Is the local farmers market scene maturing in metro Atlanta? Are shoppers recognizing that putting the words “farmers market” in the name of a big footprint store with produce and products sourced from all over the world is not the same as a “farmers market” where the farmer sets up a booth and sells what was harvested early that morning or late the night before?
Are customers flocking to buy the wares of the baker who comes with tarts fresh from the oven? And standing in line for bouquets of flowers from local fields and cheese made from local goats?
The answer to all these questions appears to be “yes.” The success of local area farmers markets is testimony to the increasing desire of metro Atlanta food shoppers to connect to the people who grow and make the food they eat.
This year brings several new markets to tempt shoppers. The venerable Peachtree Road Farmers Market has created a Wednesday evening market with a focus on fresh produce but also offering a variety of ready-to-eat items that will make for a “no recipe” Wednesday dinner.
Community Farmers Markets is expanding its footprint by adding a market that will open in May in “the Shed” adjacent to Ponce City Market.
They partnered last year with MARTA, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and SWAG (the South West Atlanta Growers Cooperative) to offer an evening market at the West End MARTA station. The success of the pilot offering commuters a chance to shop for fresh produce on their way home has them planning to duplicate the experiment at other MARTA stations this year, though those stations have not been chosen yet.
It’s not just a way to connect the shopper with the farmer, but it’s a way to put healthy food within easy reach of more people.
If you’re not already a fan, check out this list of year-round and seasonal local farmers markets. Meet your farmer. Try a foraged treat like morels or nettles. Talk to the cheese maker about the source of their milk. Enjoy a steamed kimchee bun while you wander the markets eyeing what’s growing and thriving this season.
There’s no better way to appreciate the food you’re eating.
YEAR-ROUND AND SELECTED SEASONAL FARMERS MARKETS
Decatur Farmers Market
308 Clairmont Ave., Decatur
Wednesdays: 3-6 p.m. through March 23; 4-7 p.m. beginning March 30. Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. beginning April 2.
This year-round farmers market changes hours with the season. Market setup is later as the days warm up. This is one of the seven metro Atlanta markets run by Community Farmers Markets. Regular vendors include Antonio’s Pasta, Local Lands and Golda Kombucha.
East Atlanta Village Farmers Market
Opening March 31
561 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta
Thursdays: 4-8 p.m.
2757 East Point St., East Point
Wednesdays: 4-7 p.m.
www.downtowneastpoint.com/eastpointfarmersmarket/
This year-round market is a program of the East Point Main Street Association and the city of East Point, held just one block from the East Point MARTA train station at Fire Station #1. Market partners with Wholesome Wave Georgia to double SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) benefits.
Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center
453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
This market began its third year of operation by opening up year-round. Market always includes a restaurant pop-up, lots of prepared foods and local farmers, and plenty of tables for enjoying a snack.
Fresh MARTA Market
Opening date TBD
680 Lee St. SW., Atlanta
Community Farmers Market should be returning to the West End MARTA station this summer. This is a continuation of a successful pilot project from last year. The markets may expand to three additional stations.
Grant Park Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening April 3
600 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta
Sundays: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Grant Park Farmers Market has developed into a community gathering spot. The market features a kids’ activity booth, celebrity chef demos and dozens of vendors who line the sidewalk offering everything from locally raised vegetables and meat to coffee, pickles, pies, granola and handmade soap.
Green Market at Piedmont Park (seasonal)
Opening March 19
12th Street and Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
www.piedmontpark.org/programs/green_market.html
The Green Market at Piedmont Park appeals to neighbors and to those visiting the park for its other attractions. Weekly chef demos from May through November, seasonal workshops on canning and preserving and tours of Piedmont Park keep shoppers entertained and educated.
Morningside Farmers Market
1393 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta
Saturdays: 8-11:30 a.m.
This all-certified-organic year-round market may be the grandmother of all local farmers markets in the Atlanta area. Now in its 20th year, the produce vendors include Crystal Organic, Elm Street Gardens, Sparta Imperial Mushrooms and Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate.
