Cleveland, OH
12 Northeast Ohio markets to shop for local food gifts
CLEVELAND, Ohio — ‘Tis the season for holiday shopping and spending your time and money at local foodie retailers is a good way to support the Greater Cleveland culinary community.
If you’re looking to score foodie-centric gifts with a local flare, scroll down for a solid list of 12 options for markets, small-scale grocery stores and beyond. Farm markets also carry a variety of local products that may make good holiday gifts.
The Grocery at City Goods in Ohio City focuses on carrying locally-made food products prime for gifting. Alex Darus
The Grocery at City Goods
1442 W. 28th St., Cleveland
The Grocery is the latest addition to City Goods in Ohio City that was invented with the idea of food gifting in mind. The micro-grocery store concept features more than 20 local brands representing a variety of food-centric goods that are ideal for gifting. The shop doesn’t just feature edible products; handcrafted aprons and totes are also available.
Ohio-made cheeses from Ohio-pastured cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s milk are among the local products sold at Ohio City Provisions.Paris Wolfe
Ohio City Provisions
3208 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
Ohio City Provisions puts local products at the forefront of its operation, whether it’s behind the butcher counter or in its grocery selections. Locally made beer, wine, cider, pantry staples, baked goods and beyond make for excellent stocking stuffers. Or, you could go whole-hog and give the gift of top-quality fresh cuts of meat to appease a carnivorous gift recipient.
Meijer’s Fairfax Market is off East 105th Street near the intersection of Cedar Avenue in Cleveland. It celebrates one year in January.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Fairfax Market
2190 E 105th St., Cleveland
Opened this year Fairfax Market is a 40,000-square-foot grocery store in the Fairfax neighborhood. Many Cleveland area makers are spotlighted on the shelves.
Gingham Market on Madison Avenue in Lakewood.Alex Darus
Gingham Market
17000 Madison Ave., Lakewood
Gingham Market in Lakewood is popular for ready-made to-go options, but the artisanal shop also stocks plenty of foodie-centric treats worth gifting. Sauces, spices, candies, tinned fish, wine and more are just a sampling of what’s hiding on the shelves of this picturesque corner store.
Nature’s Oasis in Lakewood.Alex Darus
Nature’s Oasis
15613 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
3385 Tuttle Rd. #104, Shaker Heights
With locations on both the East and West sides of town, Nature’s Oasis is an easily accessible health food store stocking a lot more than meets the eye. The store stocks locally made products with a focus on wholesome foods with a wellness spin, perfect for gifting to the health-conscious person on your gift list.
Catherine Wolcott, farmer/owner of GAR Horizons, raises beef, produce and more for her market.Catherine Wolcott, with permission
GAR Horizons
13623 Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Chardon
G.A.R. Horizons started as a retailer of frozen, locally raised beef. Over the past few years its expanded not only meat selections, but sells locally produced mixes, maple syrup, honey, bakery, sauces and more.
Verbena Free-Spirited in Hingetown sells a large range of non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits.
Verbena Free Spirited
1434 W. 29th St., Cleveland
For those looking to gift something thoughtful to someone sober or sober-curious, Verbena Free Spirited is the ultimate hub. Aside from being a non-alcoholic bar and cafe, Verbena is also a marketplace offering versions of beer, wine, spirits, ready-to-drink mocktails, and more that are all alcohol-free.
Marchant Manor Cheese
2211 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights
Marchant Manor Cheese carries its own brand as well as a wide variety of American made cheeses. Shoppers will also find everything needed to put together a cheese party — crackers, jellies, charcuterie, cheese boards, wines and more. Books and specialty cheese storage boxes are also for sale.
Old Brooklyn Cheese Company sells a wide selection of cheeses, mustards and beyond. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Old Brooklyn Cheese Co.
4464 Broadview Rd., Cleveland
Old Brooklyn Cheese Company is Cleveland’s hub for artisanal cheese and delicious craft mustard. Tasting sets and mustard pots are no-brainer gifts for the person who puts POP Mustard on everything. Plus, the store also takes orders for cheese and charcuterie boards for the ultimate hosting gift.
The Ox Shoppe in Thompson carries some produce but focuses on local meat. It’s open year-round.Paris Wolfe
The Ox Shoppe
6714b Madison Road, Thompson
The Ox Shoppe offers items grown or made in Ohio including meats, cheese, produce, bakery, body care and artisanal items. The shop also provides training and employment opportunities to individual’s with barriers to employment.
The West Side Market is always bustling during the holiday season. Paris Wolfe
West Side Market
1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland
Is there really any better time to visit the West Side Market than during the holiday season? Aside from the festive vibes, the historic food hub is also a great place to get local gifts. The West Side Market boasts too many deliciously edible gifts to list, but it’s safe to say that any meat eater wouldn’t be mad about getting some smokies in their stocking.
Purplebrown Farm Store is tucked away in Peninsula, not too far from the farm.Paris Wolfe
PurpleBrown Farm Store
41619 Mill Street West, Peninsula
PurpleBrown Farm Store carries more than 80 homegrown or homemade products from within a 60-mile radius of Peninsula.
Alex Darus writes about food, dining and drinking for Cleveland.com, check out her latest posts here. You can reach her with story ideas at adarus@cleveland.com. Follow her on Instagram @alex_darus.
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