Farmers Markets: they’ve been around for a while. We all know those guys (the farmers) have been plowing, planting and bringing produce to market for decades. The cool factor, however, is on the upswing. These days it’s all about “knowing your farmer,” an idea riding the tide of the farm-to-table movement currently sweeping the nation.
Say what you want about foodies and their passion, Farmers Markets are a great way to teach your kiddos about food; to let them pick out their own seasonal veggies, fresh pastas, maybe even a treat or two. There’s usually music playing, snacks to sample, awesome hidden gems like handmade salsa, jellies and tamales. A haven for foodies and local business supporters alike, you’d be hard-pressed to find a market vibe—that come one, come all, enjoy this killer food vibe—anywhere but, well….the market.
They are cropping up all over Dallas and in surrounding cities. Most run from spring to fall but a few are year-round. Not all sell organic produce, but in the carbon-footprint scheme of things, it’s far better to buy local non-organic produce than organic produce flown in from Mexico (sorry Trader Joe’s!).
We’ve rounded up the best Dallas has to offer, so get out there, find your local market and enjoy the early morning amongst community members who enjoy the finer foods in life.
photo: via dallas market’s facebook page
Dallas Farmer’s Market
This is the grand-daddy of all the Dallas Farmers Markets. Established in 1941, open year-round, the DFM has undergone major renovations and it’s worth the wait. You’ll find veggies grown in all manners, ranging from conventional to organic, from over 27 local farms at The Shed: Fruits and Veggies. Your taste buds (but maybe not your wallet) will thank you after a visit to The Shed: Farmer’s Market, where offering like fresh cheeses, meats, and pastries will have you wishing you’d planned out that meal menu already.
Look for the grand opening of The Market–slated for Spring 2015—which will bring a foodie vibe to the long-time establishment. Four new restaurants, local specialty eats like Coolhaus ice cream sandos, and tables for people-watching. Basically, a really awesome place to bring your kids, or yourself or your friends.
Dallas Farmers Market
1010 S Pearl Expy
Dallas, Tx 75201
Open year-round: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online: dallasfarmersmarket.org
photo: Good Local Market’s Facebook page
Good Local Markets
This is a grouping of three farmers markets in East Dallas. Originally just the White Rock Local Market, now there is the Lakeside Market, the White Rock Market and the Vickery Meadow Market. This is a good, no, a great thing because these markets are incredible. Featuring local vendors, artisans and musicians, the Good Local Markets are all about bringing together community members in support of local businesses.
Grab fresh eggs from Alpha Omega Acres, or check out the seasonal, organic produce offered by Good Earth Organic Farm. Grab that birthday gift from Dallas Soap Company or outfit your kiddo in digs from The Freckled Chicken. Sign your curious critter up for one of the brand-new food farm programs or find out how you can get involved with the community garden. Another super cool aspect of this organization is the Lone Star Card program—all three locations accept the Lone Star Card—people can utilize their EBT dollars to buy fresh, healthy food within their budget. Good Local Market also organizes events like chili cook-offs and pie contests, too.
Lakeside Market
9150 Garland Road
Dallas, Tx 75218
Open: 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, March – December, 8:00 am – 1 pm
White Rock Market
702 N. Buckner Blvd
Dallas, Tx 75128
Open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month: March – December, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Vickery Meadow Market
5803 E. Northwest
Dallas, Tx 75321
Open vvery Sunday: March – December, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Online: goodlocalmarket.org
Saint Michael’s Farmer’s Market
Perfect for the North Dallas folk, the Saint Michael’s Farmer’s Market offers produce and other food items from vendors all within 150 mile radius of Dallas in order to ensure freshness. Opening up in April, expect to see delicious foods from vendors such as Best Berry Farms and their fantastic organic blueberries, Baugh Farms and Round Rock Honey.
