Miles Farmers Market specializes in making decadent holiday gift baskets packed with local meats, produce and other goodies
By Laura Briedis
When you shop at Miles Farmers Market, you don’t need to worry about your holiday gifts being stuck on a container ship offshore because of global supply chain problems. Miles’ staff members assemble gift baskets in the Solon store and fill them with produce and goodies made locally.
“We make a lot of gift baskets featuring local vendors, so we are not affected as much by the unprecedented supply chain shortages,” says Justin Golobek, store manager. “And not only are you assured to have your gift in hand, but you also are supporting a number of local businesses at the same time.”
“We sell gift baskets year-round, but in December, we put together several thousand,” he adds, noting the market has its own workshop set up in the back of the store where he, the store owner, and the employees all help assemble gift baskets.
Right now, Miles Farmers Market is loaded with gift baskets that are a bit more meaningful and perhaps more practical.
“This month, we make fruit baskets fresh every morning that can be purchased in store. On any given day we have about 50 different baskets already made in different sizes to choose from,” says Justin. “We also can personalize baskets with the gift recipient’s favorite items and ship directly to them via UPS anywhere in the country or deliver locally in our own trucks.”
When it comes to unique gifting, Miles Farmers Market is thinking outside the basket. In addition to fruit baskets overflowing with fresh apples, oranges, pears and other seasonal fruits, the staff also puts together different themed baskets that include just about anything you want.
“We mix up the baskets, packaging some in wicker baskets, bushel baskets, old wine boxes and other interesting, recycled packaging,” says Justin. “We assemble the baskets with different themes, from Ohio’s Best Basket filled with local products, to a Snacks ‘N’ Treats Basket, Chocolate Lovers Basket and a Café Basket with coffees and teas. Plus, we can include wine and beer in the baskets. Anything you can imagine, we can do.”
In addition to the gift baskets filled with fruits and other treats, Miles also sells steak boxes packed with Certified Angus Beef steaks hand-cut by the butcher, packed in ice and delivered directly to the gift recipient. “Every time I package a steak box, I am jealous that it isn’t going to my home,” chuckles Justin.
“We also can add seafood, including lobster tails, shrimp and scallops, to these gift boxes for the ultimate treat,” he adds. “And we can add a large tray of festively decorated butter cookies for a grand sweet finale.”
“We encourage customers to order gift baskets early to ensure they get delivered in time for the holidays,” notes Justin. “There is still time to order one now or just stop in the store to pick out one.”
Miles Farmers Market also can cater holiday events, whether a family get-together or an office party. “We can make anything, from standing rib roasts to beef tenderloin to spiral hams,” says Justin. “Plus, all of our side dishes are delicious. We source everything fresh, so we need 48-hours’ notice for all catering orders.”
Miles Farmers Market is located at 28560 Miles Road, in Solon, open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit MilesFarmersMarket.com for store details, and call 440-248-5222 to order gift baskets and for catering.