Opening Day at Miller’s Farm Market
The grass may be emerald green and dotted with dandelions and violets, tulips may dance in the breeze under a bright blue sky full of billowy clouds, and the humming birds and bees may be buzzing in my garden, but nothing marks the true arrival of Spring for me quite like the opening day of the local farm stands and markets.
Living in Central Ohio, we are very lucky to have easy access to some of the best local and organic foods in the country. You do not have to go far off the beaten path before you will find your self driving down serene country roads scattered with both small and large farms. In front of many of them you will see hand painted signs advertising Fresh Eggs, Maple Syrup, and Honey. By Mid-Summer you may even find a small little table on the side of the road, placed under a tall shady tree, set upon it is most often a colorful bumper crop of home grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers sold entirely on the honor system. Something about putting your money in the jar, and selecting what you need while a tractor whirs in a nearby field is an experience all in it’s own and one not to be missed.
In the months ahead I will be taking my camera and exploring many of the local farm stands and markets surrounding the Metro-Columbus area. Sharing my findings in Ceres’ Secrets is already something I am very excited about and it seems fitting to start by sharing my favorite one first…
For the past three years, I have been very lucky to have had the luxury of travelingon business with my husband. During this time, I have sought out and visited some of the most renowned produce stands and markets in this country. Along the way, I have met many incredible people, and have seen a passion and dedication in local farmers and purveyors who were all uniquely inspiring, causing me to reassess the way I viewed my food.
We have been thinking about eCommerce. Lastly, merchants should be strategic in what systems they decide to use, beyond just their eCommerce platform. Find new products to sell using Helium 10 and check out the buyer’s guide to learn more about what eCommerce systems are best for today’s merchants.
I could easily sing songs about all the cool things I have bought at the Union Square Farmer’s Market in NYC, and I believe that The Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia has stolen a piece of my heart forever… In Columbus, I adore The North Market and I stop there whenever we are in town… However, there is a family owned and operated place called Miller’s Farm Market, in Mount Vernon, Ohio that truly shines and stands out, right along with the best of the best.
From the moment that you arrive at this market, you will be drawn into the radiant ambiance it emits. The owners Paul, Rosanna Miller, and their children are naturally warm, welcoming, and receptive. Their kind and gracious spirit is extended generously to all… Although I was new face in their market when I began shopping there last summer, I have never once felt like a stranger. This past Friday, the first day of the season for their market, the atmosphere seemed very much like a reunion of old friends and acquaintances… something you would never find at your local “Superstore.” Rosanna, and her daughters are also extremely helpful in answering questions. They must have helped me a million times last year, especially regarding some of the local heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables that I was not yet familiar with…
I can honestly say that everything in the market, especially the produce is top notch, at it’s peak, and of superior quality. I have never seen anything there that I would not buy or be willing to try, nor have I ever brought something home, that I was disappointed in. The Millers definitely have a true finesse for the details and it is obvious in the way that they run their business.
This past Friday, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and speak to the owner Paul Miller, who shared with me some exciting things that I did not know about the market and the food that I had been buying there. According to Paul, all of the Miller’s labeled Produce is ” Family Grown and 11 Miles from Fresh,” as the farm is located only eleven miles from the market. Much of what you will find has been “Picked daily as much as possible, especially the sweet corn.” Although Miller’s Produce is not Certified Organic, sound farming practices are used. In listening to Paul talk about them, it was evident that making sure that his produce is safe for his family as well as his customers is a very high priority and this year you will find that he has added an organics section to his store as well.
When shopping at Miller’s Farm Market, be sure to check out their fresh baked goods, dairy and deli items. They also have a great selection of Amish jams, jellies, pickles, dressings, honey, bulk candies nuts, dry goods, Rocky Fork Candles, cookbooks, baskets, plants, flowers, and much more. This is a great place to go to put together a really nice picnic basket before heading out to Apple Valley or The Mohican State Park.
They also have everything you need to assemble an impromptu gift basket full of goodies for a new neighbor, a little something to welcome a newly weds home from a honeymoon, a fruit basket for someone who is under the weather, or an assortment of items for a shut in who will no doubt be thankful for your thoughtfulness.
As for Millers Homegrown Produce, below is a list of items you can expect to find for the month of May all the way through the Fall. I will be updating it in the months ahead with anything I may have missed. They also have a wide assortment of produce that is not grown at their farm, so please keep in mind that there will always be a far wider selection then what is listed below.
Millers Farm Market is located at 5 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 and their phone number is: 740-392-Farm (3276)
Their hours are Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
They are closed on Sunday
Millers Homegrown Produce Guide
May Produce
Asparagus
Seedless Cucumbers
Rhubarb
and Hydroponic Tomatoes
June Produce
Strawberries
Raspberries
Green Beans
Peas
Yellow Squash
Zucchini
July and August Produce
Green Beans
Peas
Yellow Squash
Zucchini
Sweet Corn
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Peppers
Tomatoes
Fall Produce and Decorations
Pumpkins
Apples
Squash
Cider
Mums
and Fall Decorations
Mount Vernon is a charming little town known for its tree lined streets, historic homes, and wide variety of shops and cafes that wrap all the way around the town square. It is about an hours drive from downtown Columbus making it a great place for a day trip. If you go, plan to check out Miller’s Farm Market and take a taste of the season home with you.
For those outside the Metro-Columbus area, I am including some links so you will be able to locate and make plans to explore the local farm markets and farm stands in your area.
Local Harvest
Sustainable Table’s Eat Well Guide
USDA Farm Market Finder
