Fall at the Farmers Market

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Farmers markets are often thought of as a “summer” thing. Fresh vegetables, baked goods, locally raised meats, cheese, and wine, the makings of a great picnic, cookout or dinner.

As autumn rolls in, Fort Thomas Farmers Market continues to operate, and locally grown fruits and vegetables continue to be harvested. Popular fall offerings include winter squash, potatoes, carrots and arugula. Typically, the Market posts what’s in season on its Facebook page prior to market day.

In addition to fall food, the Market continues to sell baked goods, honey, jam, soap, candles and everything we’ve come to love over summers past.

Apples for bobbing, pumpkins for carving.

Whether you are planning a Halloween party or dinner, the Market will continue to offer fresh foods and other items throughout autumn. Farms will have fall fruits and vegetables, such as apples and pumpkins for sale.

Ashley, owner of Sunny Day Harvests, where jam is their “jam” shared that they are planning to have fall favorites zucchini bread and caramel-apple jam available at the market.

Mulling over what wines are best for fall? Brenda, from StoneBrook Winery, a long-time vendor at the Market had these suggestions for autumn drinking, “Pumpkin Spice Wine (limited supply), Apple Wine, Cabernet Franc, Cranberry, Honey Mead and Hard Apple Cider wines.”  They also sell Olde Traditional Spice packets.

At the Market this Fall

Fort Thomas Living spoke with Tiffany Tomeo, Farmers Market Manager about what to expect at the market this fall.

“It’s a bit of a secret, but fall is one of the best times to shop at the farmers market. Gone are the sweaty summer afternoons, replaced with gentle breezes blowing through tents that are still overflowing with produce.” Shares Tomeo.

“Late season melons and tomatoes are still available through the first frost, and as the season begins to cool, you’ll find piles of crunchy apples and tender pears. Discover a new favorite from amongst more than 20 varieties of apples available over the fall season. It’s the peak of winter squash, including acorn, butternut, and honeynut, and the cool nights make root vegetables, such as carrots, even sweeter. Greens like kale and lettuce are also at their best right now.”

Tomeo adds, “Our bakers are preparing breads for soups and toasty sandwiches, with cookies and sweets thrown in for good measure. There is fresh pasta, hand pies, and empanadas all year long.”

Save the dates:

November 19th is the Taste of the Market sampling event, giving some of your favorite holiday dishes a local update.

The Fort Thomas Holiday markets take place on Wednesdays in December. Tomeo shares, “In addition to many of your favorite market vendors, the market hosts a variety of artists and crafters, creating a wonderful opportunity to find the perfect gift, along with a crusty loaf of sourdough for dinner.”

There are many reasons to fall in love (or stay in love) with the Fort Thomas Farmers Market this fall!

Hours: October-November 3-6 p.m., December Holiday Markets 3-7 p.m. Mess Hall, Tower Park.

StoneBrook shared this recipe for mulled wine:

1 Bottle Stonebrook Cranberry or Honey Mead Wine

½- ¾ cup brown sugar

½ cup water

Olde Tradition Spice (4 packs)

Heat all ingredients in a crock pot or on the stove top; do not boil. 

Garnish with oranges, apples, and cinnamon sticks if desired.

Serve Warm.