So say you wake up one weekend and realize you need farm fresh corn, a vacuum cleaner, sugar-free candy, antique silver and a pair of jeans. You could waste a lot of gas running from one store to the other. Or you could head to the Columbus Farmers Market where you will find all of that. And more. Much, much more.

With over 200 merchants, if it pops into your head chances are you can find it at Columbus Farmers Market. There are two sections to the Market: merchants setting up in the indoor market operate Thursdays – Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; merchants in the outdoor section set up shop super early – 7:30 to 3 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday, 6:30 to 3 on Sunday. (The outdoor section is closed on Fridays.)

Aside from the great people watching, Columbus is a great place to get to know the local farmers and find out first-hand what is ripe from the fields. If you are into ethnic cuisine, drop by the Indian vegetables, Mexican groceries or German kielbasa. Pick up some seafood for a fresh barbecued chicken dinner or just nosh your way through the market nibbling on pizza, bagels, homemade juices, or fresh-baked cakes and pies.

But the real fun is in the flea market. Where else could you find model trains, action figures, baseball cards, handmade quilts, jewelry, aluminum products, clothing, guitars, and flags. All at w-a-y less than you’d pay in a regular store or mall.

Oh, and don’t forget Flower Row. Because after you’ve picked everything you need for inside the house, you’ll want to add a pop of color to the front yard.