Hello, readers and friends! My name is Alex Hendrix and I’m very excited to be a Contributing Editor for The Scout Guide Vol. 3. As a Huntsville native, I have spent nearly 30 years (shhh… that’s our little secret) watching Rocket City transform into a local-loving hub of unique experiences and dedicated small businesses. My love for this city has led me to start my own business promoting and showcasing Huntsville’s culture full-time. I am honored to partner with The Scout Guide Huntsville, a group whose goals align so closely with my own; and I am eager to bring more information straight to your fingertips throughout this year!

I’ll admit, I’ll use any excuse to check out events and try something new. But I don’t think I’m alone when I say that the pandemic has really shown us the importance of outdoor activities that also serve a purpose. That’s why if you haven’t checked out Huntsville’s robust farmer’s market scene, this is the perfect time. We have options for shopping any day of the week. That being said, sometimes with so many options, it can be difficult to know which is the right place to begin. To give you a well-rounded view, I decided to attend as many markets as possible and help you find your perfect locally-sourced shopping experience.

Greene Street Market: For Fresh Baked Goods

Greene Street Market is debatably the most famous Huntsville market and with good reason. Located right in the middle of Downtown Huntsville on the corner of Greene Street and Eustis Avenue, this weekly community-sponsored event includes live music and any kind of booth you can imagine. While it is true that there is a large selection of fruits, vegetables, and snacks, Greene Street Market has something that no other market offers—a massive supply of carbs.

If you love fresh baked goods, this is the market for you. I was truly surprised by the number of amazing and varied options. From Huntsville staples like Fred Bread (who sells out of their signature loaves almost immediately) and Canadian Bakin’ (whose freestanding restaurant opened during Quarantine to rave reviews) serving up bagels, sourdough, and pretzels, and newer ventures like Sweet Thyme Bakery (only online and at Greene Street Market) selling cookies, scones and rotating flavors of macarons. There is also an interactive booth from Huntsville’s resident scientist-turned-baker, The Bakingtist, where you can win discounts on your purchases of bread, cookies, and more by correctly answering her science questions of the day. If traditional baked items are not in your diet, check out Fathead Fanny’s Keto Baked Goods or Chabad of Huntsville’s Kosher Challah Bread.

Whichever you choose, I highly recommend nibbling as you walk along Greene Street and admire the historic architecture of downtown.

Hours:  Thursdays Downtown at the corner of Greene Street and Eustis Avenue
4 pm – 8 pm (May-August)
4 pm – 7 pm (September)
3 pm – 6 pm (October)

Oakwood Farms Market: For Vegetarian and Vegan Offerings

Oakwood Farms is not only the newest market on our list, it’s a full site that operates year-round. Housed on the Oakwood University campus, this is a wonderful place to enjoy a morning or early afternoon. Their goal is to provide fresh produce at prices anyone can afford, to make healthier lifestyle choices more widely available. In fact, their website includes healthy recipes you can make out of the ingredients you find there.

In addition to produce, Oakwood Farms includes an on-site restaurant, OakTree Bistro, serving up vegan and vegetarian dishes like burgers, sandwiches, paninis, and salads. Plan a little extra time to grab a meal and enjoy the new pavilion picnic seating area. 

Hours:  Monday – Thursday 9 am – 4 pm, 9 am – 1 pm Fridays
5001 Adventist Blvd NW, Huntsville, AL 35806

Bailey Cove Market: For a Well-Rounded Experience

Bailey Cove Market is a hidden South Huntsville gem operating on Saturday mornings bright and early. This market has a dedicated crowd of attendees that come every week to do all their shopping. With an assortment of booths including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, coffee, snacks, and even fresh flowers—it’s no surprise that you can find anything you might need at this market. 

Location is key at this event. Held at St. Thomas Church directly on Aldridge Creek Greenway, you can bundle your market shopping in with a nice morning stroll for the perfect slow-paced Saturday morning. I recommend getting a cup of Piper and Leaf Tea to sip as you enjoy the greenway.

Hours:  Saturdays June – September from 8 am to Noon
12200 Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville, AL 35803, 256-880-0247

The Market at MidCity: For Afternoon Sipping and Shopping

Sure, you know that The Camp at MidCity is a prime location for weekend plans and trendy dishes (like those sushi burritos Chef Ruth is spinning up), but did you know they also host a weekly market on Sunday afternoons from March to November? Right outside The Camp, conveniently located all around Mr. Biggs BBQ setup for the best smells you could ask for, farmers and makers set up booths to showcase their local wares. While you’ll find some expected faces like Piper & Leaf and Sweet City Micros, The Market at MidCity has a large variety of craftsmen to peruse. From handmade jewelry to clothing to home items, you can knock out more than just your grocery shopping at this event. 

With multiple on-site restaurants, plus a coffee shop and full bar, you can spend an entire afternoon at The Camp. Indulge in tacos or barbecue, then grab an Adult Capri Sun (available alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from the bar and sip it as you check all those must-have items off your list for the week and lounge in the shade.

Hours: Sundays March – November from 2 pm to 6 pm
5909 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806

I hope my Huntsville Farmer’s Market Roundup helps you decide which market you’d like to check out first. Summer may be coming to a close, but many are going to run into the Fall. Nicer outdoor temperatures and shopping local? Now that’s a combination you can’t beat!

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