Where Locals Love to Shop for Fresh, Flavorful, and Festive Finds
There’s no better way to get into Nashville’s local culture than by exploring the city’s thriving farmers markets, where the wealth of fresh produce and handmade crafts provides a colorful glimpse into the community. It’s the real Nashville, where real people show off their goods and bring home the bacon (literally, in some cases).
Read on to get the inside scoop on the best farmers’ markets in Nashville for you.
TL;DR: The 7 Best Farmers Markets in Nashville
- Nashville Farmers Market: A historic staple in downtown Nashville offering a wide range of fresh produce and artisan crafts, making it a vibrant hub of activity and commerce. We also love their botanical garden section and the wide variety of food options in the food hall.
- Richland Park Farmers Market: Located in historic Richland Park, it’s celebrated for its local and organic produce, dairy, and baked goods, supporting local agriculture and small businesses. Some of Nashville’s best restaurants get their start here, including our favorite new Japanese restaurant Kisser.
- East Nashville Farmers Market: A community hotspot in East Nashville known for its authentic Tennessee flavors, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and heirloom varieties.
- 12 South Farmers Market: Set in Sevier Park, it brings together nearly 80 vendors in a lively community event that celebrates Tennessee’s agricultural roots and creativity.
- Wedgewood Houston Farmers Market: Offers a unique variety of local farmers, chefs, bakers, and artisans, celebrated for its artisan goods and specialty foods in a creative community environment.
- Berry Farms Farmers Market: Located in Franklin, TN, outside of Nashville, it emphasizes homegrown and handmade goods in a master-planned community with a small-town vibe.
- Thompson’s Station Farmers Market: Offers a cozy and intimate shopping experience focusing on quality over quantity, including freshly roasted coffee beans, delicious mushrooms, and exceptional seafood.
Why Shopping Local Matters
When you shop at local markets, you’re doing more than just buying groceries or picking up a unique handmade item; you’re supporting the community’s backbone. Each purchase supports the local economy, bolsters small business owners, and reduces environmental impact by reducing transportation and packaging costs. But the benefits extend beyond the tangible.
In a city like Nashville, shopping locally allows you to become part of the community, celebrating diversity, creativity, and resilience. You get to enjoy conversations with the people behind the stalls, understanding the story behind that jar of homemade jam, or the journey of those farm-fresh tomatoes from the soil to your table.
As you wander through Nashville’s farmers markets, remember that every purchase is a small pledge to the community, a step towards preserving the unique charm that makes this city feel like home, whether visiting for the weekend or planting roots for the long haul.
The 7 Best Farmers Markets in Nashville
The Nashville Farmers Market
Location: 900 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208
Open: Year-round
Market House: Daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Outdoor Farm Sheds (December – April): Friday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Outdoor Farm Sheds (May – November): Friday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Nashville Farmers’ Market has been a community staple since the early 1800s. It is situated near landmarks like the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Mall State Park. With its diverse mix of farmers, artisans, and small businesses, the market is a wonderful hub of activity and commerce, offering an immersive experience in Music City.
What to Buy
Visitors can explore various products, from fresh, seasonal produce to artisan crafts. The Market House, outdoor shed, and botanical garden boast a variety of vendors selling everything from locally sourced honey to handmade jewelry, making it a perfect spot for those looking to take a piece of Nashville home. Some of our favorite spots include buying high-quality cuts of meat at Hext Quality Meats (some of the best steaks we have ever had), fresh produce at Smily’s Farm and Hancock Family Farm, unique and tasty Jams at Elderberry Lady, and flavorful infused honey from Tennesee Artisan Honey.
If you are looking for some cool Nashville-inspired clothing made by locals for a good cause, then check out Hug A Farmer, which supports local veteran farmers around Nashville with every purchase. Finally, if you’re hungry, check out the Market House, which is a great place to stop in with a big group for breakfast or lunch. Some of our favorite spots include woodfire pizza from Bella Nashville Pizzeria, hot chicken from Lilly’s Hot Chicken, a hot dog from Picnic Tap, a mouthwater burritos from El Burrito Mexicano, and if you’re looking for a little pick-me-up the coffee at Farm City Coffee can’t be beaten. Make sure to grab a treat from Pink Door Cookie on your way out!
Visitor Tips
Arriving early can help you beat the crowds, especially on weekends. Parking is available but can fill up quickly, so consider alternative transportation or go carless if possible. A local’s tip is if parking is full in front of the market and behind then you park behind the apartment complex adjacent along 9th Ave North and walk.
