The Market at Sharpe, a charming little market in the northwestern end of Marshall County, opened for business just over a month ago. The market sits on a lot that was originally a grocery store. Along with the grocery store, the Sharpe community once had a post office as well as other businesses along Hwy 68.
Sara Minihan, owner of The Market at Sharpe, had a vision to bring some life back to Sharpe especially with the influx of people that have moved into the area.
“I know it’s inconvenient for me to drive all the way into wherever to get fresh produce, meat and things that we need for our family”, said Sara. “My family and I know several others in the area that try to do as much organic, fresh, locally grown things as they can so why not try to do that where it’s a little more convenient.”
The market offers ready-made fresh food options from local vendors like Fresh Foodies and Magic Valley Barbecue and plan to add frozen casseroles making it convenient for busy families to grab a healthy lunch or dinner.
The freezer always contains frozen meats, and they offer seasonal fruits and produce and a wide variety of teas that they brew themselves which range from five levels of sweetness from the sweetest called The Deep South to The Way Up North.
Bread and baked goods from Ferguson Bread House and Farm 23:37 of Calvert City are always ready to grab, and go great with fresh premium coffee from Paducah Coffee Co. by the cup or by the bag. Need milk and eggs…they have that too.
Sara also gathers things like meats for the market from border state farms along with jams, jellies, butters and dairy items. She is working with Broadbent’s to get their bacon and pork products as well as a couple beef producers here in Marshall County.
The Market at Sharpe opened in September at the end of the produce season but Sara said she is able to get Amish hot house tomatoes and apples and lettuce from West Kentucky Aquaponics. She plans to at least have tomatoes and lettuce through the winter adding, “so that you come in grab a tomato and a lettuce and you’ve got a salad.”
High quality food items are just the beginning of what the market has to offer. Other items from local vendors include soaps, dog treats, handmade jewelry, cutting boards, honey and freeze-dried candy to name a few.
“There’s a lot of great producers in this area”, said Sara. “I’m always looking for new farmers. I try to not only have things in here for people to buy but to also support the farmers.”
On Saturday, November 30, The Market at Sharpe will celebrate Small Business Saturday. Residents will receive a flier in the mail and if they bring it to the market that day, will receive a free 16 oz. tea. Sara said her vendors will be well stocked that day and they will have pre-made gift baskets available and a festive area outside for photos.
The gift baskets will be available throughout the holiday season along with gift cards that can be purchased anytime for any occasion.
With a commercial kitchen on site, Sara has many plans for future offerings including a line of flavored butters.
Something new in the works is a Sharpe area newsletter that will contain market updates, school and area happenings and include stories from people who have lived in the area all their lives. A newsletter sign up will be available soon.
Sara said her long-term goal is to build on to the market so it resembles a general store.
The Market at Sharpe is located at 7881 US Hwy. 68, Benton, Ky. near the intersection of Scale Road and Hwy. 68 close to Sharpe Elementary School. The hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and closed on Sunday.
Keep up with daily specials and what’s new and in stock by following them on Facebook and Instagram at The Market at Sharpe.
The Sharpe Market photos courtesy of Catherine Alexander.
