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MARKETS

FROM FRESH-FROM-THE-FARM VEGGIES TO INTERNATIONAL FARE, our market scene is packed with the ingredients for inspiration. Whether you re searching for the most delicious fish or the rarest of spices, you ll find that it s all right here in Birmingham.

MARKETS

Farmer s Market on Finley 344 Finley Ave W 205-251-8737 BIRMINGHAM

You ll be cooking with the very freshest produce and ingredi- ents when you stock up at the Farmer s Market. Complete with the sights, sounds and scents of an old-fashioned market, it houses more than 500 farmers and vendors on 49 acres, making it the largest farmer s market in the state. It is the best place in town, year round, to find the best vegetables, plants, sod and cheese at wonder- ful right-off-the-farm prices. The folks are very friendly and inter- esting to talk to also. Trudy P.

Golden Temple 1901 11th Ave S 205-933-6333 BIRMINGHAM

For over 30 years, Golden Temple has been Birmingham s place for natural groceries,

nutritional supplements and herbs. The boutique features organic clothing, jewelry and more. After you shop, have lunch at their popular vegetar- ian restaurant. At Golden Temple, not only do I find all my favorite natural products, but I also have the satisfaction that comes with supporting some of Birmingham s own. Love that! Ray F.

Green Central Station 2608A Highland Ave S 205-715-0012 BIRMINGHAM

The picnic lunch is becoming a lost art these days. Thank- fully, Green Central Station, Birmingham s one-stop picnic shop, has everything you need for the perfect picnic for sale or rent, from baskets, coolers and games to all kinds of delicious foods. Plan ahead, though, because they re only open Thursday through Sunday. My husband surprised me with a picnic lunch, and I fell in love with

him all over again. It was wonder- ful. Rebecca J.

Highland Package 2228 Highland Ave 205-558-4337 BIRMINGHAM

So much more than a package store, this friendly neighborhood shop offers wine, liquors and the best selection of previously unavailable high-gravity beers. The best part? Draught beer is available in half-gallon jugs. And the owners are fantastically friendly. John B.

Jones Valley Teaching Farm 701 25th St N 205-439-7213 BIRMINGHAM

This community-based non- profit organization transformed three acres of vacant downtown property into an organic veg- etable and flower garden. From May through October, sample the fruits of their labor at the