North Hills farmers markets cropping up for new season of fresh foods

Fresh produce and a wide variety of artisan and specialty foods and other goods are just a short drive away from nearly any spot in the North Hills at a number of weekly farmers markets opening for the season.

In addition to the community farmers markets that operate weekly, there are several family-run farms with stores featuring their products and other items.

The major private farm markets include Eichner’s, Shenot’s and Kaelin’s in Wexford; Harvest Valley in Gibsonia; Deener’s in Cranberry; and the Mars Farm Market in Mars.

Jamie Pavlot, a spokeswoman for The Block Northway in Ross, which operates a farmers market in the shopping center from June through October, said the weekly events have grown in popularity over the three years since it was launched.

“People love to be able to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, wines, meats, cheeses, honey and other locally produced items without having to travel all over the region to get them,” she said. “It also helps these local small businesses to be able to offer their products to a wider group of customers.”

Following are the public farmers markets in the North Hills:

Ross

• The Ross Township Farmers Market opened for the season on May 12 and will operate weekly, rain or shine, on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. through October.

The market features between 12 and 16 vendors selling a wide variety of produce and other items. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are typically available starting in June.

The market is located at 920 Perry Hwy. across from St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Parking is available at the market and in the church’s main lot.

Patrons who have not yet received covid-19 vaccinations are asked to wear a mask or face shield.

• The Farmers Market at The Block Northway is scheduled to open June 4 and will operate through October.

Located near DSW Shoe Warehouse in the upper level of the South Atrium, the weekly event features produce and specialty food vendors, artisan booths, food trucks, live music and other activities.

Hours are from 3 to 7 p.m. The Block Northway is located at 8013 McKnight Road.

Bellevue

The Bellevue Farmers Market will begin operating this year on June 2.

Located in Bayne Park, the market features a wide variety of fresh produce and other food and specialty items.

It will operate each Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. through Oct. 27.

Bayne Park is located at 34 North Balph Ave.

Hampton

The Hampton Township Farmers Market is s scheduled to open its season June 2.

The market operates from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday through Oct. 13. It features local produce, honey, baked goods, spices and a variety of other items.

Food trucks will be on-site several times during the season, with notices posted on the township website.

The farmers market is located in Hampton Community Park, 3101 McCully Road.

Cranberry

Cranberry’s farmer’s market will open for the season June 4.

Located in the front parking lot of the municipal building at 2525 Rochester Road, the market offers fresh fruit and produce, artisan gifts, baked goods, live music, food trucks and happy hours featuring local brews and libations.

Special events on select market days will be held throughout the season.

Hours are from 3 to 7 p.m. on Fridays through Oct. 1.

Zelienople

The Zelienople-Harmony Farmers Market is open on Mondays from 3:30 to 7 p.m. from June 7 through October.

Located in Zelienople Community Park, the market features fresh fruits and vegetables and a rotating list of guest vendors selling a wide variety of specialty food and other items.

The park is located at 402 E. Beaver St.