Saturday mornings, fresh baked bread and food trucks. What more could you want?

Well, maybe not the morning part, but the rest sounds perfect. Because our location only occurs on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., our next stop includes all of it. 

I chose to feature The Haymaker Farmers’ Market because our last two stops on the tour have ventured away from Kent. This week, I wanted to stick close to Kent roots and visit the farmers’ market located downtown. 

One of my favorite parts of the market is the array of items. When you think of a farmers’ market, you think of vendors lining the street with fresh fruits and vegetables. And while Haymaker does have that, it also has, and is, so much more. 

When the market is being held outside, there is an array of vendors ranging from a micro farm that grows fresh herbs and sprouts year-round to a vegan ice cream sandwich stand. 

With the current state of the market being held inside, many of the veteran vendors return every Saturday — including a local honey stand with various infused flavors of honey and a local bakery that makes their bread fresh every morning. There are flower and plant vendors in addition to the fresh, local foods you can get at the market. 

A common theme I try to repeat throughout this series is the importance of supporting local businesses. Especially as the world starts to heal from these past two pandemic-filled years, it is more important than ever to support local business owners and buy their products. This is not even to mention the fact that these products are normally higher quality and more unique than anything you would find at corporate stores. 

In addition to promoting local businesses, the market also puts an emphasis on sustainability and education. A way to reach the Kent community by creating a gathering place full of fresh, local goods. 

According to the Haymaker website, the market “provides a connection between producers of local food and the community by creating a vibrant and sustainable gathering place promoting direct access to fresh and prepared food, agricultural and environmental education and the arts.”

This week’s post is short and sweet because I think that statement alone explains what the market is, and in turn, why you should visit it. Whether you spend 10 minutes or an hour there, Haymaker is a great addition to your weekend plans. 

Although the market is still being held inside, it is within walking distance of campus, located at United Methodist Church of Kent on Main Street. If you don’t want to take that walk, Kent State is bringing the market to you very soon. Kent State of Well-Being is partnering with Haymakers with on campus markets happening March 22 from 4 p.m to 7 p.m at the Design Innovation Hub and April 26 from 4 p.m to 7 p.m at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

However, I would recommend waiting until even longer to go because, starting in April the market will return back outside to the cobblestone street of Franklin Avenue. The market is the best when experienced outside. With the weather starting to warm up, walking to the market is a great excuse to get outside with friends and start your weekend fresh.