The North Market in Columbus is famous within and beyond the city, and it's clear why. A place where you can browse for hours, where you can inhale the delicious smells of so many different cuisines, and chat with vendors about their local expertly prepared products, it's a staple of our culture and such a fun place to visit.

The North Market is the only authentic public market in Columbus.

It is located at 59 Spruce St., Columbus OH, 43215. It is open Sunday and Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The market was founded in 1876 and continues to connect local merchants with the community to this day.

The North Market moved into the current building in 1995. The building used to be a factory warehouse.

Historically, the market allowed space for butchers, bakers, fishmongers, greengrocers, and farmers to sell their products.

More recently it has expanded to include ethnic foods, gourmet groceries, and unique foods.

The North Market consists of over 30 unique vendors.

When you visit, you will find pastries, ice cream, coffee, doughnuts, pizza, Indian food, bubble tea, Bavarian pretzels, Polish pierogies, Vietnamese food, and so much more. Check out the full list of merchants.

When you visit the market, you can take your purchases home or enjoy the food right at the tables on the second floor.

Keep in mind that the market is centrally located and it does get pretty busy at midday with the lunch crowd. If you'd like to check it out during a slower time, avoid the 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. rush.

Even with developments and changes, the local, handmade, and unique aspect of the market vendors never left.

You will still find local butchers, fresh fish, fresh veggies, and gourmet foods.

The North Market is managed by North Market Development Authority, a 501(c)(3) organization.

The team is headed by Executive Director Rick Harrison Wolfe, who strives to preserve the history and community bond of the market while continuing to develop it.

More than 1.5 million people visit the North Market every year!

It is one of the most successful public markets in the country and one of the biggest attractions in the city.

The North Market also hosts a variety of community events.

This includes the Wine Festival and the Festival for Good. The "Sip and Stroll" now allows visitors to enjoy beverages from the Barrel & Bottle Shop while browsing the market. For more info about the special "Sip and Stroll" events, click here.

During the warmer, half of the year the North Market hosts a Farmers Market and a Peddlers Picnic.

The Farmers Market offers extra fresh produce grown on farms all around Columbus. The Peddlers Picnic features local handmade crafts, jewelry, and gifts.

The North Market has also been the original home of some of the now-famous food brands.

One example in Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, which opened its first store in the North Market in 1996 and now has many stores both in and outside of Columbus.

The North Market is a place you've just got to visit.

With it's history, cool location, and unique vendors, this marketplace is just fantastic.

What's your favorite thing to find at the North Market? Share with us in the comments below!