Union County Farmers Market Closes Soon
By Helina Bailey

Get it while it lasts! As fall approaches, with its promise of cooler weather, it brings with it the end of our beloved Saturday morning farmers markets. Located in the newly constructed pavilion next to Union County Highschool, this quaint little market carries a robust variety of goodies for shoppers. Catering to all ages, from 0 to 100, there is something for everyone!
Mama Lana's Kitchen whips up hot breakfast on site in the commercial kitchen, with Ridge & Valley Coffee House offering hot and cold coffee or sweet tea. If you have a sweet tooth, after grabbing a hot breakfast burrito or purchasing a premade lunch from the kitchen, shoppers can mosey over to the desserts. The market offers a large variety of baked goods, such as cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and more! Cinnamon rolls are always a hit and something my five-year-old looks forward to every Saturday.
You don’t need to have a sweet tooth to partake in the baked delicacies though. Southern Sour specializes in savory sourdough breads, soft pretzels, and starters. If you want to start baking sour-dough loaves at home, or have questions about it, the sweet ladies at Southern Sour are incredibly kind and generous with sharing their knowledge.
Now, it’s never too early to get started with the holiday shopping, and the market is the perfect place to find unique gifts for loved ones. Being home to many local artisans, the market boasts a hearty option of handcrafted gifts, and all natural goodies that are sure to delight. Home Mountain Bounty is a local family run homestead that specializes in sweet herbal teas, essential oils, handmade soaps, and amazing smoked salts. Because it is a family venture, you can purchase fluffy one of a kind crocheted stuffed animals or all-natural playdough made and sold by the young homesteading gals of Home Mountain Bounty.
Last but not least, the royal gem of all farmers markets, farm fresh products can be found here! Local produce, farm fresh eggs, milk, beef, flowers, and honey, are all available at the Union County Farmers Market…. but not for long! Right now, you can still find the flavors of summer. Thompson Farms of New Tazewell has fresh organic eggs, yellow, red, and green tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, half runner beans, and okra. Seven Springs has a variety of fresh produce available in addition to beef and milk, with a multitude of other farmers bringing their seasonal veggies and squash/gourds.
Saturday morning farmers market is from 10am-1pm, rain or shine. It will continue to run until October 1st and won't be back until next May. So come out, enjoy the market, and support your local farmers, bakers, beekeepers, and artisans.