Photo by Emily Featherston.
Sweet Alabama strawberries are a staple at Andy’s Farm Market in late spring, as well as markets around the area.
Throughout the spring and summer months, local farms provide a bounty of produce to the area, from classic Alabama strawberries and peaches to hearty greens and juicy tomatoes, and Vestavia’s local markets work hard to connect farmers and residents.
► Andy’s Farm Market
2489 Rocky Ridge Road
Open Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Owner Andy Burris said he began selling produce when he was 6 years old. Sitting on the back of a pickup truck, Burris and his brother would sell produce to Alabamians on their way to the beaches of Baldwin County.
For the last 19 years, Andy’s Farm Market has been bringing local farms and residents together. Starting in March with strawberries and continuing throughout the summer and early fall, Burris said his market carries local, home-grown vegetables and fruits from the Birmingham area as well as Chilton and Blount counties.
► Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church
2061 Kentucky Ave.
Open Wednesdays 7-11 a.m. in the church parking lot
VHUMC is hoping to bring together the community through a weekly farmers market, providing locals the chance to buy fresh vegetables at the same time. The market will offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, locally procured meats, cheeses and soap, baked goods and more.
Market organizer John Sechrist said all vendors are registered with the state of Alabama, certifying that their produce is grown locally.
Sechrist said VHUMC will be reaching out to other local churches and schools throughout the summer to hopefully grow the market.
► Murphree’s Market & Garden Center
4212 Dolly Ridge Road
Open Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Located in Cahaba Heights, Murphree’s Market & Garden Center offers locally harvested fruits, vegetables and more than 20 varieties of jams and jellies, as well as locally made barbecue sauces and salad dressings. Additionally, shoppers can find a variety of garden tools and supplies.
