There's a growing number of farmer's markets in the area where you can get Alabama-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, farm-produced goat cheese, stone-ground cornmeal and more. Here's a few; for more, see the Alabama Farmer's Market Authority listing.

• Pepper Place Saturday Market: Probably the biggest. In addition to farmers selling everything from basic Southern staples to more gourmet items like heirloom tomatoes and arugula, you'll find live music, weekly cooking demonstrations by local chefs, baked goods, booths where you can buy breakfast and coffee, crafts, and more. Some new products this year include hand carved wooden fruit trays, wind chimes, hand blown glass, hot sauces, pottery, homemade fudge, peanut brittle and ice cream. For more information, www.pepperplacemarket.com.
• Park Place Market: Through Wednesday, Sept. 5, except for July 4. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Produce from area farmers, plus other items for sale, including pastries and arts and crafts. Park Place is between 19th Street North and Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard, and is just south of Linn Park. Much of the activity will take place in Linn Park.
• The Town of Mt Laurel's Farmers' Market & Craft Fair, every Saturday through September 29, 8 a.m. to noon. Farmers, craft booths and more. For more info call 408-TOWN(8696) or 408-2717.
• The Preserve Saturday Morning Market. A family-friendly summer farmer's market at The Preserve, a traditional neighborhood development located off Highway 150 in Hoover. A dozen-plus Alabama farmers selling fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs, plus eight to 10 local arts and craft vendors, local musicians, fresh coffee from Cambridge Coffee and kids' activities. 8 a.m.-noon. For info call 706-2701.