Exploring Winter Farmers Markets: A Guide to Local Produce in Cincinnati
Winter in Cincinnati doesn't signal the end of vibrant farmers markets; instead, it opens doors to a world of fresh and diverse offerings.
Join us on a journey through Cincinnati's winter farmers markets, county by county, where every bite supports the local community, with a special spotlight on the iconic Findlay Market. Let's celebrate the season with fresh, locally sourced goodness in Cincinnati's winter wonderland.
We will explore markets in Hamilton, Warren, and Butler Counties on the Ohio side, and don’t worry, Northern Kentucky folks, we have you covered as well! Every county offers treasures from locally grown produce to handmade product, contributing to the agricultural tapestry of the region. Each market highlighted will include the winter season, if that differs from summer, hours, location, what makes them special, and a link to find out more!
Table of Contents
Findlay Market
Northside Farmers’ Market
Hyde Park Winter Farmers’ Market
Newtown Farm Market
Pipkin’s Market
Deerfield Farmers’ Market
Liberty Farm Co-Op
Covington Farmers’ Market
Historic Findlay Market: A Timeless Treasure
Though construction began in 1852, it lasted years due to delays and disputes with contractors and the market eventually opened in 1855. Built on land donated by General James Findlay (who served as Mayor of Cincinnati in 1805 and 1810) and Jane Irwin Findlay, the market has evolved into a cornerstone of the city. Findlay Market stands as a testament to Cincinnati's rich history and culinary heritage, having been named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and it remains the oldest continuously operated public market in Ohio, still operating out of the original iron-framed building. The market’s mission to provide accessible food to, not only the Greater Cincinnati Area, but what would otherwise be a food desert in OTR and The West End, is something that has never failed, and they have expanded that mission to help small start up entrepreneurs with funding, kitchen space and equipment, without which, they may never launch! Let’s delve into the unique vendors that make Findlay Market a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices
In Findlay Market since 2006, this family owned and operated mecca of spice is home to over 500 herbs, spices and blends to help even the most novice of cooks look like geniuses in the kitchen. They even have 30 different kinds of salt! Sadly, in 2018, Colonel De passed away, but the shop (as well as their other locations) are still run by Mrs. Colonel and their son and his wife. They pride themselves on never using preservatives or MSG and my go to is the White Chili Seasoning. While I have never used it to make white chili, I love it on chicken, vegetables and as a steak rub!
ETC Produce and Provision
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera… When I tell you that this place has EVERYTHING, I mean it! Let’s start with fresh seasonal and local produce like peppers, root vegetables, greens and micro greens, aromatics, edible flowers, tomatoes and gourds, then go to dairy items (eggs, milk, cheese curds, etc.), fresh local bread, and all of your pantry staples. They have all of my favorite local coffee beans (Mom’N’Em, Proudhound, Urbana Cafe, & Deeper Roots), pasta, sauces and stocks, local honey and jams, CinSoy products and Ferrari Brothers Olive Oil. Not only is it a local foodie haven, but PRO TIP: they offer delivery!
Sen By Kiki
With chef / owner Hideki Harada at the helm, this fish monger is sure to convert even the most squeamish midwestern eater to a life of eating sushi and oysters! With a gorgeous selection of sustainably and responsibly sourced fresh (Sen is Japanese for fresh) and tinned fishes (including some sushi grade cuts) there are many places to start your fishy adventure. They have oysters, scallops, and everything you need with it, including rice, kewpie mayo, caviar, wasabi and yuzu juice. My go to when I’m picking up fresh fish for dinner is to grab a poke bowl or some ceviche for lunch! They even have an oyster bar if you aren’t rushing through the market.
Gia and the Blooms
If you are looking for modern, gorgeous flower arrangements, succulents, plants, candles or pots, you’ve found them here. This place is the VIBE. You can even dare to create your own bouquet with a pick your own stem section. The staff are so knowledgeable and will let you know exactly how to care for your new plant baby (if you are closer to a black than a green thumb like me) and have even been known to help people who shop too much at the market to their car with the giant planter they bought.
And this is just a list of my favorite vendors in the main building! Some of the must visit businesses in the surrounding buildings include:
The Arepa Place
Chacabanas
OTR Bagel Bar
Spruce Nail Shop
French Crust Bistro
Cherbourg Cyprus
Churchill’s Fine Teas
Lucca
Madison’s at Findlay Market
The Rhined
Moxy
Deeper Roots
Urbana Cafe
UGOGelato
Saigon Market
Pho Lang Thang
Pet Wants
And the newest girl on the block (January 2024) Fill More Waste Less, helping us on our journey to live a more sustainable life one swap or refill at a time!
Other markets to check out in Hamilton County:
Northside Farmers’ Market
Open year-round
When: Wednesdays, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Where: 4222 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45223
Hyde Park Winter Farmer’s Market
Inside November - Early May
When: Sundays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Madtree Brewing, 3301 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
Notes: Closed Easter Sunday
Newtown Farm Market
Open year-round
When: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: 3950 Round Bottom Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45244
Pipkins Market
Open year-round
When: Monday - Saturday 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: 5035 Cooper Rd Cincinnati, OH 45242
Notes: Founded in 1983 by Steve and Ben Pipkin, a local grocer and garden center partnering with local farmers.
Warren County:
Deerfield Farmers’ Market
Winter Hours November Through April
When: THIRD Saturday of the Month ONLY 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: Under the Community Pavilion at Kingswood Park, 4188 Irwin Simpson Rd Mason, OH 45040
Butler County:
Liberty Farm Market Co-Op
Open year-round
When: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Where: 5850 Princeton Rd., Liberty Township, OH 45011
Northern Kentucky:
Covington Farmers’ Market
Inside November - April
When: Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Braxton Brewing Co. 27 W 7th ST., Covington, KY 41011
Final Thoughts:
If fresh, local food is something you can’t live without, or want more of, we at TREO Realtors®, the experts in the Cincinnati Real Estate Market can find you a home near one of these year-round staples, so you never have to go without the best farm fresh goodies! If you have any questions about anything in this article, or anything real estate related, you know what to do: