One of the perks every southerner looks for with the arrival of summer, is to sit down to eat on a scorching hot day with all fresh, straight off the vine, vegetables and fruit.

There was a time when a large number of people were doing their own harvesting, but more and more people are now buying their food in the grocery store.

Atmore Farmers Market, located near the east end of Atmore City Hall, is helping those who may not have fresh fruits and vegetables. The market is open to all and the variety of food depends on what is ready to harvest.

John Stewart drives to the market from west of Bay Minette bringing some of his tasty peaches.

“I moved down here several years ago,” Stewart said. “One day I was riding down U.S. 59 when I saw what looked like an abandoned peach orchard, so I found the owner and told him I would like to purchase the land and grow peaches. He laughed at me and told me that I would never be able to grow peaches on that land.”

Stewart now has 159 acres to devote to his peaches.

“It gives me something to do besides fishing,” Stewart said Tuesday.

He also brought okra to the market.

Joe Haveard of Bell Fork Road near Atmore, comes to the market because he finds plenty of people who are interested in buying fresh vegetables and fruit.

“I have three acres to farm and I grow all sorts of vegetables,” Haveard said. “I come to the market on different days. In the last year, I have harvested and sold vegetables 140 days out of the year. I have had experience with gardens all my life. Today I brought watermelons, okra, and peppers.”

Joseph Thames said he had been coming to the market for four years.

“I sell just about anything that is in season,” Thames said. “But the season can last longer than summer because there are other crops, which are grown when it’s cooler.”

Thames said he was injured years ago when he worked with Monsanto and now lives on disability.

“I love to farm,” Thames said. I think this farmer’s market is good for Atmore.”

So if you are looking for some homegrown goodness, visit the Atmore Farmers Market sun up to sun down daily.