The Hills Market & North Market's Market to Market Ride Celebrates Being Green

April 15, 2011 0 Comments

Columbus, Ohio – Supporting local foods, local merchants, Ohio purveyors and Ohio farmers is the mission at the heart of two Columbus markets, North Market and The Hills Market. The markets aligned to create the Market to Market ride in October of 2009 and have since sent more than 1,000 cyclists peddling up and down the Olentangy River Greenway. On Saturday, May 7th they will host the fourth Market to Market ride. With the coming of Spring, the markets are using the May ride to celebrate the start of the biking season and “being green in Columbus.”

Participants have the option of starting at either market to fuel up with breakfast before embarking on the 13 mile adventure to the market at the other end of the bike trail. Each participating rider will be issued a passport at the beginning of their journey. Bikers can collect stamps along the way by visiting with local vendors and organizations set up along the path including B1 Bicycles, Bike the Cbus, Columbus Alive, Columbus Food Adventures, Eartha Limited, FLOW (Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed), Local Matters, The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Art, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, Wexner Center for the Arts, Wild Goose Creative and Yelp Columbus.

Participants who arrive at their destination market will be rewarded with a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream and a reusable bag filled with coupons and goodies from local foods purveyors. Those intrepid enough to bike back to their market of origin will receive a completely different bag of goodies, creating a total value of $50 worth of savings and samples. All participating riders will also be entered into a random drawing for locally sourced prizes including a messenger bag from Seagull Bags, tickets to Bike the CBus, a Columbus Food Adventures tour, gift certificates from the Small Business Beanstalk and a set of oils from The Olive Orchard.

But wait! There’s more! Both markets will be hosting activities to provide riders a bit of entertaining “distraction” during each leg of their cycling journey. The Hills Market will be offering “A Taste of The Hills Market” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to taste the best of Hills Market’s classic creations, from their famous Hills Own Ohio Beef Meatloaves to their intricate, housemade Hills Own Carrot Cake. Samples will be available throughout the store, paired with seasonal wines. This event is free; there will be a small fee for wine tastings. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the Olentangy River Greenway, the North Market will be celebrating the opening of its Farmers Market. Ohio Proud vendors will join the Market’s seasonal farmers in the plaza selling Ohio-made foodstuffs and abundant live entertainment by local musicians will add to the gaiety of that day.

Market to Market will take place on Saturday, May 7. Registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and reusable shopping bags from both locations filled with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8- 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Registration can be made online at northmarket.com or thehillsmarket.com by phone by calling 614-846-3220 (The Hills Market) or 614-463-9664 (North Market), or in person at either location beginning April 12.

Participating organizations and sponsors include: The Hills Market, North Market, Amanda Hills Spring Water, B1 Bicycles, Bike the Cbus, Columbus Alive, Crimson Cup Coffee, Columbus Food Adventures, Eartha Limited, FLOW, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Local Matters, The Olive Orchard, Open Heart Art, Pattycake Bakery, Seagull Bags, Small Business Beanstalk, Snowville Creamery, WCBE: Central Ohio’s NPR Station, Wexner Center for the Arts, Wild Goose Creative and Yelp Columbus.

The Hills Market is a locally-owned specialty grocer on the north end of Columbus, at the bottom of the Worthington Hills and the top of the Olentangy Bike Path. For 16 years, The Hills Market has provided the best of Ohio and beyond with high quality meat, seafood, produce, bakery, wine, beer and cheese departments, as well as more than 40 feet of in-house prepared foods, a delicatessen featuring custom sandwiches and pizza, full service catering and floral shops and a state liquor agency. The Hills Market is home to The Veranda, a seasonal outdoor lunch space, as well as special events including Pancake Breakfasts, Cooking Classes, Wine Tastings and the Salmon Roast.

In operation since 1876, the North Market is Columbus’ only true public market. More than 30 merchants offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and other specialty food items. The Market also provides an international selection of freshly prepared foods, distinctive gifts and personable service from owner/operators. The North Market is open daily and located steps away from the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.