There’s a lot to find at farmers markets throughout the southern states of Mississippi River Country, from fresh-caught seafood from the Gulf of Mexico to signature hot sauces from local producers. Here’s a closer look at four markets you shouldn’t miss.
Tennessee: Nashville Farmers Market
Nashville’s farmers market has served Tennesseeans for more than 200 years and is located in the heart of the city’s downtown (adjacent to the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Mall State Park). The year-round market, which is open daily, is home to dozens of vendors, as well as the indoor Market House, featuring 20 locally owned shops and restaurants offering a wide variety of world cuisine. The Nashville Farmers Market also operates two neighborhood markets on Tuesdays: the Vanderbilt Farmers Market and the Azafran Park Farmers Market.
Arkansas: Fayetteville Farmers Market
Head to the Ozark Mountains of northwestern Arkansas to find this farmers market, which offers up locally produced fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, meats, baked goods and more in Fayetteville’s downtown square every Saturday starting in April. Operating since 1973, the Fayetteville Farmers Market has more than 75 vendors selling all the fresh food, gifts and homegoods you could want.
Mississippi: Mississippi Farmers Market
Discover the bounty of Mississippi’s agricultural producers—from bok choy to peaches—at this market in the state capital of Jackson. Held at an all-weather, 18,000-square-foot building near the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, the Mississippi Farmers Market runs from 8am to 1pm every Saturday. The market also hosts cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, demonstrations from local craftspeople and artisans and kids’ activities.
Louisiana: Crescent City Farmers Market
This producer-only farmers market in New Orleans connects shoppers with farmers, bakers, ranchers, dairies and more, all within a four-hour drive of the city. Crescent City Farmers Market operates seven weekly markets (most operate all year long) in the New Orleans area, including the popular downtown market on Saturdays. These markets are a great place to find local delicacies from the Pelican State, including fresh-caught seafood, locally grown produce and pasture-raised meat.
