One of the many benefits of the arrival of spring is the re-opening of local farmers markets. With fresh produce, flowers, locally made goods and a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, we are excited to rediscover these local gems each year. Each of these Nashville farmers markets has defining characteristics, such as live music, great restaurants, special selections and specialty vendors. We have taken on the task of breaking down each farmers market around town — for both Davidson and Williamson counties — and gathering pertinent information, including hours and locations.
Early May through mid-June are the best time for strawberries, and Nashville farmers markets have the best selection! Image: 12 South Farmers Market
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Nashville Farmers Market
900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Merchant hours vary.)
Open: year round (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)
More info: nashvillefarmersmarket.org
Not only does the Nashville Farmers Market (NFM) feature the fine products of area farmers, ranchers, dairies, cheesemakers and plant growers year round, it also has a Market House with 16 restaurants and shops. Inside the market, you will find favorites such as International Market, Music City Crepes, Bella Nashville and Batch Nashville. Additionally, the Craft and Flea Shed welcomes dozens of merchants every Friday, Saturday and Sunday to sell their handcrafted items, foods, international goods and more. And if you need another reason to visit NFM, stop by for any of their great events, such as culinary classes with Grow Local Kitchen, education workshops, Chefs at the Market series and Night Market.
Green Door Gourmet
7011 River Road Pike, Nashville, TN, 37209
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8:30 pm; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Open: year round
More info: styleblueprint.com/nashville/guide/green-door-gourmet
Okay, Green Door Gourmet is actually only open 6 days a week and is not your traditional farmers market. But, it is one worth highlighting. Their on-farm market resembles a general store and is stocked full with produce, meats, eggs, honey and so much more. Green Door Gourmet is the only USDA organic farm in Nashville and they strive to bring you fresh, local and regional products every day (or at least Tuesday through Sunday). Vendors include Hummus Chick, Trubee Honey, Little Seed Farm, Noble Springs Dairy, Olive & Sinclair, KLD Farm and many more. Stop by to peruse the selection of artisanal items and fresh produce.
TUESDAYS
12 South Farmers Market
3000 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN 37212 (Sevier Park)
Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Open: Tuesdays, May through October
More info: 12southfarmersmarket.com
Held in historic Sevier Park, 12 South Farmers Market has a variety of visiting and seasonal vendors. You will be able to find produce, meats, dairy, baked goods and specialty items, such as juice, pastas, confections, jams, granola, honey and more. If it is pre-made food you are looking for, head to the food trucks as there are usually a few on site.
WEDNESDAYS
East Nashville Farmers Market
1500 Davidson St., Nashville, TN 37206 (Shelby Park)
Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Open: Wednesdays, May through October
More info: eastnashvillemarket.com
We are glad to hear that East Nashville Farmers Market is re-opening for their eighth year with more than 40 vendors, including farmers, bakers and artisans. It has been fun to see this market’s growth throughout the years and we will continue to make our way back for bread, meat, milk, cheese and more. Stay tuned for news on events, children’s activities, demos and classes.
Thompson’s Station Farmers Market at Homestead Manor
4683 Columbia Pike, Thompson’s Station, TN 37069
Hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Open: Wednesdays, May through July
More info: tsfarmersmarket.org
Produce, honey, meats (including bison), dairy, cow share, jams and jellies, honey, flowers, desserts, jewelry, natural skin products, crafts and more from local Tennessee communities can be found at Thompson’s Station Farmers Market’s, held weekly at The Barn at Homestead Manor. The 30-plus vendor slots are evenly split between artisans and food makers and farmers. “We want you to grow it, raise it, make it or bake it,” Steven Bailey, farm director at Homestead Manor shared during an interview with Spring Hill Fresh. Stop by for a mid-week, mid-day break to shop, grab lunch and experience the setting of Homestead Manor.
