Mennonite / Amish in Area? (Birmingham, Madison: university, Mennonites, organic)

[sharingsunshine]

I was born in Pa. Dutch country, so living in VA has been a treat since we've had places to shop with the Mennonites here. Fresh eggs and baked breads, along with a great store of bulk organic grains, dried fruit, organic cheeses, etc.

Anything like that in the area? I thought I read something about Mennonites in Madison, but can't seem to track anything down on Google.

[Reactionary]

IIRC the closest farms / communities are east of Fayetteville TN north of US64, there are also some stores that sell Amish products (like you describe) up that way (just north of Paint Rock AL).

Also, the Fair Trade Marketplace (spit) on Regal Drive is associated with the Mennonite Central Committee (spit), which is a Leftist anti-war group (not the horse and buggy types); for example, they fund protests against military recruiting... I do not shop there...

[sharingsunshine]

Thanks for the input. At least if there's nothing closer, there's an option in TN and we love any excuse to go to TN anyway. Have an S Corp. and TN taxes it the same as C Corp. so not a great monetary decision to live there, but will be nice being close to it.

[Southlander]

There's also a Mennonite family that runs a bakery and restaurant, somewhere around Falkville, which is south of Hartselle. I believe the "Anna Mary's" cakes that you find in Kroger stores come from them. The bakery is open to the public.

[sharingsunshine]

That would be a nice stop when we visit friends in B'ham. Sounds like Kroger carries some local foods. Any organic and local produce? Are there any organic farms in the area? Farmer's markets? How far for apple orchard?

[Reactionary]

Madison County Farmers Market, Cook Ave (off North Parkway just north of University).
Garden Cove, Pratt Avenue at Meridian (just north of downtown).
Scott Orchard (north and west of Hazel Green):

Scott's Apple Orchard - Hazel Green, Alabama

Plus, the best goat cheese in the US is made in Madison County:

Belle Chèvre – Artisan Goat Cheese

[sharingsunshine]

How exciting to have those links! Y'all are grand!

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by Reactionary

Plus, the best goat cheese in the US is made in Madison County:

Belle Chèvre – Artisan Goat Cheese

Actually, it's in Limestone County.
Alabama is blessed with many farmers' markets and roadside stands: http://www.fma.alabama.gov/FMCounty.aspx

[ionlife]

On our way back from Birmingham today I saw a billboard that said something about Farmer's market and amish cheese being there--I didn't get the whole name, but it was near Cullman (about midway between Bham and Hville). I figure it's about a 45 minute drive to get there. Next time I head south, I'll try to look for it for you.

[sharingsunshine]

How great - the link and for you to notice that dramamama! Very nice! I am looking forward to living in AL again and discovering a whole new part of it.