Richland Park Farmers Market
Location: Richland Park, 4701 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
Open: Year-round
January – March: Saturdays from 10:00 am to noon
April – December: Saturdays from 9:00 am to noon
Located in Nashville’s historic Richland Park, this farmers market brings together over 80 local farmers, bakers, and artisans every Saturday morning. It’s a community-focused market that supports local agriculture and small businesses, making it a vital part of the neighborhood.
What to Buy
From fresh, organic produce to handcrafted cheeses, meats, and baked goods, the Richland Park Farmer’s Market is a true bounty for local food lovers. Start your Saturday morning stroll through the bustling stalls, where you’ll find seasonal fruits and veggies straight from nearby farms like Athena’s Harvest, Bells Bend, and Caney Fork.
For the cheese enthusiast, don’t miss the artisanal offerings from Maid ‘n’ Meadows, SeaQuest Dairy Goats, and Sequatchie Cove Creamery. Their raw milk cheeses, from classic cheddars to tangy gourmet varieties, are simply divine.
Mushroom mavens will delight in the selection from Henosis and Midway Mushrooms, while honey lovers can stock up on wildflower infusions from Honey Child and Tennessee Artisan. And for the seafood aficionado, the market’s got you covered, with sustainably sourced trout, salmon, shrimp, and more from purveyors like Bucksnort Trout Ranch and Southern Ridge Farm.
But the Richland Park market is more than just fresh ingredients. You’ll also find an abundance of locally-made pantry staples – pasta, sauces, spices, and nut butter from artisans like Alfresco, Grandy’s, and Bae’s. And for those days when you just don’t feel like cooking, grab some frozen meals, baked goods, or prepared foods from vendors like Gumbo to Geaux and Radical Rabbit.
Finally, it serves as the start of some of the best Nashville restaurants, including James Beard Finalist Kisser, and our new favorite spot Egg Drip.
Visitor Tips
Take advantage of the free parking on-site and nearby streets. Check social media updates for what’s in season and any special vendors attending that week. Don’t forget to bring your own bags to carry all your finds! They also have a playground for kids, making this a fun and budget-friendly stop on your next Nashville vacation.
East Nashville Farmers Market
Location: 511 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Open: Seasonally
April – October, Tuesdays from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
The East Nashville Farmers Market is a hot spot for the community, offering a place to connect with local farmers and artisans. It’s more than just a market; it’s a gathering spot for residents to enjoy live music, food trucks, and the company of neighbors in a scenic outdoor setting.
What to Buy
This market specializes in authentic Tennessee flavors, offering everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to heirloom varieties you might not find elsewhere. It’s an excellent opportunity for food enthusiasts to explore local cuisine and find ingredients that add a special touch to any dish. For a full list of vendors, click here.
Visitor Tips
Bring your blanket and enjoy the market’s central lawn, where people relax and enjoy live performances. With plenty of free parking available, spending a few hours in East Nashville soaking up the vibrant community atmosphere is easy.
12 South Farmers Market: Where Food and Community Meet
Location: Sevier Park, 3000 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN 37204
Open: Seasonally
May – October, Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Set in picturesque Sevier Park, the 12 South Farmers Market celebrates Tennessee’s agricultural roots and creativity. Nearly 80 vendors offer locally grown produce, meats, dairy, and more against a backdrop of live music and food trucks, making for a lively community event in the popular 12 South community.
What to Buy
The market’s variety is impressive, from fresh flowers and artisan bread to local honey and handcrafted goods. It’s a feast for the senses, and you can’t go wrong with a bite of food or a nice souvenir. If you are bringing the little ones, then check out Kids Cook, which shows kids how to make simple meals with fresh ingredients.
Visitor Tips
This market is not just for shopping; it’s for experiencing. Enjoy the special seasonal events and pop-ups, or bring your dog for a community-centered outing. Follow the market on social media to stay updated on weekly vendors and activities. Make sure to grab a coffee at Frothy Monkey or Portland Brew, and if you get there early, grab some breakfast at Buttermilk Ranch or Five Daughters Bakery.
