The weather is slowly getting cooler here in the South, making it a great time to visit the south’s best markets for farm-fresh produce and artisan crafts. As an area with an agricultural history, it makes sense that farmers’ markets would thrive in the region. So here are our picks for the South’s best markets.
The Best Farmers Markets in the South
Municipal Market, Atlanta
The folks at the Municipal Curb Market in Atlanta are lucky enough to have a full-time building so they can sell their products rain or shine. The market was started in 1923 in the neighborhood that was the childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr.
At this Sweet Auburn market, you’ll find fresh produce, seafood, and hard-to-find cuts of meat like chitterlings. There are also freestanding restaurants like Arepa Mia and Grindhouse Killer Burgers.
Open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm, Sunday 12 to 5 pm, year-round
Nashville Farmer’s Market, Nashville
The Nashville Farmers’ Market in the Music City is another market that combines freestanding restaurants with stalls of fresh produce. The South Farm Sheds feature prepared foods, bakers, and merchants every day of the year. The Market House is home to restaurants, including B&C Market Barbecue, and the Flea Market sells jewelry and other craft items.
Open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm, year-round
Charleston Farmer’s Market, Charleston
For the best of people watching in Charleston, head over to the Charleston Farmer’s Market held in Marion Square every Saturday. There are dozens of farmers bringing their goods, along with artisans, jewelers, and even food trucks. There’s typically live music and activities for the kids. Be sure to try the selections from Charleston Crepe Company, which always has the longest line.
Open Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm, April through November
Red Stick Farmer’s Market, Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge locals love the Red Stick Farmer’s Market, which is found at three locations throughout the week. The producer-only market brings in fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, bread, cheeses, and assorted products like jams, jellies, spice mixes, and the like.
The Saturday markets at Main Street Market also offer cooking demos and prepared food selections. The market changes location seasonally during the week, so see the website for up-to-date information.
Open Saturday 8 am to 12 pm at Main Street Market; Thursday 8 am to 12 pm at 6400 Perkins Road
Crescent City Farmer’s Market, New Orleans
The Crescent City Farmers Market supports the restaurants and local kitchens of New Orleans. The market change locations throughout the city during the week so make it accessible to more people. At each market, you’ll find dairy products, baked goods, meats, vegetables, prepared foods, and even flowers.
Open Tuesday from 9 am to 1 pm Uptown; Thursday 3-7 pm Mid-City; Saturday 8 am to 12 pm Downtown
Greenville State Farmer’s Market, Greenville
Downtown Greenville becomes a bustling market on Saturdays and features prepared foods, produce, and crafts. Spread across two city blocks, there is live music as well. Popular vendors include Nellie T’s, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery, and Bake Room.
Open Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm, May to October
Chattanooga Market, Chattanooga
The Chattanooga Market brings the best of the Chattanooga area to one convenient location. The sprawling market has prepared foods like tacos and barbecue, ingredients like artisan meats and vegetables, fresh flowers, and crafts. There is also live music.
Open Sundays 11 am to 4 pm
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