Cleveland’s West Side Market. They say it is the oldest operating indoor-outdoor market in the city. It has been in operation on Cleveland’s near west side since 1840. The market is distinguished by its neoclassical-byzantine architecture, punctuated by a tall clock tower and graced with a domed hall housing the vendors stalls. The building was designed by Hubbell and Benes and is on the register of historic places.
The market has been in the news lately because of some proposals to change the way it operates. Currently the market is open four days a week – Monday and Wednesday, 7 am to 4 pm; Friday and Saturday, 7 am to 6 pm. Some people, city government, I think, want to make the hours conform more to the shopping hours of a traditional supermarket. The West Side Market is not a traditional supermarket and, as one of the vendors was quoted on the radio, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Shopping at the market is always an adventure. My first trip is full sensory overload, but after a few trips I found my favorite stands and vendors.
Click here to enjoy a flash mob at the Market.
Gunsmoke and Knitting 