Since sleeping past seven on a Saturday has become a luxury now that we have small kids, why not get a jump on the day by exploring some of Atlanta’s best farmers markets? You’ll find fresh air, bearable temperatures, and who knows? It might be just the trick for getting your littles to love their veggies! Here are our picks for the markets that are the cream of the crop.
Alpharetta Farmers Market
You'll find free parking in the City Center and Milton Avenue parking decks, and at Alpharetta Baptist Church on Old Roswell Street. There’s also easy pedestrian access across Main Street, making it easy to access this market with over 100 vendors, live music, and a small-town vibe.
When to Go: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Sat.
Find It: North and South Broad streets in front of City Center, alongside Town Green
Online: alpharettafarmersmarket.com
Brookhaven Farmers Market
You'll find over 40 vendors—both new and returning—at this year's Brookhaven Farmers Market. Be sure and make a stop at Stroopwafels for a thin caramel and cinnamon waffle.
When to Go: 9 a.m.-noon, every Sat.
Find It: 1375 Fernwood Cir.
Online: brookhavenfarmersmarket.com
Dunwoody Farmers Market
Drink organic coffee, eat a fresh-baked breakfast sandwich, and shop for tonight's dinner—all while watching the kids play nearby at the Dunwoody Farmers Market. Expect to see new vendors from across Georgia, including Watsonia Farms strawberries and produce, Dickey Farms peaches, Java Gensis organic coffee, and a variety of locally grown, pesticide-free produce, meats, eggs, cheeses and baked goods. We are your weekly stop for honey, jams, frozen treats and desserts. Enjoy kids activities, wellness seminars, composting and gardening tips, all while having access to fresh seasonal produce.
When to Go: 9 a.m.-noon, Sat. through Dec.
Find It: Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Rd.
Online: dunwoodyga.org
East Atlanta Village Farmers Market
This market regularly schedules educational programming, and the amount of EBT dollars swiped is matched with an equal amount of tokens for fruits and vegetables for shoppers using EBT. Masks are required, hand sanitizer is available, social distancing is encouraged, and many vendors offer touch-free checkout.
When to Go: 4-8 p.m. Thursdays
Find It: 572 Stokeswood Ave. SE, Atlanta
Online: cfmatl.org/eav
Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center
This year-round staple on Atlanta's farmers market scene is open rain or shine every Saturday of the year. They even stayed open through the coronavirus pandemic, doubling in size just to allow for better social distancing.
When to Go: Open year-round; 8:30 a.m.-noon every Sat.
Find It: Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway, Atlanta
Online: freedomfarmersmkt.org
Grant Park Farmers Market
Go for the produce but leave with a bouquet of flowers and (soon) tie-dye merch. You can also pick up canned and jarred foods from local vendors, and they match EBT dollars with tokens for fruits and veggies.
When to Go: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sun.
Find It: Eventide Brewery, 1015 Grant St. SE, Atlanta
Online: cfmatl.org/grantpark
Green Market at Piedmont Park
The Grand Dame of farmers markets ITP, the Green Market at Piedmont Park is back with new safety protocols, including mask requirements, sanitation stations and distancing requirements that reflect local government and CDC requirements. Find local produce, honey, dairy, meal kits, and more at this weekly festival of fresh. Traditional programming, including live music and demonstrations, are TBD this season, but be on the lookout for an announcement soon.
When to Go: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat., seasonally
Find It: 12th Street and Piedmont Ave. in Piedmont Park
Online: piedmontpark.org/green-market
Halcyon Farmers Market
This younger market, only now in its second year, is nothing to sneeze at. With 40 ventors, locally grown and produced food and wellness items, and free parking, this is definitely worth a look.
When to Go: 4-7 p.m., every Tues.
Find It: 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta
Online: facebook.com/halcyonfarmersmarket
Marietta Square Farmers Market
Taking pandemic precautions seriously, the Marietta Square Sunday market has been suspended, but they're opening an hour early (from 8-9 a.m.) for shoppers with health concerns. You'll find vendors in masks, plenty of hand sanitizer, and no food samples, in addition to the local produce and food you've come to expect from this established market in Historic Marietta Square.
When to Go: 9 a.m.-noon, every Sat.
Find It: 41 Mill St., Marietta
Online: mariettasquarefarmersmarket.com
Peachtree Road Farmers Market
You'll find over 50 vendors at this producer-only market, and all of the farmers are certified organic or certified naturally grown. Live music and a not-to-miss end of season holiday artist markets featuring over 25 local artists make this farmers markets festive.
When to Go: 8:30 a.m.-noon every Sat. through mid-Dec.
Find It: 2744 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta
Online: peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com
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