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Farmer's Markets & Family Orchards Unite Communities & Celebrate Life

By Melody Schubert

Once Farmer’s Markets were the central focus of communities where everyone gathered to pick up staples for the household. In many countries this is still true today. With progress came the new roads, refrigeration, and grocery stores that drew consumers away from the markets. Their roots run deep in the heart of our nation though. The revival of these market places gives independent merchants like Master Chocolatier, Daniel Cooper, owner of Pure Imagination Chocolatier at the Historic North Market in Columbus, Ohio the ability to pursue their dreams. Markets and Family Orchards are also among the few places where the character of the owners is as unique as the items they sell.

A-Mazing, The Dougherty Family Celebrate Their Parents Lives with a Maze.

The Dougherty Orchard, established in 1883 in Cambridge City is the oldest family-owned orchard in Indiana. This season the sixth generation of the Dougherty family has created the McMaze, a Multi-acre cornfield maze to pay tribute to their parents, the late Sandy & Joan Dougherty. The Dougherty’s daughters have taken the reigns of the family orchard with the intention of preserving it for their brother, Ty, and the next generation of their family. The maze, laid out in the shape of an apple tree with a basket of apples underneath and the initials of the late Dougherty’s, honors the memory of their parents.

The Heart Of The Dougherty Orchard Is Family.

The family tradition began in 1881 when William Henry Dougherty and his two brothers purchased land to raise tobacco southeast of Jacksonburg where part of the orchard now stands. Each generation made improvements and helped bring the orchard into the future. In 1981 Sandy (Sanford) and Joan Dougherty left behind their careers as teachers to purchase the orchard from his parents. The Dougherty family recognized the importance of creating family setting with activities that benefit the entire family. Their daughters and son, Ty, who continue in their parent’s footsteps, have inherited this dedication. The orchard is a place where families can pick apples together or feed a number of exotic animals in addition to those found on a farm. Families can also laugh themselves silly while trying to find their way out of the famous McMaze. The Dougherty’s received national recognition when they created a maze in the likeness of Hoosier, David Letterman, who featured their maze on the Late Show.

The Dougherty Orchards is located at 1117 Dougherty Road near Cambridge City, in east central Indiana, just four miles off of Interstate 70 about an hours drive from Indianapolis, Muncie, Anderson, and Dayton, Ohio. For information on upcoming events and specials at the family orchard call 765-478-5198, Mon.-Sat. 9 -6 p.m. Sun. 1-6 p.m.

Uniting Diverse Cultures At The Farmers’ Market In Centerville, Indiana

Just a short distance from the Dougherty Orchards off of State Highway 40, part of the Historic National Highway in Indiana, is the Centerville Farmers’ Market. The Centerville Farmers’ Market, located at 300 N. Morton carries local Amish baked goods, noodles, cheeses, and fresh produce picked from area farms. The Amish families who contribute to the Farmers’ Market are part of those who have settled around the Wayne County and the surrounding areas in Indiana. The fall season is perfect for finding a beautiful assortment of decorations and gifts, fall flowers and plants, pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn at the Centerville Farmers’ Market. Visitors can call 765-855-1620 to find out more about the market that carries an assortment of jellies, jams, fruit butters, and other tasty treats to enjoy. The Centerville Farmers’ Market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am-5pm.

Serving A Taste Of Hoosier Hospitality At The Original Farmers' Market

The Original Farmers' Market at the Indianapolis City Market is located not far from the Historic National Highway that runs through the heart of Indianapolis. In the late 19th century and beginning of the 20th century people came to the heart of Indianapolis to purchase goods from the marketplace. During this time the Indianapolis City Market boasted a thriving open-air farmer's market on the streets that surrounded the Market.

Indianapolis duplicated this open-air market concept indoors with the opening of the Original Farmers' Market at the Indianapolis City Market. Inside patrons will find ornate iron columns and trusses that were fabricated by the Indianapolis firm of Hetherington and Berner. To discovery the history of this thriving marketplace one has only to speak to the vendors, some who have been in the Market 50, 60 or in one case almost 70 years. The City Market’s greatest value is that it still survives in the downtown area of a major metropolitan city, performing the function for which it was originally built. It is also located on land which, since the early 1800’s, has always been used for market purposes.

For an edible sampling of Hoosier Hospitality drop by the Indianapolis City Market located at 222 East Market Street. Guest services for the Indianapolis City Market can be reached by calling (317) 634-9266 during regular business hours, Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturdays the Market is open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. You can also visit their web site at http://www.indianapoliscitymarket.com. A tip for those visiting the marketplace: when making a purchase from a vendor ask about the “Park It" Pass at checkout and save on parking.

The Historic North Market Thrives In The Heart Of The Big City

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, just two hours from Richmond, Indiana is Central Ohio's historic public market. This thriving market features a wonderful selection of fresh and prepared foods, authentic ethnic cuisine, flowers, wine and beer, unique gifts and cookware. The North Market has united the community since it 1876. From May through October the market host more than twenty farmers and festivals, including the annual Harvest Festival, scheduled in October at the Market located at 59 Spruce Street in Columbus. This year’s festivities kick off on Saturday, October 16th, between 8 am-5 pm with live music, pumpkin contests, and wonderful fall crafts for kids in addition to many edible delights available from local vendors.

The North Market’s convenient location in the heart of Columbus unites a mix of unique vendors for patrons to enjoy like Pure Imagination. Master Chocolatier, Daniel Cooper creates over fifty delicious gourmet dark, milk, white and sugar free chocolate treats to savor. (614) 221-5433. Daniel is one of many extraordinary entrepreneurs in the North Market dedicated to his customers. Dan, the Chocolate Man, as his friends know him crafts chocolate masterpieces for a variety of celebrations, including weddings.

The North Market, open throughout the year, is located at 59 Spruce Street in Columbus, one block north of Nationwide Arena and one block west of Greater Columbus Convention Center. The scheduled hours at the market are Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-7 pm, Saturdays 8 am-5 pm, and on Sundays from Noon-5 pm. A tip to consider when parking at the beautiful market, Merchants will validate parking passes when you make a purchase. To visit out more about the North Market call (614) 463-9664 or visit www.northmarket.com.

Farmer’s Markets now attract merchants like Artisans as well as Farmer’s. The mix of wares gives patrons an abundance of quality products to select from locally. Often times a marketplace can revitalize a dying area of town and turn it into a vibrant meeting place to find fresh produce and unexpected bargains. If you are considering moving to a new town there may be no better place to get acquainted with the residents of a community than the local markets.

Discover a diverse mix of attractions in Indiana and Ohio at http://www.travellady.com/destinations/central.htm#Indiana and
http://www.travellady.com/Destinations/central.htm#Ohio.
To find local festivals throughout the US visit: http://www.travellady.com/Special/festivals.htm.

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