In case you haven’t heard, farmers markets are cool.
And lately, they’ve been sprouting like kudzu, brightening nearly every corner of metro Atlanta, reflecting an exciting diversity of cultures and styles in all kinds of neighborhoods and communities.
Nowadays, most resemble an outdoor festival, with farmers, chef’s demonstrations, artists, musicians and vendors joining in a lively mix of food, education and entertainment.
Johnny Fulmer was inspired to start the Marietta Square Farmers Market more than a decade ago after his son took him to the Union Square Farmers Market in New York City.
“It was a scene. There were all these people selling vegetables and meat and bread,” Fulmer said. “I said: ‘Man, this looks good. We should do this in Marietta.’ ”
It took a few years to realize that dream. But the Marietta market now features 30 farmers and 30 other vendors, and it attracts huge crowds Saturday mornings from April through November.
“At the beginning of the season, we’ll have about 1,500 people every week,” Fulmer said. “In June, July, August, during what I call the high tomato time, we have about 2,500.”
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said he sees the increasing number of farmers markets across the state as such a positive trend his department has been offering advice and assistance to new farmers markets. It will soon offer a training course to help operators.
“The markets provide opportunities for farmers as well as consumers,” Black said. ”They are good for farmers who will not have to go as far to sell their crops; they are good for consumers who want locally grown fruits and vegetables and other agricultural products. This is a win-win situation.”
Last fall, Tucker Berta helped open Midtown Market, one of Atlanta’s newest farmers markets. Situated in the shadow of the 999 Building near Peachtree and 10th streets, its urban location and Wednesday evening time slot have attracted a young crowd that hangs out for the “farmers happy hour” at the Empire State South restaurant next door.
“In our first season, the desire for a midweek market in this area was confirmed by the number of regulars we established in a few short weeks,” said Berta, who is director of communications for the Midtown Alliance. “We're looking forward to bringing back great farmers and also grab-and-go items from local barbecue and bread to ice cream.”
Paige Witherington, the farm manager at the eco-friendly Serenbe community south of Atlanta, helps run Serenbe Farmers and Artists Market, where she sees both sides of the farmers and farmers market equation.
“There are so many benefits to shopping at a nearby farmers market and eating local food,” Witherington said. “Aside from supporting the local economy and being environmentally conscious, there’s a noticeable difference in the flavor and variety of produce that you just can’t get at the supermarket. Plus, it's a really fun experience to get outside, explore new foods and meet the farmers that grow the food.”
Here are glimpses of some of the metro farmers markets opening in the coming weeks:
Alpharetta Farmers Market -- Located near Main Street in historic downtown Alpharetta, the market is open to farmers, gardeners and makers of edible goodies, giving it the feel of a country fair. In addition to produce, you’re likely to find preserves, pickles, pies and boiled peanuts. Opens April 16, 9 a.m. -- 2 p.m.; ongoing, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays in the parking lot next to City Hall on Main Street (Ga. 9), Alpharetta, apharettafarmersmarket.com.
Atlanta State Farmers Market -- Pick up a map at the visitors center to find your way around this sprawling 24-hour wholesale and retail complex in Forest Park. Look for stalls featuring local and Georgia-grown produce, including Vidalia onions. Oakwood Cafe has a hearty breakfast and meat-and-three fare, and Taco Rancho offers solid Mexican cooking. Open 24 hours daily, but 7 a.m.-3 p.m. is best for shopping, 16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, www.atlantaproducedealers.org.
Dunwoody Green Market -- Only vendors who make or grow what they sell are invited to participate at this “producer only” organic market, where the emphasis is on seasonal vegetables and fruit, local honey, free-range eggs, cured meats and quality prepared foods. Opens April 13, 8 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, 1551 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody, dunwoodygreenmarket.com.
Green Market for Piedmont Park -- A market that resembles a street fair in the midst of the greenery of Piedmont Park, with live music, craft vendors and a solid group of farm stands. Grab some cheese, cured meats and a baguette and have an impromptu picnic. Chef demos have featured the likes of “Top Chef” contestant Richard Blais. Opens May 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, 12th Street and Piedmont Road entrance to Piedmont Park, Atlanta, piedmontpark.org/programs/green_market.html.
Marietta Square Farmers Market -- From a kid’s lemonade stand and King of Pops popsicles to all kinds of produce, garden plants, cheese and freshly baked bread, this market on North Park Square has a little something for everyone. The shops and restaurants around the historic square are a bonus. Opens April 2, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Marietta Square at Church Street, Marietta, mariettasquarefarmersmarket.net.
Midtown Market -- One of metro Atlanta’s newest markets is nestled among the buildings of Midtown and takes place in the evening, giving it a sophisticated urban aura. But there’s plenty of local and organic produce and gourmet goods, plus the seasonal Southern cooking at the adjacent Empire State South restaurant. Opens April 13, 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays, 999 Peachtree Plaza (Peachtree and 10th Streets),
Morningside Farmers Market -- Strictly organic produce and a foodie vibe give this pioneering market a serious air. Devotees come early and often in search of things that show up on the menus of seasonally driven restaurants throughout town. Neighbors and farmers gather across the street at Alon’s bakery for an informal coffee klatch. Open year-round, 8-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, 1393 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, morningsidemarket.com.
Peachtree Road Farmers Market -- There’s the old-fashioned feel of a church bazaar at this Cathedral of St. Philip gathering of farmers, vendors and artists. Look for H&F Bread Co., Moto Bene Pizza, Pine Street Market and Sweet Savannah Shrimp, plus star chefs such as Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene. Opens April 9, 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com.
Serenbe Farmers and Artists Market -- Produce from small local and sustainable growers, including the Farm at Serenbe, as well as artisans and educational events on a village green. Serenbe’s quaint retail shops, restaurants and art galleries make for a fun day-trip getaway. Opens May 7, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Serenbe Lane and Serenbe Way, Chattahoochee Hills, serenbefarms.com.
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