Tennessee is full of local farms, and Brentwood families can pick from the very best of them!
We are close to 3 great farmer’s markets in the Nashville area.
Following are my tips for shopping at:
- the Franklin Farmer’s Market at The Factory;
- the Nashville Farmer’s Market downtown;
- and the East Nashville Farmer’s Market.
The easiest way to get fresh produce in Brentwood is a quick trip to the Brentwood Produce Stand, also known as the Brentwood Fruit Stand.
It’s located at Franklin Road and Old Hickory Blvd — 5595 Franklin Pike Circle in Brentwood. (615-309-3388).
But sometimes you want the whole lazy Saturday morning, Farmer’s Market experience, right?
Don’t forget that market basket!
So here’s a guide for shopping at the 3 best Farmer’s Markets in the Nashville area…
From Brentwood, take Franklin Road to The Factory at Franklin, just past Liberty Pike.
It’s open Saturdays from 9am to noon.
Mill around the local farmers’ stands, sample Williamson County’s own Hatcher Family Dairy milk, and listen to the music of the Franklin Square Pickers.
Herbs are available in a greenhouse out back.
We haven’t seen any kid activities this year, but you can tell this is a favorite Franklin family destination.
This is the “big dog” in the local produce scene.
With its permanent open-air building and location at the foot of the Tennessee State Capitol downtown, it makes for great entertainment.
What I love about the Nashville Farmer’s Market:
- Event calendar with chef demonstrations based on what’s in season
- Great buys on bedding plants and perennials
- Vendors bring a wide variety of delicious foods
- Ethnic restaurants and international spices
- Proximity to the kid-friendly Bicentennial Mall fountains
Not so much:
- Flea market vendors that sell a lot of tube socks
- Produce re-sellers that fake you into thinking they grew the food
East Nashville Farmer’s Market
This farmer’s market is a young upstart behind the Turnip Truck at Woodland & 10th (210 S. 10th Street in Nashville).
East Nashville’s biggest plus is its Wednesday night spot: shop from 3:30pm to 6:30pm May through October.
There are a few big-name organic farms like Delvin Farms and Peaceful Pastures, among others.
There’s also Bluegrass music courtesy of the Howling Brothers.
Find recent updates via their Twitter and Facebook pages.
UPDATE: My new favorite resource for shopping farmer’s markets and produce stands is the publication Local Table. Look for a free copy next time you go to market, or read the entire local magazine online.
