With summer around the corner, local farmers and artisans are preparingto set up tents full of fresh produce, baked goods, handmade trinkets and more. In addition to farmers markets, the Ozarks offers several family-friendly farms with year-round activities.
The News-Leadercompiled a list of local farmersmarkets and farms to explore during the summer months.
Greater Springfield Farmers Market
When: Saturday8 a.m. to noon (year round), Tuesdayand Thursday8 a.m. to noon (April-October)
Where: 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. Suite 101 (Battlefield Mall parking lot)
The Greater Springfield Farmers Market is one of Springfield's largest and oldest outdoor farmersmarkets. Products for sale often include produce, meats, baked goods, flowers and handmade cleaning products.
Farmers Market of the Ozarks
When: Saturday8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (spring, summer andfall), Saturday9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (winter)
Where: 2144 E. Republic Road
Farmers Market of the Ozarks is heldyear-round in Springfield and through April-October (Tuesday3-7 p.m.) in Branson. Farmers Market of the Ozarks' goal is to combine fresh farm goods, hand-crafted products and local eateries for a holistic local shopping experience, according to the market's website.
C-Street City Market
When: Tuesday4-8 p.m. and Saturday9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (April-October)
Where: 321 E. Commercial St.
Established in 2000, the C-Street City Market offers produce, local honey, baked goods, soap, herbal salves, jewelry, gifts and more. The farmer's market is often referred to as "the sweetest little market in town."
Ozark Farmers Market
When: Thursday3-7 p.m. (May 19-Sept. 29)
Where: 840 Finley Farms Lane in Ozark
Located at Finley Farms, Ozark Farmers Market was established in 2012. Local produce, meats, desserts, artisans and food trucks are available. For those who wish to stick around, the farmers market hosts live music from 5-8 p.m. at The Workshop, a coffeeshop and marketplace.
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Greater Fair Grove Farmers Market
When: Wednesday3-6 p.m. (May-October)
Where: 38 S. Main St. in Fair Grove
The Greater Fair Grove Farmers Market has offered produce baked goods, kettle corn, meats, local honey and seeds since 2000. Other vendors include bath and body care, gifts, reworked clothing, and jewelry.
Millsap Farms
Where: 6593 Emu Lane
Millsap Farms is a 20-acre farm that grows two acres of flowers and vegetables each year. Alongside owners Curtis and Sarah Millsap and their nine children, Millsap Farms is a community to several families and individuals who are interested in learning about the farming experience.
Millsap Farms is popularly know for itsPizza Club. Each Thursday from 6-8 p.m. May through October, guests may enjoy the homemade, wood-fired pizza.Reservations can be made online.
Urban Roots Farm
Where: 823 W. State St.
Urban Roots Farm, a four-season urban vegetable farm, is located near downtown Springfield.
There are three options for purchasing products from Urban Roots: a self-serve farm stand, a pre-order program, giving customers first pick of products, and Community Support Agriculture membership.
CSA members pay a fee at the start of the season and are given access to first pick of products from the farm, including meats, cheeses, honey andflowers. In addition to products, members are invited to exclusive farm events. To learn more, visit the Urban Roots Farm website or call 417-597-5485.
Fassnight Creek Farm
Where: 1366 S. Fort Ave.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Fassnight Creek Farm has been Springfield's center-city farm for about 100 years. The farm produces vegetables, fruits and flowers.
This season, the farm is offering U-Pick strawberry services, allowing customers to pick their own strawberries. The farm offers U-Pick quart-sized berry boxes for $6 and pre-picked quart boxes for $8. For more information, call 417-866-5011.
Missouri Berries
Where: 2097 S. Highway PP in Republic
Missouri Berries is a family-owned farm in Republic that offers U-Pick and pre-picked strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. A farm access pass is required to enter picking areas. Passes are $3 per person. Per pound of berries, U-Pick costs $3.50 and pre-picked costs $4.50.For more information, call 417-647-1424.
Ozark Mountain Orchard
Where: 2949 Pleasant View Road in Highlandville
Ozark Mountain Orchard is aU-Pick orchard in Highlandville, about 30 minutes south of Springfield. The orchard offers blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and a variety of vegetables. This year, the orchard is also selling worm castings, which are used for garden fertilization. For more information, call 417-443-3343.
Are we missing any local farmers markets or farms? If there are any that deserve to be listed, email gcross@gannett.com.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the SpringfieldNews-Leader. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com
