North Union Farmers Market

Shaker Square
Cleveland, OH

Submitted by: Mary Holmes

Authentic farmers' market in the heartland of Ohio

Click on any image for slide show

For more images of North Union Farmers Market or other places, try searching our Image Collection

Why It Works

Located in the heart of historic Shaker Square, the North Union Farmers Market features farm-fresh products from Ohio's fertile lands. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are supplemented with organic pork, grass fed beef, eggs, organic poultry and dairy products from Amish farmers. Cooking demonstrations, knife sharpening, and juried artisans add color and flavor to every lively market day.

What Makes North Union Farmers Market a Great Place?

The market is highly managed to assure variety, quality, visual appeal. Farms are certified so that only products grown by the seller may be sold. Customers arrive by foot, auto, bicycle and rapid transit.

The market is strictly outdoors with umbrellas and pop-up covers. The Westbound portion of Shaker Boulevard is closed to traffic from 7 am to noon each Saturday from late April to mid-December.

Except for Market Day, the location is a busy street.

A market table positioned at the entrance is staffed with volunteers who greet people. Many customers come in groups or meet friends. There is much hugging and animated conversation between farmers and customers. Many ethnic groups are represented and it is a weekly event for many.

History & Background

The market is named for the North Union Shakers who lived on the same site over 100 years ago.

Related Links:

Back to top of page

User Comments:

09/17/02 Susan Harper said:
I set aside my early Saturday mornings, knowing I cannot predict how much time I will spend at the Market. I alternately buy wonderful food for my family and talk with friends and neighbors. The farmers are eager for me to enjoy their produce and interested in talking (if they aren't deluged with customers). I feel the pace of life slow. I love this connection to those producing my food. I trust them and have never been disappointed. Shaker Square is the perfect site for such activity. I feel for moments that I'm at the farm, buying my food, and then instantly I return to urban life and take the Rapid train back home. I am so thankful that North Union exists. I remember stopping at road side stands when I was young, buying directly from the farmers. It's a gift that North Union has been brought to me. Plus, eating fresh food can't be beat for taste. Why would I shop anyplace else?

> Add your own commentabout North Union Farmers Market

Back to top of page