The Market Square Farmers Market
The Market Square Farmer’s Market
Market Square (Downtown Knoxville)
Saturdays (May 2-Nov 21) 9am-2pm
Wednesdays (May 6-Nov 18) 11am-2pm
If you are into fresh, locally-grown organic produce, handmade arts and crafts, and delicious homemade treats, then the Market Square Farmers’ Market is the place for you. And if your not into it…then you need to drop by anyway and find out what you’ve been missing out on!
I discovered this gem of the city back in the summer and have been a (semi-)faithful shopper for nearly every week since then. I’m not going to list every single vendor, but just a few of my favorites. If you have a favorite, then please comment and share your experiences.
- VG’s Bakery: An absolute MUST-visit vendor. They sell the most delictable breads, cookies and pastries. They always use seasonal ingredients, so the fruits used in the pastries and veggies in their foccacias will change from week to week, depending on what they can get their hands on in bulk. Their English toasting bread is to die for….especially toasted and drizzled with raw wildflower honey from Strange Farms (see below). Also in the bread department, they carry an excellent multigrain loaf that’s loaded with tons of whole-grain-nutty goodness and foccacia in various ever-changing varieties (the roasted red pepper is one of my faves). If you’re looking for something sweet, they have muffins, scones, danishes and cookies that just melt in your mouth…and are also in an ever-changing seasonal variety.
- Colvin Family Farm: They don’t have a huge selection of produce, but what they have is always good. And the prevalant cheerfulness and knowledge of the fresh-faced farm boy of the Colvin family that usually runs the stand makes the experience always pleasant. Their yellow squash was some of the sweetest and tenderest I’ve ever eaten. I think I bought half of his harvest over the summer.
- Strange’s Honey Farm: Home to some of the most delicious honey I’ve ever tasted…and where I learned of the wonderful properties of bee pollen. Their raw wildflower honey is oh-so-tasty and with a differnt sort of flavor than your average store-bought clover….almost like the vintage wine of honey.
- Photofusion: Not food, but a wide selection of lovely glass tile jewelry at reasonable prices. Vicky is a charming girl who does a wonderful job at what she does and can make a necklace out of just about any picture you can submit. Make sure to get on her mailing list to get coupons and updates.
I just realized I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Farmers’ Market is worth going to just for the sheer energy of the place. It’s a lively time to be had even if you don’t buy a single thing (but there’s no way you’ll leave empty-handed) with the music of various street musicians wafting through the Square along with the aromas of fresh coffee and baked goods, and the wide variety of people (and animals) you’ll encounter.
