Experiencing food at the peak of freshness is a joy unlike any other, and in a world where we’re increasingly becoming more aware of the importance of understanding where our food comes from, knowing who your farmer is seems like a no-brainer! In Auburn-Opelika, there are countless ways to support local farmers, connect with the community, and enjoy the benefits of feeding your family fresh-off-the-farm goodness.
O Grows Farmers Market
O Grows Farmers Market has local produce ranging from collard greens to heirloom tomatoes. They specialize in fresh goodies such as bread, local honey, and homemade ice cream. Since 2012 when it first opened, they have only been expanding. O Grows was awarded the Chamber of Commerce’s Visionary Award in 2019. Guests are invited to walk around and browse the produce from 3 - 6 p.m. located on 1103 Glenn Street on Tuesday afternoons.
Ag Heritage Park
The Market at Ag Heritage Park features vendors in the local area offering mouth-watering jellies and jams, goat cheese, honey, baked goods, and more. They also provide fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, and decorative plants. Located on the grounds of Edward L. Lowder Red Barn, the Market at Ag Heritage Park is open to the public every Thursday during the months of May to August, from 3 - 6 p.m.
City Market
Rain or shine City Market has you covered! This family friendly market focuses on locally owned businesses from bakers to specialty food makers and more. Their purpose is to help farmers sell their products to the Auburn community. Vendors include Serenity Farms & Bakery, Auburn Candle Company, Extreme Greens Farm, and more. Make sure to follow them on their social media to see what vendors come each week. The market runs every Saturday, starting May 20th to August 26th 2023, in Town Creek Park from 8 - 11 a.m.
Parkway Farmers Market
With a family history and plenty of fresh Southern favorites like fatback and okra, this market is a must-try, not to mention their varying weekly specials each week. They sell flourishing flowers in the spring and summer months as well. Parkway Farmers Market is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hornsby Farms
Hornsby Farms is a family-owned farm located just outside of downtown Auburn. They grow over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables year-round. They also curate their own variety of sweet jams, pepper jellies, and pickled vegetables in their certified commercial canning kitchen on the farm. Each week Hornsby Farms delivers fresh-farm baskets to the Auburn-Opelika community. You can find their produce at farmers markets, local restaurants and stores, and on their website. Every Thursday in May through August, you can also find them at The Market at Ag Heritage Park on campus from 3 - 6 p.m.
Extreme Green Farms Plant Nursery
Extreme Green Farms grows produce such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for various restaurants in Auburn such as Acre, Ariccia, Amsterdam, Bow & Arrow, The Depot, The Hound, Lucy’s, and the Waverly Local. Ralf du Toit’s passion for hydroponics is displayed here and his produce is available at Extreme Green Farms from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and you can also catch them at the City Market every Saturday this summer from 8 - 11 a.m.
The Community Garden at Auburn University
The Auburn University Community Garden (AUCG) is maintained as an educational and community service to Auburn University. The gardeners grow everything from plants and flowers to herbs and vegetables. School groups and university classes are also able to use the garden for educational purposes. Their mission is to partner with organizations such as the Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute to provide hunger relief and campus dining to provide students with exposure to local restaurants. They offer plot rentals and volunteer services throughout the 2023 gardening season. Hours may vary depending on service type. Visitors can enjoy the gardens by attending the Community Day events held the 1st Saturday of every month.