Wedgewood Houston Farmers Market: Artisans and Eats
Location: The Outfield, 416 Chestnut Street, Nashville, TN 37203
Open: Seasonally
May – December, first Wednesday of the month from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
The Wedgewood Houston Farmers Market brings a unique blend of local farmers, chefs, bakers, and artisans to the forefront of a growing and hip area of town. With its inception driven by the same pioneers behind the East Nashville and Richland Park Farmers Markets, this monthly gathering is a celebration of community and local artisans. If you’re looking for a spot that usually only locals frequent, then this is it.
What to Buy
This market is great for those seeking artisan goods and specialty foods. From whimsical cheesecakes by WHISK to various homegrown produce, the market showcases over 40 vendors. Each visit offers something new, with vendor lists that change significantly every month, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.
Visitor Tips
The market’s location behind Nashville Warehouse Co. provides a scenic backdrop with the iconic guitar-shaped scoreboard. Remember to bring a blanket for a picnic and enjoy the communal green space. Following the market on social media will keep you updated on the rotating list of vendors and special activities. The 2024 vendors will be announced soon!
Berry Farms Farmers Market
Location: 4000 Hughes Crossing, Franklin
Open: Seasonally
May – October, Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle of Music City, one of the best farmers’ markets in Nashville is actually just outside of the city. Berry Farms Farmers Market is located in Franklin, TN, a master-planned community where city accessibility meets a small-town vibe. This market is a huge part of the community’s lifestyle, offering a place where locals and visitors can connect, play, and shop in a family-friendly atmosphere.
What to Buy
The market emphasizes strictly homegrown and handmade goods, featuring everything from fresh produce to homemade crafts. Seasonal schedules are key here, as they dictate the availability of certain items. Local honey is a must-try, so don’t be afraid to buy an extra. While the vendors rotate, some of our favorites include Cedar Rock Farms, Great Escape Coffee, 2 Gringos Parlines, The Cake Project, and the Peach Truck.
Visitor Tips
While the market is a bit of a journey from Nashville, it’s worth the trip for a day of exploration, especially in the fall. Take advantage of the community activities like cornhole and goat yoga, and make sure to peek inside the Berry Farm’s hive. Checking the growing season schedules before your visit will ensure you don’t miss out on what’s best and freshest. If you are down in Franklin, make sure to check out The Factory.
Thompson’s Station Farmers Market
Location: 4683 Columbia Pike, Thompson’s Station
Open: Seasonally
May – October, Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Although smaller in scale, with about 10-15 vendors, the Thompson’s Station Farmers Market offers a cozy and intimate shopping experience. The community comes together mid-week to support local producers and creators, making it a cherished local tradition.
What to Buy
Here, the focus is on quality over quantity. Some premium products include freshly roasted coffee beans, delicious mushrooms, and exceptional seafood. For those with a sweet tooth, homemade jams and bakery items are not to be missed.
Visitor Tips
If the Thompson’s Station Farmers Market holds a special place in your heart, consider picking up a market t-shirt to show your support. Planning your visit to the holiday market in December can also offer a unique festive experience, with the market’s biggest annual event showcasing the best of what the vendors offer. This market is a great addition to seeing holiday lights and shopping.
Planning Your Visit: Making the Most of Nashville’s Farmers Markets
Strolling through Nashville’s farmers markets is a delightful way to spend a day. Getting the most out of the experience takes a little planning.
- Best Times to Go: Mornings are generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed shopping experience and the best selection of goods. However, visiting later can sometimes score you end-of-day deals from vendors.
- Payment Methods: While many vendors now accept credit cards and mobile payments, carrying cash is a good idea, especially for smaller purchases or markets with limited digital payment options.
- Exploring the Markets: Take a moment upon arrival to stroll through the entire market before buying. This short walk lets you see everything on offer, compare prices, and plan your purchases. Don’t hesitate to ask vendors for recommendations or about the origins of their products—it’s a great way to learn and connect.
- Sustainability: Bring your own reusable bags to reduce waste. Some markets also encourage bringing your own containers for berries, eggs, and other produce.
- Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the weather, whether bringing sunscreen and a hat for sunny days or a raincoat for wet weather.
Ready to Explore the Best Farmers’ Markets in Nashville?
As you plan your time in Music City, remember that the city’s farmers markets are treasure troves of local flavor, culture, and community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these markets offer a genuine look at the community.
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, look no further than Nashville Luxury Stay. Visit our Stay with Us section to book luxurious accommodations that promise a comfortable and memorable stay. Plan your visit today and discover the unique charm of Music City’s farmers markets.
