The North Marke: An Historic and Multifaceted Columbus Ohio Gem

Located near downtown Columbus Ohio, the North Market is an historic marketplace that features a delicious variety of unique merchants specializing in fresh local produce, delectably eclectic lunch options, distinctive artisan wares, and more. Set up in a style that is rather like an artsy indoor farmer's market, the market's wares and special events sometimes spill outside, as well. With its wondrous bounty of farm fresh and handcrafted goodies, plus the artistic entertainment and special events offered, the North Market is a genuine community treasure that both supports and benefits Columbus residents and their lucky guests.

Whether simply strolling through the market to browse the latest wares or shopping for fresh groceries or stopping by during your lunch break for a distinctively delicious meal, the sights, smells, and tastes of the North Market are a wonderful afternoon treat. Multicultural flavors galore are represented at the North Market from delectable pasta to spicy Pad Thai to sushi to Mexican and Greek and Vietnamese cuisine, and so much more. The North Market is also a great place to partake of dessert, whether one would prefer handcrafted chocolates, homemade tiramisu, European bakery style tortes or petit fors, or some other splendiferous indulgence. Even the beverage choices are wonderful, including high quality coffee drinks, fresh fruit smoothies, and ginger-infused lemonade. In addition to the restaurateurs and food purveyors, other vendors at the North Market offer such wares as fresh flowers, soy candles, aromatic incense, greeting cards, and top-notch wines and ales. How delightful to have all these diverse delicacies housed beneath one roof.

One of my personal favorite North Market lunch treats is a dish of Bowtie Pasta with a Creamy Smoked Salmon sauce from Pastaria. Oftentimes I can't resist acquiring a little carryout order of specialty ravioli, also from Pastaria, to take home with me and prepare for dinner later, for an easy, gourmet meal that is as tasty as dining out, but at a fraction of the price. Temptingly unique ravioli varieties offered include Spinach & Feta, Dungeness Crab, Shrimp Scampi, Smoked Chicken, and many more. My favorite North Market dessert is the utterly scrumptious Jeni's Ice cream, which is available in a mouthwatering array of handcrafted, artisanal signature and seasonal flavors, using fresh, local ingredients. (Find out more about the sublimely delicious Jeni's Ice Cream in this article--http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1729766/jenis_splendid_ice_cream_for_a_unique.html?cat=22

The North Market offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as indoor and outdoor special events. One recent development for the market, in the spirit of burgeoning interest in DIY art making and alternative craft fairs, is Artisan Sundays, select dates during which artists, crafters, and artisans in various mediums offer their special creations for sale. Currently, Artisan Sundays take place from May through October, a lovely season to stroll amongst the outdoor artist tables and have a gander at creative goods that run the gamut from attire to decoupage to pottery to paintings and more. Not only does this event give shoppers a great opportunity to choose some unique, artsy, local creations (many of which would also make excellent gifts), but it's also a wonderful way to support indie artists. As the publisher/editor/designer of my own small literary press, Blood Pudding Press (http://www.BloodPuddingPress.etsy.com), I am hoping to get more directly involved in Artisan Sundays in the future; until then, I am excited to see what other local artists are doing.

Support your local artists, artisans, farmers, and other independent merchants at the North Market-and enjoy a deliciously distinctive experience at the same time. Find out more via the North Market's own stylish website at http://www.northmarket.com/.