One of my favorite pastimes is taking Saturday trips to the farmer’s market. My sister-in-law and I have ventured to multiple markets in the area, scoping out the best produce, baked goods, cheeses, milks, you name it. My three year old enjoys the trips as well, especially when he gets freshly made popsicles and chocolate milk. I’m a big believer in shopping local, not only to support our economy, but also for the benefits of super fresh foods. If you haven’t been, you can score all types of delicious items, often at a much lower price than the supermarket. My last visit to the market yielded three large bags of goodies, including ready made foods all for less than $40. If you haven’t been or want to check out some other markets, here’s a roundup of farmer’s markets around our area.
New Orleans
Crescent City Farmer’s Market :: My favs here are the chocolate milk from Rockin’ R Dairy, homemade tamales (only a $1!), and the fresh baked goods. We just recently even picked up a gluten free bread here. The market has hours on Tuesdays (Uptown), Wednesdays (French Quarter), Thursdays (Mid-City), and Saturdays (Downtown). Arrive early on Saturdays, as the best picks go quick!
Holly Grove Market :: This market has hours 7 days a week and even offers home delivery to certain areas. The best deal is the weekly box, offering a variety of local produce for only $25. Their website offers recipes for the items in the box each week, ensuring you can really use what you get. The Kid’s Club is every Saturday from 10-11 am, and kids aged 3-12 can garden, feed chickens, and learn about harvesting local produce.
Sankofa Farmer’s Market :: This mobile market services the 9th Ward on Tuesdays and Sundays, offering locally grown produce from the garden at St. Claude court as well various local farmers.
Westbank
Gretna Farmer’s Market :: This market is a favorite for Westbankers, conveniently located in Old Gretna on Huey P. Long Avenue. They offer produce year round, fresh herbs, crafts, cooked brisket and boudin, along with fun activities for kids as well as live music. They also offer an art walk every second Saturday of the month. The market is under large covered pavilion, so it takes place rain or shine.
Westwego Farmer’s Market :: Every 1st Saturday of the month, they offer produce, seafood, farm eggs, prepared BBQ, desserts and art.
Northshore
Mandeville Trailhead Market :: This market is open every Saturday from 9am-1pm. They offer locally grown produce, fresh made breads, yard eggs, prepared foods, and a large variety of crafts and handmade products with live music each Saturday at 10:30am.
Covington Farmer’s Market :: You can visit this market at the Covington Trailhead on Wednesdays and at City Hall on Saturdays. They have live music, locally grown produce, dairy products, herbs, seafood, grass fed beef, baked goods, and a large selection of prepared foods. Saturdays also offers samples from a local chef. They are open rain or shine.
Abita Springs Farmer’s Market :: Open on Sundays from noon to 4pm, they have fresh produce, baked goods, poultry and more.
Camellia City Farmer’s Market :: Slidell’s first true farmer’s market is open every Saturday in historic Old Towne. They offer fresh produce, baked goods, art, jewelry, and even beignets.
St. Charles Parish
German Coast Farmer’s Market :: Serving St. Charles Parish, they are open Wednesdays at the St. Charles Plaza Shopping Center in Luling and Saturdays at Ormond Plantation in Destrehan. They offer local produce, meats, seafood, prepared foods, wine, and homemade soaps. You can read more about this market in Andie’s post, Makin’ Groceries at the Farmer’s Market.
Kenner
Rivertown Farmer’s Market :: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, they offer local produce, honey, seafood, bakery items, and a special event each week.
