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Season’s Bounty
Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: April 2023
The Plateau’s two green markets are a celebration of the landscape’s bounty and a tribute to the men and women who make it all possible.
Spring is a season of new beginnings, hope, and joy and a time to enjoy the signs of life springing up all around us. For many of us, that means planning spring meals that herald the start of the verdant growing season on the Plateau. Fresh, local products are a joy to shop for and add color and flavor to your table that are unequaled by products from store shelves.
After a particularly wet gray winter, it is with joy that we go in search of fresh flavors for our tables and here on the plateau we don’t have far to look. The Plateau is home to two wonderful farmer’s markets – The Green Market-Locally Grown on the Green in Cashiers and Highlands Marketplace in Highlands.
The Green Market-Locally Grown on The Green, Cashiers’ farm stand and local market begins this season on April 19. Held every Wednesday from 2:00 until 5:00 at The Village Green Commons Pavilion, this is the place in Cashiers to go for the freshest and finest products. Admission is free and parking is plentiful. This market is “producer only,” meaning that the vendor must be the grower or producer of all the products they sell. Vendors must produce within a 125-mile radius of Cashiers. This extended radius ensures that we have access to the longest possible growing season and the largest selection of products available.
Highlands Marketplace at the Kelsey Hutchison Founders Park begins on April 1 and is held each Saturday from 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. There’s something uniquely wonderful about starting your weekend strolling through this colorful marketplace as the dew still glistens on the grass while finding the freshest ingredients for your weekend brunch.
Both markets provide the unique opportunity to talk to the people who actually grow and produce the food. This is farm-to-table fresh with an extraordinary personal touch. These hard-working vendors take pride in bringing their products to you and are always happy to answer any questions.
The selections at each allow you to fill your basket with naturally grown meat, fresh dairy items and eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, honey, pickles, and freshly baked breads and baked goods. You’ll also find locally made beauty and wellness products and craft items as well as an abundance of flowers and plants for your home and gardens. These markets represent our communities at their best so plan to visit them throughout the season. You can buy local and eat well. That’s pure happiness.
