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Kentucky Grown

Southern Living, Aug 2007 by McKinney, Wanda

How many types of produce can you find in this popular farmers market? I dare you to count them all.

Visitors to Lexington, Kentucky, receive an extra-special treat this time of year, one that puts all the senses on high alert. The Lexington Farmers' Market, which sits right downtown on Vine Street, doles out the rich tastes, textures, and aromas of produce grown in the area, not to mention the colorful displays of flowers. Not into fruits and vegetables? No problem. Browsers also have other terrific items to choose from while exploring this popular attraction.

Playing the Market

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More than 65 farmers gather in downtown Lexington 4 days a week from mid-April through late November. Patrons pore over bountiful produce and cheeses from nearby farms as well as breads from local bakeries and farmers.

Market manager Jeff Dabbelt says the heirloom tomatoes, corn, and beans are the most favored items. "Those are the foundation of the produce Une," he says. "The cut flowers are also big sellers." He adds that lately the baked goods-everything from cinnamon rolls to salt-rising bread-have come on strong.

Other Kentucky vendors add spice and flavor. Herb N' Renewal makes their own spicy herb blends. Blue Moon Farm grows garlic and provides herbs and fruit to Sunrise Bakery, which uses them to bake breads and muffins. Good Thymes Gardens brings vibrant color with their irises, daylilies, herbs, and vegetables.

User-friendly Buys

For the person who's just visiting Lexington, Jeff has plenty of suggestions for nonperishable items. "Salsas are good gifts," he says. Locally made honey makes another sweet treat to take home.

Other draws to the popular market include special events, such as book signings, Master Gardener talks, and visits with local chefs. "We try to make it a festive experience," says Jeff. "The goal is to be entertaining and functional." Both goals are achieved in this Bluegrass bonanza.

-WANDA MCKINNEY

Lexington Farmers' Market: Check the schedule for all the locations on www.lexingtonfarmers market.com. The most popular venue is Vine Street, where the market takes place each Saturday (7 a.m. until sold out). Tuesdays and Thursdays find produce vendors gathered at South Broadway and Maxwell Street (7 a.m. until sold out). On Sundays the market is located at both Southland Drive and Hamburg ( 11 a.m.-3 p.m.).

Go to the Source

For more produce, check out these farms near Lexington. Because of unpredictable weather, it's a good idea to call ahead to be sure the harvest is on time.

* Blue Moon Farm, Richmond: Homegrown garlic; www.bluemoon garlic.com.

* Good Thymes Gardens. Harrodsburg: Irises, daylilies, herbs, and vegetables; www.good thymesgardens.com or (859) 748-5433.

* Hazelfield Farm, Wheatley: Cut flowers and heirloom tomatoes; (502)463-2492.

* Reed Valley Orchard, Paris: Apples, peaches, and blueberries; www.reedvalley orchard.com or (859) 987-6480.

Kentucky Grown

Southern Living, Aug 2007 by McKinney, Wanda

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