Nashville Farmers' Market

The Nashville Farmers’ Market is a fantastic spot to soak up the lively atmosphere and savor fresh produce right in the heart of Music City. Nestled downtown, this market is open all year and offers a delightful mix of local products, artisanal foods, and international dishes. Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or just in search of a unique shopping experience, this market has something for everyone.

History

The Nashville Farmers’ Market has been around since the early 1800s, making it a place rich in history. It originally sat north of Jefferson Street but moved to its current location next to the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Mall State Park in 1995. After the devastating flood in 2010, the market bounced back quickly thanks to the hard work of vendors, merchants, and community volunteers.

How to Get There

You’ll find the market at 900 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, which is super easy to reach by car, public transport, or even on foot. It’s a short walk from the State Capitol, Germantown, Jefferson Street, the Gulch, and First Tennessee Park. If you’re using public transport, hop on the free Music City Circulator, or check out bus routes like No. 42 St. Cecilia / Cumberland, No. 22 Bordeaux, and No. 19 Herman.

Things to See

1. Covered Outdoor Farm Sheds: These sheds are bustling with produce vendors, handmade artisan foods, crafts, international products, apparel, and Nashville-themed goods. The peak season is from April to November, where you can find a wide array of farm-fresh goods like produce, honey, bread, and meats.
2. Market House: Inside, you’ll discover a diverse mix of restaurants serving up global cuisine. From Nashville hot chicken to Greek, Jamaican, Mexican, vegan, and Caribbean delights, there’s something for every palate. Plus, there’s an international market and a store with locally sourced artisan products.
3. Grow Local Kitchen: This spot is an incubator kitchen with rotating pop-up restaurants six days a week, offering a unique dining experience with fresh local ingredients.
4. Special Events: The market hosts several special events throughout the year, including produce-themed festivals with vendor specials, live music, food trucks, and more.

Ticket Information

The market is open year-round, with the farm sheds and market house welcoming visitors from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Keep in mind that individual vendor, store, and restaurant hours might vary. There’s no entry fee, but you can buy walking tour maps for $5 at the Nashville Civic Design Center, which include tours of the downtown area and the Farmers’ Market.

Tips for Visiting

1. Parking: You can park for free for two hours on-site at the market and in the shared Tennessee State Museum lots along Rosa L. Parks Boulevard. There’s also free 30-minute parking in designated zones. On weekends, free parking is available in all state government lots just a five-minute walk away.
2. Accessibility: The market is wheelchair accessible from all entrances and exits, with elevator access to the second-floor meeting room and office.
3. Seasonal Variations: The outdoor farm sheds have different hours depending on the season. From March to October, they’re open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from November to February, they’re open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
4. Special Dietary Needs: There are plenty of options for different dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and locally sourced products. Be sure to check individual vendor hours for specific offerings.
5. Events and Festivals: The market hosts numerous events throughout the year. Check their website’s event calendar to catch any special festivals or events during your visit.

With this guide, you’re all set to explore the vibrant Nashville Farmers’ Market and enjoy everything it has to offer. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this market is a true gem in Music City.