Shop Small. Support Local.
Big box stores offer variety, low prices, and convenience. It's how they draw such a large customer base. But shopping from small area businesses can be a wonderful way to support the local economy and strengthen our communities.
Shopping small and local is more than frequenting the local boutiques and antique stores. It also includes how we shop for food for our families. When we think of grocery shopping, we may think of the big box and chain grocery stores, but there are many health benefits to a farm-to-table lifestyle. Consider shopping seasonal produce for a healthy choice that supports our economy as well as the environment.
Here are 8 places to shop in Madison, Newborn, and Rutledge, Georgia, for the farm-to-table experience:
Farmview Market
Farmview Market offers local products and rolls a grocery store, butcher, and cafe all into one location. Be on the lookout for specialty items like lush bouquets from a local florist and a delicious variety of macarons from a nearby bakery. There's also an outdoor farmer's market offered seasonally. Shop here to support local businesses and to get the full farm-to-table experience.
Madison Produce Company
Madison Produce Company is a local lunchtime favorite serving up soups, salads, and sandwiches. But did you know they also offer fresh local produce? Pick up wonderful items like organic lettuce from Little Rose Organics in nearby Watkinsville or fresh local honey. Now located at the intersection of Main Street and Jefferson in the former Perk Avenue building, Madison Produce has a larger space, more seating, and plenty to offer the lunchtime visitor or farm-to-table grocery shopper.
Community Roots Market
Community Roots Market is brand-new to Madison and will be opening soon. I was lucky enough to sample some of its farm-to-table offerings at a recent event. I highly recommend Antonio's lemon ravioli served up with greens from Verdant Farms sauteed in Banner Butter's roasted garlic, basil, and parsley butter.
Oconee Coffee Roasters
Attention coffee lovers! Oconee Coffee Roasters offers whole bean and fresh ground coffee roasted right here in Madison, Georgia. Enjoy your favorite latte, espresso, or cup of coffee--and be sure to check out the baked goods available from a local bakery. My favorite? The oat milk mocha served up with a pumpkin chocolate chip muffin.
Gypsy Soup
For Madison area residents, Gypsy Soup serves up homemade, organic, healthy soup--and offers once-a-week delivery. This business also offers dessert, delicious medicinal items such as Moon Milk (now also available at Community Roots Market), tonics, syrups, and other specialty farm-to-table items.
Rock House Creamery
For those who enjoy agritourism and farm-fresh dairy products, check out the tours at Rock House Creamery. They offer private tours, group tours, and even field trips to learn more about the farm. You can purchase their meat products at nearby Farmview Market.
Jody's Farms
Jody's Farms in nearby Rutledge, Georgia, also offers a variety of produce. Order a box for pickup or check them out at area farmer's markets to select your favorite vegetables. Lettuce, spinach, eggplant, zucchini, pears, oranges, and squash are just some of the offerings you'll find here.
CJ Orchards
Don't miss out on the upcoming peach season at CJ Orchards. While they offer a large variety of peaches, you can also find tomatoes, blueberries, and pecans on the farm. You won't want to miss out on this so mark your calendars and prepare for hot summer Georgia peaches.
Enjoying farm-to-table food has never been easier! Morgan County has a variety of shops, farms, and restaurants serving up local meat, dairy, and produce. When you shop these farm-to-table offerings, you're giving back to the community by keeping money in the local economy and supporting small businesses. While it may seem like a small adjustment to your lifestyle, it could make a big impact on the local economy and the families who run these businesses.
Just remember: shop small, support local, and enjoy the delicious offerings available in Morgan County, Georgia.
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