THURSDAYS
Farmin’ in the Hall
451 Hogan Road, Nashville, TN 37220 (Crieve Hall United Methodist Church)
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Open: Thursdays, May through August
More info: facebook.com/farmininthehall
Crieve Hall United Methodist Church’s parking lot is transformed into a farmers market each Thursday, May through August. Farmin’ in the Hall offers the usual selection of local fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods and crafts. Market goers can also enjoy live music, dine at food trucks and shop the Parnassus on Wheels bookmobile.
FRIDAYS
Bellevue Farmers Market
684 Colice Jeanne Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37221 (Red Caboose Park)
Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Open: Fridays, May through October
More info: thebellevuefarmersmarket.com
Back for its fourth season, the Bellevue Farmers Market is held at Red Caboose Park (formerly held in the parking lot of the Bellevue United Methodist Church). As a resource for locally grown food, the market continues to grow and subsequently, so does the selection of cheese, honey, breads, baked goods, meats, jams, jellies and soaps.
Hip Donelson Farmers Market
Two Rivers Mansion: 1678, 3130 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Open: Fridays, May through October
More info: donelsonfarmersmarket.org
The area coined “Hip Donelson” — just across the Stones River Greenway from East Nashville — has experienced tremendous growth recently, and nothing celebrates this thriving community quite like the weekly farmers market. On Fridays from May through October, the HipD Farmers Market kicks off the weekend with produce and artisan products from vendors, all from within 150 miles of Donelson. Guests also can enjoy food trucks and booths from local restaurants while listing to great live music.
Parking can get a bit tricky. Your best bet is to park at the Music City Star Station and take the free shuttle!
North Nashville Farmers Market
Hours: 4 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Open: Fridays, May through October
More info: facebook.com/NorthNashvilleFarmersMarket
Local producers, artisans, food vendors and musicians make their way to the North Nashville Farmers Market every Friday from May through October. Kicking off at 4 p.m. and running until 7 p.m., the market is a great way to start your weekend!
SATURDAYS
Farmers Market at The Crossings
5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy., Antioch, TN 37013
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Open: Saturdays, May through October
More info: crossingsfarmersmarket.com
In Antioch, folks gather at Farmers Market at the Crossings for fresh, local produce and artisan crafts that are all handmade or homegrown in the Middle Tennessee area. The market’s mission to bring the community together is achieved as folks come for the food, live music, chef demonstrations, health and wellness workshops and additional activities.
Franklin Farmers Market
230 Franklin Road, Franklin TN 37064 (behind The Factory at Franklin)
Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (May through October); 8 a.m. to Noon (November through December); 9 a.m. to Noon (January through April)
Open: Saturdays, year-round
More info: franklinfarmersmarket.com
Due to high demand from loyal customers, this farmers market began offering a year-round marketplace that supports local farmers and sellers. The farmers travel from Thompson’s Station, Summertown, Woodbury, Watertown, Eagleville and just about everywhere in between for the Franklin Farmers Market. Additionally, food and drink vendors offer delicious treats to keep you fueled as you shop the farmers’ selections and artisans’ goods.
Nolensville Farmers Market
7248 Nolensville Road, Nolensville, TN 37135 (Historic Nolensville School)
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: Saturdays, May through October
More info: nolensvillefarmersmarket.com
Organic and naturally grown produce, varieties of meat, baked goods, farm fresh eggs, crafts, live music and food trucks can all be found at the Nolensville Farmers Market (held at the Historic Nolensville School). This year, the farmers market is hosting its first-ever Food Truck Festival on Friday, May 20 — an event you do not want to miss!
Richland Park Farmers Market
4711 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 (Richland Park)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, May through December; 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, January through April
More info: richlandparkfarmersmarket.com
Farm-fresh produce, eggs, milk, cheeses, flowers, seasonal fruits and berries, breads, granola, herbs and spices and so much more come to Richland Park every Saturday morning to serve the Sylvan Park, Nations and West Nashville communities. Find familiar faces, such as Green Door Gourmet, Juice Nashville and Noble Spring’s Dairy alongside some newbies who are sure to wow us with their selection at Richland Park Farmers Market.
Embrace your Nashville farmers markets, and you’ll get the best flavors of the season!
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