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1st Lake’s Guide to Great Farmers Markets

Farmers markets have been part of the Louisiana way of life for centuries. All across the state, these markets feature a wide array of seasonal produce, flowers, local delicacies, and arts & crafts.

Autumn is a great time of year to check out the farmers markets in your area. The weather is lovely, and there is a strong sense of community surrounding these weekly or monthly gatherings.

Read on for some of our farmers market recommendations.

New Orleans

There are dozens of farmers markets in the New Orleans area, and each one features a variety of items including produce and local arts & crafts. The French Market Farmers Market and the Crescent City Farmers Market have regular hours and are well known throughout the city. 

French Market Farmers Market

This is a historic market that features full-service eateries serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and a variety of fresh produce and seafood. 

Two weekly fresh food farmers markets can be found here: The Wednesday Crescent City Farmers Market and the Artisan Saturday Market.

The Crescent City Farmers Market offers items from local farmers, fishers, and food producers, as well as cooking demonstrations and occasional live music performances.

The Artisan Saturday Market offers handmade arts & crafts including clothing, candles, and many other locally made and carefully selected items. 

Marketplace at Armstrong Park (Thursdays, 3 – 7 p.m.)

This marketplace boasts “produce, crafts, and culture.” Its mission is to help revitalize the local community by increasing access to “fresh, local, and affordable food, and enhance economic viability” for its vendors.

Metry Market at the Park (Wednesdays, 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.)

Metry Market at the Park offers family fun in Metairie’s Lafreniere Park, and offers a weekly community event for all ages. Its mission is to “provide a source of fresh fruit, vegetables and local goods to residents, highlight more of what Metairie, LA can offer to their residents and encourage residents to get in the habit of buying local goods.”

This market also features artisans from all across Louisiana selling handmade jewelry, crafts, and more. 

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is also a great place to find locally sourced produce and other goods, and there are two major markets you should definitely check out.

Main Street Market

Main Street Market is located in downtown Baton Rouge, and features locally owned restaurants and shops inside of a marketplace setting. It is open Monday through Saturday and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as coffee. 

On Saturdays, Main Street combines with the Red Stick Farmers Market to create a community market that offers cooking demonstrations, as well as other standard farmers market fare.

Red Stick Farmers Market (Thursdays & Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Red Stick Farmers Market has been in operation for nearly a decade, and only offers produce that is locally grown. Depending on the time of year, Red Stick operates in up to 7 locations across Baton Rouge, and has over 50 farmers that regularly participate. 

Red Stick offers a fantastic variety of “fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, artisan breads, homemade pies, honey, milk and cheese, native plants, herbs, and specialty food items.” 

Northshore 

For those of you staying in one of our Northshore communities, don’t worry! Both Mandeville and Covington have great farmers markets that aren’t far from your apartment.

Covington Farmers Market (Wednesday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

The Covington Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday morning, and is a community gathering featuring fresh produce, prepared food and music. All produce offered at the market is grown locally, and what’s available will depend on the season.

You’ll also find “jam, jelly, bread, pastries, pies, and candy” as well as a “broad selection of live native, ornamental and culinary plants.”

Mandeville Trailhead Farmer’s Market (Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

Since 2002, the Mandeville Trailhead Farmers Market has brought the local community together to buy local goods and enjoy local entertainment and educational activities. 

The market features over 50 vendors offering “food of all types, wood-crafted items, artwork, pottery, children’s toys and clothing, soaps & lotions, and more.” 

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