Discovering the Local Charm of Henry County McDonough Farmers Market
Farmers Market Experience
Discovering the local charm of McDonough, Georgia, has been a delightful adventure for our family. Since moving here from Germany two years ago, we’ve been eager to connect with the community and support local businesses. This summer, we decided to dive into the Henry County McDonough Farmers Market, located in Heritage Park. It’s an easy five-minute drive from our house, and every visit offers fresh produce, engaging vendors, and a rich cultural experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of your trip to this fantastic local market.
Activities & Attractions
The Henry County McDonough Farmers Market is open every Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Arriving early ensures the best selection, as some items sell out quickly. However, even a midday visit between 12 and 1 PM offers plenty of fresh options.
To make sure that all your yummy buys stay fresh, I recommend to bring a collapsible cooler. A great and affordable option can be bought here.
- Lovejoy Spice LLC: This delightful local bakery offers an array of baked goods priced between $3 and $6. Their small cakes are perfect for individual treats or thoughtful gifts. Don’t forget to mention that The Wandering Kin sent you when you visit their booth or their website.
- All Saints Garden: This family-run booth offers fresh vegetables ranging from $0.50 to $3 per piece. Their green beans, priced at $2 to $3 per pound, are a standout. Supporting them means enjoying superior-quality produce while encouraging local agriculture.
- UGA Extension Garden Volunteers: Selling live plants like basil for $1 and succulents for $2, these volunteers also provide invaluable gardening advice. They offer tips on plant care and even lessons on propagating succulents.
Additional Attractions at Heritage Park
Make the most of your visit by exploring the adjacent Heritage Park. This area features a playground, small museum, historic buildings, a train, a walking trail, and a veterans memorial. These activities are perfect for turning your farmers market trip into a fun-filled family day.
Food & Dining
Quick Lunch Ideas
On market days, we enjoy simple, fresh lunches using the produce we’ve purchased. Artisan sourdough bread ($9), fresh peaches ($10 for 12), and other vegetables make for delightful salads and snacks. For a quick and light lunch, try combining sourdough bread with peaches and yogurt.
Dinner Examples
For dinner, we utilize the fresh market produce to create delicious meals. Zucchini soup, steamed green beans, grilled salmon for meat-eaters, and fried tofu for vegetarians are just a few examples of how we incorporate these fresh ingredients into our meals.
Nearby Restaurants
Nearby Restaurants If you find yourself short on time or prefer to dine out, there are several fast food options right across the street in the Lake Dow Shopping area surrounding Publix in McDonough, GA.
For a sit down lunch try these nearby restaurants:
- Pasta Max Cafe: Known for its delicious Italian cuisine, this restaurant offers a range of pasta dishes and vegetarian options.
- Queen Bee Coffee Company: Perfect for a quick coffee break or light snack, this local coffee shop has a cozy atmosphere and tasty pastries.
- KirbyG’s Diner and Pub: A retro diner offering a variety of meals, including vegetarian-friendly options and classic American fare.
- El Agave Mexican Restaurant: Enjoy authentic Mexican dishes with plenty of vegetarian options, ideal for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Thai Garden: A great choice for those craving Thai cuisine, offering a range of dishes that cater to different dietary preferences.
These nearby dining options are perfect for when you’re on the go or simply want to enjoy a meal out without the hassle of cooking. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a family dinner, these restaurants provide delicious and convenient alternatives.
Lodging
While we haven’t reviewed accommodations specifically for this trip, there are several excellent options in McDonough for those considering an extended stay.
Nearby Hotels
For those considering an extended stay in McDonough, there are several excellent accommodation options available. Here are some details on nearby hotels, including the range of nightly rates:
Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta McDonough: This modern hotel offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. It is family-friendly and provides easy access to local attractions. Nightly rates range from $120 to $180.
