It’s Spring, so farmers markets are blooming everywhere. If you happen to be in the city, don’t worry. Fresh home-grown produce is coming right to your neighborhood.
Bring along a mask and hand sanitizer just in case. Note that many markets have gone to a token system in order to accept debit, credit and SNAP/EBT. Just go to the token booth when you first get there. Cash is still always welcome in many places. Good dogs are welcome on leashes at some places, but check before you go, to see if it’s OK.
Fair warning before you proceed: this information was current as of April, 2022, but we strongly recommend checking the individual market’s website for current information, before you go.
Why wait for the weekend? Stop by Fresh MARTA Markets at various MARTA stations on the way home Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 3pm-7pm.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture list of community farmers markets covers the state. If you are taking a day trip, you might consult the website to see what’s going on at nearby destinations.
Farmers Market fever has hit just about every town in metro Atlanta. Acworth, Snellville, Norcross, Alpharetta, Roswell and Smyrna have had annual markets for years, for example. There are some exceptionally unusual ones:
Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture Freedom Farmers Market at Carter Center at 324 Lawton Street is a farm in the heart of downtown Atlanta. There are occasional festivals, but most of the time, they sell their produce at the Carter Center.
Prefer pickup? The Alegre Farm Market Online in Dacula takes orders of nutrient dense, organically grown foods on Wednesdays, for pickups through the rest of the week.
The true mother of them all is the Atlanta State Farmers Market at 16 Forest Parkway in Forest Park. At about 150 acres, it is one of the largest farmers markets in the world, and has been around since 1941. Truckloads of fresh, locally grown foods! Today it is a preserved historical site and still running.
A lot of local publishers have their lists of top community farmers markets. Those with rave reviews across the board are:
Serenbe Farmers Market, Serenbe Farms, Chattahoochee Hills. Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Emphasis on all natural, healthy foods.
Grant Park Farmers Market, 1015 Grant Street, Sundays 9am-1pm. Local vendors, produce, staples, lunch, music, breads, jams, coffee and pastries. Dog-friendly.
Ponce City Farmers Market under the trestle at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur. Wednesdays 4pm-8pm through October. Urban farmers, artisanal foods, chef demos. Paid parking.
Green Market at Piedmont Park, 1320 Monroe Drive, Atlanta. Deck parking. Saturdays 9am-1pm through December. Friendly dogs on short leashes welcome. Local farmers, shopping, lunch. A beautiful park experience for the family.
Peachtree Road Farmers Market, Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta. Saturdays 8:30am-noon through December. Natural, organic, family-friendly. Check the website for cooking and freezer storage tips.
Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center, 453 Freedom Parkway NE, Atlanta. Saturdays, 8:30am-noon year-round. Dairy products, coffee, baked goods, hot meals, live music during warm weather, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fun for the kids. Next to the Freedom Trail.
East Atlanta Village Farmers Market, 572 Stokeswood Avenue, Atlanta. Thursdays 4pm-8pm through August. Voted Best Outdoor Farmers Market by Creative Loafing Magazine for five years. Free parking. Farmers and artisans, fresh bread, eggs and veggies, chef demonstrations, plus ready dinners.
Marietta Square Farmers Market on the square in Marietta at 41 Mill Street. Saturdays 9am-noon year-round. Over 50 vendors. A lot of southern favorites. Get your heirloom tomatoes, squash and beans here. Family-friendly.
Visit a nearby farmers market to help support local growers and crafters. Happy summer!