Farmers’ markets. I just love them. They make me happy, they remind me of my childhood days shopping for produce with my mom at Rome’s open-air markets, and they make my kitchen bright with beautifully rich seasonal colors. And thanks to the diverse produce finds, my cooking varies greatly too when the farmers’ market is open. The coolest part though is being able to teach my children about where our food comes from, and the ways in which we can contribute to healthy and responsible eating and shopping.
When I found out we were moving to Knoxville, one of the first things I looked into was whether this great city of ours hosted local farmers and I was so, so happy to see that there were several I could shop during the months of mid-April through November.
Look at those colors! Aren’t they just beautiful?
My favorite, and the one we visit most frequently, is the Market Square Farmers’ Market. It’s fun to wander around downtown on a Saturday morning, checking out the fresh East Tennessee regional produce and handmade crafts, enjoying food truck yumminess, and letting the kids explore Krutch Park. My little ones love to splash around in the Market Square fountain too. It’s pure bliss for them and their happiness puts smiles on our faces.
Here’s the 411 on some farmers’ markets in and around Knoxville {updated for 2015}:
Market Square Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays from 11am to 2pm and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm in Market Square
Duration: May 2 through November 21
East Tennessee Farmers Association for Retail Marketing Farmers’ Markets (3 locations)
Tuesdays from 3-6pm at Ebenezer United Methodist Church; Wednesdays from 3-6pm and Saturdays from 8am to noon in Oak Ridge at the Historic Jackson Square; and Fridays from 3-6pm at Lakeshore Park
Duration: mid-April through late November
UT Farmers Market
Wednesdays from 4-7pm at the UT Gardens on Neyland Drive
Duration: May 13 through October 21
New Harvest Park Farmers Market
Thursdays from 3 to 6pm at 4700 New Harvest Park Lane
Duration: April 9 through November (exact date not given)
Dixie Lee Farmers Market
Saturdays from 9am to noon at 12740 Kingston Pike
Duration: May 2 through October 31
Lenoir City Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 9am to noon on the sidewalks along the South side of Broadway (between the First National Bank Gazebo and Roane State)
Duration: July only
Maryville Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30pm (or until sellout) at the New Providence Presbyterian Church and Saturdays from 9am to noon (or until sellout) on Church Avenue, near the CBBC Bank
Duration: June through August
Do you enjoy going to a farmers’ market? Which is your favorite? And please let us know if we should add some to the list!
What a fantastic resource! The kids and I love going to Farmer’s Markets!
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