Spring is a great time to live in Knoxville: cherry blossoms in bloom, the Vols’ Orange & White game, the Opera’s Rossini Festival and Italian Street Fair, and the Dogwood Arts Festival… to name a few.
But an equally important reason to love spring in our fair town is the plethora of farmers markets.
For decades, local farmers, cheese makers, ranchers, gardeners and artisans have organized to bring fresh and local goods to Knoxvillians. Frequenting farmers markets is an easy, affordable way to incorporate local produce into your diet (check out “Slow Food Knoxville” for more info and benefits to eating local food) and a great way to support local businesses.
Bonus tip: Are you a farmer, craftsmen or artist? Many of these markets are still looking for vendors – click on the links below for guidelines, rates and applications.
So here’s my rundown of the farmers market near you (note: all sell fruits and veggies, but I list unique features, when possible):
Dixie Lee Farmers Market
12740 Kingston Pike
April 30 – October 29th (Sat 9am-12pm)
Features: grass-fed meats, cheeses, baked goods, honey, plants and flowers.
Knoxville FARM
3457 Kingston Pike (Laurel Church of Christ)
April 15 – November (Tues & Fri 3-6pm)
Features: baked goods, grass-fed meat, eggs and cheese.
University of Tennessee Farmers Market
UT Gardens on Neyland Drive
May 16 – October (Weds 4-7pm)
Features: local entertainment and educational health information.
Market Square Farmers Market
Between Wall Ave. and Union St.
May 7 – November 19 (Weds 11am-2pm & Sat 9am-2pm)
features: free-range meat, baked goods, salsa, coffee, crafts, local food vendors and entertainment. Free parking is available in the Market Square, Locust St. and State St. Garages, and at meters, on Saturdays. Parking is $1 per hour on Wednesdays in all three garages.
New Harvest Park Farmers Market
4700 New Harvest Park Lane
April – November (Thurs 3-6pm)
Features: flowers, meats and plants.
What’d I miss? Which farmers market is your favorite and why? Leave comments below or shoot me an email at lauraebraden@gmail.com.
Comments 1
Has anyone heard any information regarding the open air market that is supposed to be in the Turkey Creek area? I had seen billboards advertising that it would be up this Spring. I think it is supposed to be comparitive to the open air market in Chattanooga.