Hampton Inn Atlanta/McDonough: Known for its complimentary hot breakfast, this hotel also features a pool and fitness center. It’s a great option for families, with clean and comfortable rooms. Nightly rates range from $110 to $160.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham McDonough: This budget-friendly hotel is pet-friendly and includes amenities like free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Nightly rates range from $90 to $140.
These hotels provide a comfortable and convenient base for your visit to the Henry County McDonough Farmers Market and surrounding attractions. Whether you’re looking for modern amenities or budget-friendly options, there’s something to suit every family’s needs.
Transportation
The best way to reach the Henry County McDonough Farmers Market is by car. The market is conveniently located in Heritage Park, which offers ample parking. For families, driving provides the flexibility to carry home all your fresh purchases comfortably.
Rideshare Options
If you prefer not to drive, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available and can provide a convenient alternative. Use these services to avoid parking hassles and enjoy a stress-free trip to the market.
- Uber: Convenient and reliable rideshare service to get you to and from the market.
- Lyft: Another great option for rideshare, offering easy and quick transportation.
These rideshare options ensure you have flexible and convenient transportation to the Henry County McDonough Farmers Market, making your visit even more enjoyable.
Benefits of Taking Kids to the Farmers Market
Bringing my kids to the farmers market has been a wonderful experience, providing them with valuable life lessons and opportunities to connect with the community.
Teaching Money and Budgeting
I always give my daughter a little wallet with pocket money when we visit the market. This is a great opportunity for her to learn about money management and budgeting. She gets to decide what to buy and learns the importance of making thoughtful decisions with her money. This practice helps her understand the value of money and develop budgeting skills from a young age.
Learning About Family Businesses
At the market, my kids see other children helping their families run booths. This exposure to family businesses teaches them about hard work, entrepreneurship, and the importance of supporting local enterprises. It’s inspiring for them to see kids their age actively participating in their family’s business.
Understanding Sustainability
Shopping at the farmers market is a great way to teach my children about sustainability. We talk about the benefits of buying local produce, such as reducing our carbon footprint and supporting sustainable farming practices. This hands-on learning experience reinforces the importance of making environmentally conscious choices.
Tips for Talking to Your Kids Before the Market
- Money Management: Explain how much money they have to spend and discuss the importance of making thoughtful choices.
- Supporting Local: Talk about why it’s important to support local farmers and businesses.
- Sustainability: Discuss the benefits of buying local produce and how it helps the environment.
- Entrepreneurship: Encourage them to ask questions and learn from the vendors about how they run their businesses.
- Behavior and Manners: Remind them to be polite and respectful to the vendors and other shoppers.
Overall Experience
Highlights
- Fresh, Local Produce: The quality and taste of the farmers market produce are unparalleled. Supporting local vendors like All Saints Garden and Lovejoy Spice LLC enhances our connection to the community.
- Educational Opportunities: Engaging with the UGA Extension volunteers has been both educational and enjoyable, providing valuable gardening tips and fostering a love for local agriculture.
- Family Activities: The additional attractions at Heritage Park make the trip more enjoyable for kids, offering plenty of activities to keep them engaged.
Challenges
- Weather Considerations: While the market is covered, Georgia’s summer heat can be intense. Bringing a cooler bag with ice packs is recommended to keep your produce fresh.
Tips for Other Families
- Arrive Early: The market opens at 10 AM, and early arrivals get the best selection.
- Bring a Cooler Bag: Essential for keeping produce fresh in hot weather.
- Engage with Vendors: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and provide feedback. The vendors appreciate it and often have great stories and tips to share.
- Payment Methods: Most vendors accept cash, Zelle, Venmo, and card payments, making transactions easy and convenient.
- Explore Heritage Park: Turn your market visit into a day trip by exploring the park’s playground, museum, historic buildings, and walking trails.
By following these tips and taking advantage of the wonderful offerings at the Henry County McDonough Farmers Market, you can create a memorable and enriching experience for the whole family. Enjoy the fresh, local produce, support your community, and make the most of your summer weekends!