Peachtree Road Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening April 2 for Saturdays, which are held 8:30 a.m.-noon
Opening April 13 for Wednesdays, which are held 4:30-8 p.m.
2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta
www.peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com
This market makes the claim of being the largest producer-only market in the metro area. Walking the large circle of vendors that sets up in the parking lot of the Cathedral of St. Philip, you’ll probably agree. Everything at the market has been grown, raised or made by the seller. Chef demos with recipes and tastings are offered at 10 a.m. throughout the season.
The new Wednesday evening market will feature some of the Saturday market’s regular vendors but a wider assortment of producers bringing a variety of foods ready to take home for dinner.
Ponce City Farmers Market on the Beltline
Opening May 3
“The Shed” on the Eastside Beltline trail just outside Ponce City Market
Tuesdays: 4-8 p.m.
http://cfmatl.org/pcfmbeltline/
Westside Provisions Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening April 10
1100 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta
Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cobb County
Acworth Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening April 8
4583 Church St., Acworth
Fridays: 8 a.m.-noon (in the Main Street parking lot of Acworth First Baptist Church)
www.acworth.com/farmers-market/
Kennesaw Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening May 2
2820 Cherokee St., Depot Park, Kennesaw
Mondays: 3:30-7 p.m.
www.facebook.com/KennesawFarmersMarket/
Marietta Square Farmers Market (seasonal)
65 Church St., Marietta
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-noon beginning in April
www.mariettasquarefarmersmarket.com/
Located in historic downtown Marietta, this lively market sets up Saturdays all year and Sundays (noon-3 p.m.) May through October.
Gwinnett County
Lilburn Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening June 3 through the end of August
1400 Killian Hill Road, Lilburn (Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church)
Fridays: 4-8 p.m.
Snellville Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening June 4
On the Town Green in front of Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville
Saturdays: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
www.snellvillefarmersmarket.com/
Snellville’s market offers mostly produce that is locally grown as well as meat and eggs from local farms. There are also a small number of craft vendors and booths with homemade baked goods, jellies, jams, preserves and honey.
Suwanee Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening May 7
330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee
Saturdays: 8 a.m.-noon
www.suwanee.com/whatsnew.farmersmarket.php
North Fulton
Downtown Alpharetta Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening April 16
21 Milton Ave., Alpharetta
Saturdays: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Heritage Sandy Springs Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening April 16
6100 Lake Forrest Drive N.E., Sandy Springs
Saturdays: 8:30 a.m.-noon
http://sandyspringsfarmersmarket.com/
Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market (seasonal)
Opening April 16
City Hall, 38 Hill St., Roswell
Saturdays: 8 a.m.-noon
Sweet Apple Farmers and Artisans Market
320 Hardscrabble Road, Roswell
Thursdays: 2-6 p.m.
www.facebook.com/FarmersMarketatSweetAppleVillage/
This year-round market offers produce, prepared foods, eggs and more. Maxwell Farms comes with homemade jams, relishes and preserves, and Tribble Farms brings local honey.
DeKalb County
Avondale Estates Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening April 3
22 N. Avondale Road, Avondale Estates
Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
http://avondaleestatesfarmersmarket.org/
OTHER FARMERS MARKETS
Peachtree City Farmers Market
215 Northlake Drive, Peachtree City
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through the end of April; Saturdays and Wednesdays beginning in May
Vendors line the parking lot of this market. There are over two dozen all year around and more than 40 in high season May through September.
Serenbe Farmers and Artists Market (seasonal)
Opening April 23
Selborne Lane, Palmetto
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
https://serenbefarms.com/index.php?p=market
Tucker Farmers Market (seasonal)
Opening April 14
2333 Main St., Tucker
Thursdays: 4-8 p.m.
http://tuckerfarmersmarket.com/
Woodstock Farm Fresh Market (seasonal)
Opening May 7
Market Street in downtown Woodstock
Saturdays: 8:30 a.m.-noon
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