[Photo from visithoustontexas]

Oh how we love farmers markets—the produce, the cheese, the prepared foods. More than a half-dozen markets occur every week in various spots around Houston and now we can add yet another to the mix. The City Hall Farmers Market launched in early October 2010 with 40 vendors and now happens seasonally around the reflecting pool outside Houston City Hall (the next run of the market is from Sept. 12-Dec. 19, 2012).

Urban Harvest, which puts on a number of the farmers markets in the area, is also responsible for this latest one. Items being sold range from locally-roasted coffee to fresh fruit and vegetables. One innovative component of this market takes its location and time into consideration. Downtown office workers and area residents can pick from a large assortment of prepared and hot foods for lunch—making the market a destination. Another interactive aspect of the weekly market is the Chef’s Corner where local culinary gurus will show off their stuff each week in live demonstrations.

The City Hall market is part of a broader local foods initiative launched by Mayor Annise Parker designed to encourage Houstonians to eat fresh and eat local.

Address: 901 Bagby St., Houston TX 77002

Neighborhood: Downtown

Phone: 1 713 8805540