Athens Farmers Market offers great local options

Residents of Athens searching for fresh, seasonal foods need look no further than the Athens Farmers Market every Saturday.Located at 1000 E. State St., the farmers market has been a staple to the area since the 1970s. It is known for providing fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables and many other foods to the Athens community.Even though the market has seen its ups and downs, many residents are excited to see it grow. The city of Athens is considering moving the market to another location on East State Street in order to accommodate recent growth.Many shoppers choose farmers markets because they feel that they aren’t getting cheated on price or quality by the local vendors. Several shoppers said they come every weekend, drawn in by the idea of foods without chemicals or by-products. They also like the chance to support local businesses instead of shopping at chain stores.Businesses, on the other hand, like the market because of its proximity to local farms. It also helps boost the number of customers they have.Laura McManus-Berry, the owner of Sticky Pete’s Pure Maple Syrup, has come to the market since 1996. Her business, located in Athens just 5 miles from the market, enjoys seeing regular customers and interacting with locals.Local residents looking for anything from honey to manure have the chance to support their community members at the Athens Farmers Market. Open two days a week, the market offers unique local produce and other foods, benefiting both residents and businesses alike.