1960s. The 70-acre fruit farm includes sour cherry, peach, plum, nectarine, pear and apple trees. Pick-your-own strawberries and sour cherries are also available when in season. The farm also grows small-scale vegetables like sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, squash, gourds, beets and pumpkins.
A selection of the meat inside the small shop at Wholesome Valley Farms in Holmes County.Alex Darus
Wholesome Valley Farm, 927 Us Route 62, Wilmot, (330) 359-2129 — Wholesome Valley Farm specializes in heritage and specialty meats — beef, hogs, chickens, ducks and turkeys. The small, honor-system market on the farm offers these frozen as well as canned goods, produce and more. Most of the items produced on the farm are sold at Ohio City Provisions.
Willie’s Farm Market, 7136 Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights — Willie’s is a family-owned produce stand selling homegrown fruits and vegetables, open from June through October. Corn, heirloom tomatoes, beans, watermelon, peaches, cherries and blueberries are just a small sample of what’s sold at the farm stand.
Ziggy’s Produce, 4641 Broadview Road, Cleveland — Ziggy’s in Old Brooklyn is a neighborhood staple for locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and mushrooms alongside imported European products. Much of the produce is sourced from Amish farms in Ohio.
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are a collection of farmers and makers selling agricultural products directly to customers at a common, recurrent physical location. Shoppers can usually talk to the farmers and makers while making individual sales transactions. Many farmers markets go on hiatus during the winter.
Ashtabula Farmers Market, 1119 Bridge St., Ashtabula – The outdoor market offers local vegetables, fruit, baked goods, herbs, honey, maple syrup, plants, crafts and more from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays. The market is hosted at the Ashtabula Harbor from the second Sunday in June through the second Sunday in October.
Canton Farmers Market, 340 4th St. NW, Canton (outdoor market), 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton – Canton Farmers Market is a year-round option for buying locally grown farm products, baked and preserved goods and beyond. The outdoor season, from June to October, is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays while the indoor market is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Saturday from October through May.
Coit Road Farmers’ Market, 15000 Woodworth Road, East Cleveland — Since 1932, the Coit Road Farmers’ Market has been a cornerstone of East Cleveland, offering affordable, locally grown produce to residents. Alongside produce, baked goods, spices, tea, honey, gluten-free bread and more are available. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, year-round, and 5-8 p.m. on Tuesdays during the peak season.
Vegetables for sale at the Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market. Paris Wolfe
Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market, Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula (summer market); Old Trail School, 2315 Ira Road, Akron (winter market) — The Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market might be the most scenic on the list, specializing in locally grown seasonal produce and flowers, ethically-raised meat and eggs and freshly-ground grains. It sources all of the products sold from within a 100-mile radius to keep things as local as possible. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, and the summer market runs from May through the end of October, with the winter market from November through April.
Frostville Farmers Market, 24101 Cedar Point Road, North Olmsted — The Frostville Museum hosts a Saturday market year-round, outdoors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and indoors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Small farmers, producers and artisans sell a wide variety of produce, pantry goods and crafts.
Geauga Fresh Farmers’ Market, 5205 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls — From 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday in the summer, the Geauga Fresh Market is open for buying seasonal, local produce, freezer meat, handmade items and baked goods.
Haymaker Farmers’ Market, indoors at 1435 E. Main St., Kent and outdoors in downtown Kent on Frankie Avenue between Main and Summit Streets — Kent’s year-round Saturday market has been a local favorite for more than three decades. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays, with the outdoor season running from April through November.
The Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market is hosted every Sunday during the summer season.
Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market, 16906 Albers Ave., Cleveland — For 20 seasons, the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market sells locally grown produce and homemade items every Sunday during the summer season. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays from June 21 through October 18.
La Marketa, 3690 Seymour Ave., Cleveland – On Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. during the summer, La Marketa takes over the Roberto Clemente Park for a Latin-focused market. The market is run by Jardin 4 Life Inc., a nonprofit focusing on community health and sustainability through food access.
Medina Square Farmers Market, 39 Public Square, Medina – From May through October, the Medina Square Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. More than 70 vendors offer produce, herbs, flowers, meats, cheeses and beyond. Themed festivals and events are planned at the farmers market season long.
Farmers Market of Medina County, 3939 Granger Road, Medina – Medina locals have the luck of having two farmers markets in town, one being at the Cornerstone Chapel. From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, shoppers can browse produce and locally made goods from 25 vendors, with the market running from May through mid-November.
Mentor Farmers Market, 7967 Mentor Ave., Mentor — The Mentor Farmers Market is a neighborhood favorite event during the summer, running from 2-6 p.m. on Fridays from June through September. Fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, pies, honey, plant starts and other farm products are always available.
Seasonal produce at one of the North Union Farmers Market locations. Paris Wolfe
North Union Farmers Market, outdoor markets in Westlake at Crocker Park, Cleveland’s Shaker Square, Chagrin Falls, Legacy Village in Lyndhurst, the Cleveland Clinic main campus, University Hospitality at Lakeside, the Van Aken District in Shaker Heights and Lakewood; indoor markets at Crocker Park and Van Aken – North Union Farmers Market is a non-profit organization that has run several local markets throughout Northeast Ohio throughout various times of the year for more than 30 years. The organization prioritizes connecting certified local producers — who only sell food they’ve raised themselves or made locally — with customers in the region. Additionally, SNAP benefits are accepted and matched at all North Union Farmers Market locations.
Old Brooklyn Farmers Market, Loew Park at the corner of West 30th Street and Oak Park Avenue, Cleveland – Old Brooklyn’s Farmers Market runs through September 24 from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays. Fresh, locally grown produce is just one reason to come — weekly live music, a beer garden, live art and more make the experience. City Fresh members can also pick up their CSAs at the market.
Stow Community Farmers Market, Community Church of Stow, 1567 Pilgrim Dr., Stow — Fresh, seasonal vegetables, baked goods and crafts are always a part of the Stow Community Farmers Market, now in its 16th season. The market runs from the end of May through the beginning of October from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Two Saturdays of the season, the venue hosts a Kids Makers Market where elementary and middle schoolers have a chance to sell homemade items at the market.
Tremont Farmers Market, Lincoln Park, 1200 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland — Summer in Tremont means Tuesday nights are for the Farmers Market, taking over the center of the neighborhood from 4-7 p.m. More than 40 vendors offer farm fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, ice cream, ready-made food and beyond. Live music is also always a part of the vibe, rain or shine. Produce Perks are available with up to a $25 match and EBT accepted.
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