Best Local Farmers Markets in Columbia, TN

There’s no better way to enjoy the warmer seasons of Columbia than to check out its amazing local community farmers markets. From farm-fresh produce, homemade bread and pastries locally raised meat and eggs, and handmade crafted wares, you are bound to find something you can take home and enjoy. 

The entire family will have fun visiting all the local farmer’s markets in the Columbia area. Children can choose a homemade snack for the ride home and you can select some farm-fresh veggies or fruits in order to create some new recipes for your family. Regardless of where you begin, you will be pleasantly surprised by all that these regional farmers’ markets have to offer. 

Columbia Farmer’s Fresh Market

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Located at Riverwalk Park, Columbia proudly hosts its own local farmers’ market. The Columbia Farmers Fresh Market supports nearby farms by encouraging local vendors to sell a multitude of farm-fresh and handmade goods. From locally grown fruits and vegetables and fresh eggs and herbs, to baked goods, fresh flowers, and locally raised meats, you will find the garden-grown and farm-raised fare to savor and enjoy all summer long. The market is open June through October every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to noon.

Franklin Farmers Market

The Franklin Farmers Market is a non-profit organization that believes in supporting local family farms. These farms remain successful and productive by having a venue to offer their fresh and locally raised goods to the communities in which they work and live. Both the local community and local farmers benefit from the Franklin Farmers Market, and the leaders of this essential non-profit are constantly working to ensure the future of farming in Tennessee.

With over 35 local farms and farmers featured, there is always a wide selection of sustainable fresh food and items. Goods increase and change throughout the seasons. You never know want you may find from week to week. This particular community market believes that if you “grow it, raise it, make it, or bake it,” you are more than welcome to sell your fresh and homemade produce, goods, and items at the market.

Flavorful meats such as wagyu, pork, lamb, and chicken, locally grown herbs picked the same day they’re sold, and farm-fresh goat cheese, are just a few of the tasty and flavorful foods you’ll find at the market. They also feature vendors selling eggs, jams, jellies, preserves, honey, and more. The different farms featured not only include meat and produce farms, but also dairies and creameries, lavender gardens, and berry farms. You will also discover local craftsmen and women selling their unique and beautiful goods.

Franklin Farmers Market is located approximately 30 miles from Columbia at 230 Franklin Road, in Franklin. It is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nolensville Farmers Market

About 40 miles from Columbia, Nolensville Farmers Market proudly offers a wide variety of organic and naturally grown produce, meats, baked goods, and more at the Historic Nolensville School. They also feature vendors selling farm-fresh eggs and handmade crafts. While you’re there, enjoy breakfast or lunch at one of the community food trucks. It truly is a fun-filled experience complete with music in the background and neighbors to greet.

Along with the locally grown and raised goods above, Nolensville Farmers Market is also host to several other artisans and crafters. Enjoy New Orlean’s style pralines, locally harvested honey, fresh-cut flowers, arrangements, and bouquets, homemade hot sauces, hand-poured candles, and fresh-baked bread and pastries just to name a few. Local food trucks offer bagels, coffee, specialty juices, BBQ, and more. 

Nolensville Farmers Market was created due to increased interest in having more local and natural products available closer to the Nolensville area. Dr. Miro Bandalo and several of his patients are responsible for recruiting volunteers and making this dream a reality. 

The farmers market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon.

Bedford County Farmers Market

Located in Shelbyville, about 40 miles from Columbia, the Bedford County Farmers Market is home to several local producers and farmers throughout the area. While products are available based on their growing season, throughout the summer and fall months you are sure to find a wide variety of produce. Tomatoes, radishes, squash, onions, okra, beans, various greens, and a wide selection of peppers are just a few of the vegetables you’ll find. For fruit, look for berries, watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, and more.

You won’t just find amazingly delicious produce at the Bedford County Farmers Market. Come for the local artisan and craftsman that feature baked goods, goat milk soap, different types of lotions, and an assortment of jams and jellies.

The market is open every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Celebration Pavilion under the blue water tower.

Henry Horton Farmers Market

Held on the Henry Horton State Park grounds, the Henry Horton Farmers Market begins in May and runs until the first week of November. They characterize themselves as a handmade, homemade, homegrown market. The farmers and artisans that sell their foods and wares here grow, raise, or create their own products. 

You will find a large variety of produce including yellow squash, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, cantaloupe, watermelon, and more. You can also walk through the various booths and pick out some locally raised honey, handmade pies, homemade kitchen wares like aprons and towels, goat milk soap, candles, photo prints created by local artists, and so much more.

When you’re done perusing all the market has to offer, stay for a while and enjoy the state park. Take a walk through the hiking trails, enjoy lunch at the picnic tables, or let the kids expend some energy at the playground. 

The market is open at various times throughout the year. During the spring and fall months, it runs from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. In the summer, it is open from 7 a.m. until noon.

These are just a few of the amazing farmer’s markets you will find in Columbia and the surrounding areas. Which one of these markets will you visit first? Are there any of your favorites that we missed? Contact us at Stan McNabb Chevrolet of Columbia and let us know. We’d be happy to add it to our list.