9 Ways to Celebrate National Farmers Market Week in Limestone County

9 Ways to Celebrate National Farmers Market Week
in Limestone County

Written by

Cayce Lee

Social Media Specialist

Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

The United States Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, has declared August 7th through the 13th National Farmers Market Week.  Is there a better reason to eat local and support local farmers and producers?

Limestone County Alabama is full of opportunities to enjoy fresh and locally produced items.  We're fortunate to have fertile lands and a long heritage of farming that continues to serve our community - and we want to share the wealth with you.  We've pulled together a list of eight places and one surprise you're sure to want to visit to buy local and to eat local and celebrate the producers who bring these local options to you.

1.  Athens Saturday Market athenssaturdaymarket.com 

• 409 West Green Street Athens, AL 
• Saturdays June-Aug 8:00AM-12:00PM
• Join them for a tasty treat as they kick off National Farmers Market Week on August 6th
• Mark your calendar for August 13th for Tomato Sandwich Day
  

2.  Belle Chevre Fromagerie and Cheese Shop  bellechevre.com

• 18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road Elkmont, AL
• Cheese Shop: Tues-Fri: 10:00AM-3:00PM, Sat: 10:00AM-5:00PM, Closed Sun and Mon
• Tours: Tues-Fri: 10:00AM & 1:00PM; Sat: 11:00AM, 1:00PM & 3:00PM, Sun: Closed Monday: no tours  ...   Book your Guided Tour by calling 256-732-4801.
• Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of Belle Chevre's cheese making and creamery
• Dine and shop the cheese shop for this local produced goat cheese
  

3.  Isom's Orchard isomsorchard.com

• 20412 U.S. Highway 72E Athens, AL 
• Mon-Sat: 8:00AM-6:00PM   Sun: 8:00AM-5:00PM May-November
• Shop a variety of fresh produce including apples, squash, grapes and more
• Seasonal specialities include bbq wood chunks, apple cider, gourds, pumpkins
  

4.  Limestone County Farmers Market  limestonecounty-al.gov/limestone-county-farmers-market

• 409 West Green Street Athens, AL
• Tuesday and Fridays May-November 6:30AM-1:00PM
• Farmers and Producers 6:30AM-1:00PM; All Other Vendors 7:30AM-1:00PM
• Come early because the farmers usually sell out quick
  

5.  Hobbs Beef Farm  www.hobbsfarmsbeef.com

• 29578 Gatlin Road Ardmore, AL
• Fridays 10:00AM-5:00PM 
• Enjoy locally raised and USDA processed beef, chicken, turkey and goat
• The Hobbs Family takes pride in their products - growing the hay, corn themselves, pasture raising their herd and offering hormone-free meat.
  

6.  Ardmore Farmers Market

• Hamlett Street Ardmore, TN
• Saturdays: 6:00AM-?
• Enjoy a variety of produce and locally produced items
  

7.  Humble Heart Farms  humbleheartfarms.com

• 25235 Mooresville Road Elkmont, AL
• Tours by Appointment
• Enjoy themed tours geared to age groups and subjects
  

8.  Bivens Fish Market  (256) 216-5777

• 13935 Ripley Road Athens, AL
• Mon-Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Enjoy freshly caught fish by Mr. Ripley, dressed in shop and ready for you 
• Cash only
  

9.  Enjoy our farm heritage...

We have one more idea for you to kick off your week of celebrating farmers and farmers markets.  The Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days is August 5th and 6th on the Piney Chapel Grounds on Elkton Road in Athens, Alabama.  This family friendly event is full of antique engines, tractors and events that honor and celebrate life on the farm as well as have a little fun.  

Friday at 10:00AM, attendees can enjoy a 20-mile Tractor Ride up Elkton Road and into Elkmont where riders can purchase meals (cash only) from the Limestone County Cattlemen's' Association before a return trip down the Richard Martin Rails to Trails.  Gates open at 7:00AM each day. Tickets: $5 per person. Children 10 years old and under are admitted free. Parking is free.

Learn more about the event with this featured post:
http://limestonecountyalabamaagtrail.blogspot.com/2016/08/piney-chapel-american-farm-heritage-day.html