Vibrant collards and slender asparagus pile tables in the spring. In summer, booths burst with juicy peaches, berries, and okra. Locals and visitors alike flock to farmers markets for the freshest bounty, but also to meet the makers, growers, and artisans that make each town unique.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Charleston Farmers Market
Located in historic Marion Square, the Charleston Farmers Market is dedicated to supporting lowcountry farmers and artisans. Pick up a basket of peaches, locally milled grits, or a jar of pickled okra for a true Southern shopping experience.
The market serves as a community gathering spot brimming with the season’s best produce, artwork, and live music. Grab a freshly prepared crêpe and lemonade or a roti roll and kombucha and dine on the largest outdoor dining patio in town.
North Carolina State Farmers Market | Raleigh
With 75 acres of indoor and outdoor shopping, the NC State Farmers Market is a multi-faceted all-day adventure. The Farmer’s Building houses 30,000 square feet of fresh produce, plants, and farm goods.
Even if you’re not shopping for veggies, you’ll be tempted by the community atmosphere and delectables from The Market Shoppes. Wehrloom honey, Chapel Hill Toffee, and Bertie County Peanuts are just a few local favorites. Gather goods for a picnic, or visit one of the three onsite restaurants for Southern seafood, hearty breakfast, biscuits, and more.
The Market at Pepper Place | Birmingham
Fourth generation growers bring their freshly picked produce to the Pepper Place market, the site of a former Dr. Pepper syrup plant and bottling company. Shop this producers-only market to buy directly from farmers, artisans, and food producers who line the market with vibrant flowers, organic produce, tempting baked goods, locally raised meat, cheeses, and more.
Special events like seed swap days, cooking demos, tomato tastings, and live music make this the place to be on Saturday mornings.
Franklin Farmers Market
What started more than 20 years ago with eight farmers and a mission of protecting local growers from being edged out by urban sprawl, the Franklin Farmers Market has become a focal point in the community with dozens of vendors.
Lavender farmers, soap makers, beekeepers, sustainable cattle ranchers and produce farmers bring their wares weekly, along with an eclectic mix of artisan gift makers. For an easy dinner, pick up some frozen soup and fresh bread from Flying S Farms, a family farm committed to natural sustainable practices.
Clarksville Farmers Markets
With four venues to choose from, Clarksville’s farmers markets embody community spirit and flavors. Hit the downtown market on Saturdays for the largest selection of local goods, or wander the smaller, monthly Sunday On Strawberry market, where craftsmen and small businesses set up shop in Strawberry Alley.
For an evening out, visit the Monday Sango Night Market or the Thursday Night Market at Old Glory Distilling, complete with fire pits, live music, games, and craft cocktails from the Silo Bar.
Old Town Farmers Market | Alexandria
Started in 1753, the Old Town Farmers Market is the oldest farmers market continuously operating on the same site in the country. George Washington reportedly sent vegetables from his Mount Vernon estate to the market in front of Alexandria’s historic city hall. Rain or shine, 70-plus vendors carry on the tradition, selling everything from Chinese dumplings and local wine to healing elixirs and organic produce.
Several vendors are multi-generational farmers, whose ancestors brought goods to market by horse and buggy centuries ago. Special events like chef demos and pumpkin decorating add to the fun.
Morningside Farmers Market | Atlanta
The Morningside Market brings the highest quality produce to this intimate venue which values connection between customers and farmers.
You’ll find a number of women-led farms selling heirloom garlic, seasonal flowers, cold-pressed juice, mushrooms, and meats. Find a new favorite and get tips and recipes directly from the growers. Treat yourself to a scoop of cookies and cream from Elise Organic ice cream and don’t forget to pick up some organic dog treats for your furry friend from Big Daddy Biscuits.
Mississippi Farmers Market | Jackson
As the largest market in the state, the Mississippi Farmers Market brings together the bounty from the fields and the ocean all under one roof. From butter beans and broccoli to persimmons and pecans, you’ll find produce straight from the farm. Look for fresh Gulf seafood, homemade peach turnovers, boiled peanuts, chili-infused hot honey, and other Southern delicacies.
Catch a cooking demo from area chefs, enjoy live entertainment and pick up some Mississippi made souvenirs at the Genuine MS® Store. There’s also an onsite café where you can eat your fill of fried chicken, turnip greens, and blackberry cobbler.
Fightingville Fresh Market | Lafayette
This community-minded market has a passion for teaching folks to “grow their own groceries” with farmer training programs for newbie farmers. Even visitors can learn something new with Fightingville Fresh Market’s classes, like a hands-on gourmet mushroom cultivation workshop.
Hungry? Grab a plate of crawfish fettuccine from Miss Pearl or red beans and rice from Shug’s Kreole Kitchen. Don’t miss the oven-fresh boules, baguettes, and bagels from Straw Cove Baking Co.
Western North Carolina Farmers Market | Asheville
Asheville has long been revered as a foodie’s paradise. Why not follow the reputation to the source? The Western North Carolina Farmers Market specializes in Appalachian-grown ingredients, many of which make their way into local restaurants.
But you don’t have to be a chef to appreciate the juicy peaches, crisp apples, mushrooms, corn, dairy goods, and all the other bounty that makes its way from the field to the market. Bring home some fresh flowers, or browse the Market Shops for local favorites like DJ’s pickles. For a DIY garden, Jesse Israel & Sons garden center has seeds, starts, and friendly advice.
Enjoy farm-to-fork dining at the onsite Moose Café, where you can take in mountain views and the nearby Biltmore Estate.
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