Throughout the coastal Alabama region our farmers and fishers are hard at work coaxing the earth and sea to produce a bounty of goods. Each day they put sweat and dedication into their jobs to deliver the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, seafood, breads, honey and other delights directly to us at local farmers markets.

In Mobile, shoppers can choose from two convenient locations and dates throughout the summer. Market in the Park takes place on Saturday mornings at Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile. The freshness starts at 7:30am and runs until noon, each week through July 28. On May 31 a second Market day starts on Thursdays at Lavretta Park and runs each week through July 26.

Along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay you have an abundance of opportunities to shop from local farmers with markets in Fairhope, Daphne and Spanish Fort. The Fairhope Farmer’s Market is each Thursday afternoon from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, ideal for stocking up for the weekend after work. It is located behind the Fairhope Library and is scheduled to run through July 19. The library has children’s activities planned to coincide with the market.

The Daphne Farmers Market is held on Friday afternoons, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at the corner of Main Street and Santa Rosa near the Fast Times Gas Station. To wrap up the weekend, the Spanish Fort Farmers Market takes place Saturdays from 8:00 am to noon at the Spanish Fort Community Center. It is slated to run through July 29.

Twice weekly at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market in Foley you can shop for locally-made candles and crafts alongside the freshest produce and the catch from the Gulf waters. Summer hours are Saturdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and Tuesdays 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, giving you both morning and afternoon hours to shop. Look for the expansive market on County Road 20 near the OWA park.

In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, beach time doesn’t mean you have to give up on fresh produce. Located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Burris Farm Market offers a wide selection of fruits and vegetables as well as baked goods and canned items.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Bay Minette’s Community Yard Sale & Market coming up July 21. The event is hosted by the North Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce and will bring together local crafts and fresh produce for the community to browse.
Now the only thing to figure out is what to do with all this fresh produce and locally-produced goodies. Maybe an overflowing salad. Maybe freeze some for this winter. Whatever you decide, enjoy our local harvest as we celebrate life in Coastal Alabama.