5 Farmers Markets that will Blow your Mind!
Pardon my language, but I’m going to drop the “F” word. Yup, that’s right – Foodie. I’ve got a confession to make: I’m a total foodie. You heard it here first…Jamie Cox is a total foodie. Whenever I travel I, of course, love to get a taste of the local fare. From eating pigeon at a fancy restaurant (I’m not joking – I’ve done this) to devouring loaded cheese fries at a greasy spoon (are you hungry yet?), I’ve eaten my way through a city or two.
Often though, I like to go beyond restaurants. Having grown up on a beef farm, I always like to know where my food comes from. I like to know where the chefs are getting all these delicious ingredients that make my meal really sing. Enter Farmers Markets.
For those of you that haven’t noticed, Franklin and Williamson County are surrounded by farmland, which in turn means that we have some of the best Farmers Markets in the area! I’ve been fortunate enough to take a lunch (or breakfast!) break at some of them, so here are my favorites – from one foodie to another.
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Ready? Let’s begin…
Franklin Farmers Market
Saturdays 8AM-1PM
The Franklin Farmers Market has become a Saturday staple for visitors and locals alike! The market, which is year-round, is a true Tennessee market – meaning everything you see is grown or made in Tennessee. From produce, fruit, and dairy to baked goods and delicious meats, you’ll find truly fresh food made right here in Tennessee. Each week and throughout the seasons, the offerings at the Farmers Market change. I always love stopping by and saying hi to the fine folks that run Bloomsbury Farm. Their leafy greens and produce change throughout the season, but one thing is always sure: these greens know how to pose for a photo!
Westhaven Farmers Market
Wednesdays 3-7PM
The Westhaven Farmers Market is the perfect hump day treat! The market takes place on Wednesdays from May – November and just a short drive from Downtown Franklin along Highway 96. Each Wednesday from 3-7 p.m., visitors can get goodies from farms like Running Hog Farm, Virgin Bay Seafood Co., and more. Oh, and have you smelled the Lavender Tea soap from Nature’s Wonder Goat Milk Soap? If not, you are totally missing out and need to go to the Westhaven Farmers Market immediately!
Berry Farms Farmers Market
Tuesdays 4-7PM
Have you ever had zucchini bread that was so good you were never able to forget about it? I have, and I found it at the Berry Farms Farmers Market. Stop by the market for a quick pre-dinner snack on your way to Soulshine Pizza (and complete the trip with a stop at Whit’s Frozen Custard). The market returns for 2017 and kicks off next Tuesday, May 16.
Nolensville Farmers Market
Saturdays 8AM-12PM
Nolensville Farmers Market is on the rise! Each Saturday between May and October, the market opens with about 30 vendors serving everything from gelato to potato donuts (be still my heart). The market takes place in the Historic Nolensville School, so you can get a side of history to complement your culinary experience!
Thompson’s Station Farmers Market
Wednesdays 10AM-2PM
During the summers, the Thompson’s Station Farmers Market becomes one of my favorite lunch spots. Each Wednesday between May and August, I take the scenic drive to Thompson’s Station for an afternoon of delicious food and great company! The market takes place at Homestead Manor, where there is a farm onsite. Vendors are serving all sorts of deliciousness – like tamales, berries, meats, cheeses, and sweets! Oh, and did I mention the market also features live music?
Bonus: The Sunday Market
May 14, September 10, October 8, December 3
The Sunday Market isn’t technically a Farmers Market, but this market is super unique to Williamson County! The Sunday Market highlights local mission-driven makers and artisans. Visitors can shop vendors like Amelia’s flower truck to Branded Collective in a Farmers Market setting (in fact, the entire event takes place at The Shed – home to the Franklin Farmers Market.)