Saint Michael’s Farmers Market
8011 Douglas Avenue at Colgate Road
Dallas, Tx 75225
Open every Saturday: April – Sept, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online: saintmichaelsmarket.com
Uptown Farmers Market at West Village
You won’t have to drag yourself down to the DFM or over to East Dallas after a night on the town anymore. Yup, Uptown just got it’s very own market, and it’s looking good! Grab cheese from Brazos Valley Cheese, organic veggies from Paul Quinn Farm and those amazing popsicles from Steel City Pops.
Uptown Farmers Market
3699 Mckinney Ave
Dallas, Tx 75204
Open every Saturday: March – September, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online: facebook.com/events/uptownfarmersmarket
photo: Collin County Farmers Market’s Facebook page
Collin County Farmers Market
Opening this year in a new Murphy location, the Collin County Farmers Market was founded by President Kari Gates of Spring Creek Organic Farm, and Marketing Manager Scott Merner, a former Frisco Market Manager. Grab bunches of lavender from Purple Ranch Lavender, grab dolmas from Lihoudies Greek Specialties and stock up on seasonal veggies from Spring Creek Organic Farm. This is a Texas only market folks, you’ll find no out-of-state produce in these stalls. Psst…note the later starting time!
Collin County Farmers Market
206 N. Murphy Road
Murphy, Tx 75094
Open Saturdays: April – October, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Online: collincountyfarmersmarket.org
Coppell Farmers Market
Farmers have been reaching their consumers directly since 2003. Now with over 35 vendors, the Coppell Farmers Market boasts an April – November season with a smattering of winter dates thrown in for good measure. We love the prepared foods and the delicious baked goods from Village Baking Co. They have a fantastic web page too, offering up a seasonal produce guide, volunteer opportunities, healthy eating recipes and more. Market managers suggest arriving early, chatting up vendors and bringing a cooler for items like eggs, meat and cheese.
Coppell Farmers Market
768 W. Main St
Coppell, Texas 75019
Open on Saturdays: April – November, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online: coppellfarmersmarket.org
Grand Prairie Farmers Market
Head for Market Square in Grand Prairie for fresh produce, baked goods, artisan gifts, tea and spices. We love the foodie-centric events held here over the markets spring-fall run, including the Crawfish Boil and the Chile Hatch Cook-Off. Want stay a while? The market now offers free wi-fi.
Grand Prairie Farmers Market
120 W. Main Street
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Open on Saturdays: April – December, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online: gptx.org/farmersmarket
McKinney Farmers Market
Held in the charming and historic Chestnut Square, the McKinney Farmers Market is held year round, on Saturdays. Boasting over 30 vendors, including favorites Texas Olive Oil, Baugh Farms, gluten-free options from My-Gluten Free Friend, and tasty treats from Tasty Life Baking Co, it’s worth the drive up to McKinney for a chance to enjoy what’s been voted as the #1 Market in Texas. We love (and know the kids will too!) Dixie’s Store, in which folks can find cold Dr. Peppers for guzzling and ice cream for licking.
McKinney Farmers Market
Corner of Anthony & McDonald
McKinney, TX 75069
Open year-round on Saturdays: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online: chestnutsquare.com/farmersmarket
photo: Gabby Cullen
Rockwall Farmers Market
The Rockwall Farmers Market is a popular community event where fresh produce, salsas, honey and pasta can be found among the 30 vendors who line the historic county square every Saturday. From fresh lemonade to pickled beans, tamales and music, it’s easy to spend an entire morning or afternoon in the downtown district; many who come to browse the stalls make an occasion out the trip.
Rockwall Farmers Market
101 E. Rusk Street
Rockwall TX, 75087
Open Saturdays: May – September, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Online: cityofrockwall.com/farmersmarket
Did we miss your favorite market? Shout about it in the Comments!
—Gabby Cullen
Feature image courtesy Good Local Market’s Facebook page
There is a great market in Richardson by Four Seasons Markets. It is a year around market on Saturday mornings.