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5 Americana Farmers Markets

History comes alive at these venues 

two women browsing fresh fruit and vegetables at a farmers market
Visitors can find fresh produce and unique gifts at farmers markets across the country.
Getty Images
By

Gigi Ragland,

 
AARP
Published July 27, 2023

It’s time to celebrate your local food producers. We’ve located some of the most historic farmers markets in the country that showcase regional and local foods while offering a dose of Americana charm. Before the United States became a country, farmers markets anchored communities. Today, we still have the opportunity to commune with and support farmers markets for fresh seasonal foods and events.  

the old town farmers market in alexandria virginia
The Old Town Farmers’ Market has occupied the same space on Market Square in Alexandria, Virginia, for 270 years.
Cade Martin for Visit Alexandria

​Old Town Farmers’ Market
Alexandria, Virginia

​If you want to shop at the same farmers market where George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold, you can. Located adjacent to Alexandria City Hall, Old Town Farmers’ Market is the oldest farmers market operating continuously at the same space — for 270 years on Market Square. Shoppers can choose from a large range of goods from local producers and makers every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. More than 70 vendors offer fruits, breads, vegetables, cheeses, pastries and fresh pasta. Nonedible options include cut flowers, soaps, jewelry and art. Some of the vendors have been selling fresh harvested foods for generations. Two vendors, Bigg Riggs Farm and The Lamb’s Quarter, have had farms in their families for more than 240 years, since before the American Revolution. 

​Insider’s tip: Virginia is known for its cured country ham. Find some of the tastiest at Calhoun’s Ham House & Country Deli, another favorite with locals.

oklahoma city farmers public market in oklahoma
Visitors can purchase food, art and more at the OKC Farmers Public Market in Oklahoma City.
Tarra Quinn

​​OKC Farmers Public Market
Oklahoma City

​Since 1928, the Spanish colonial revival art deco building that houses the OKC Farmers Public Market has been an iconic landmark building for the city and state. Burt and Jody McAnally bought the building in 2002 with the intent to preserve it and revive its original function as a lasting part of Oklahoma heritage. The first floor remains as the original farmers market space, while the top floor is used for events. Many singing cowboy stars and country-western dancers have graced the original maple floors. Today, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts weddings, parties and meetings. The OKC Farmers Public Market runs every Saturday throughout the year from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (seniors shop first from 9 to 10 a.m.). Vendors offer fresh seasonal produce, meats, dairy, jams and jellies, baked goods, canned goods and the famous Oklahoma blackberries when in season. You’ll find makers peddling crafts, woodworking, pottery, art and more. 

​Insider’s tip: Oklahoma has a reputation for some of the best-tasting beef in the country. At the market, look for purveyors of the specialty Wagyu beef. Two ranchers raise the only Wagyu beef cattle in the state at the Rockin’ HD Ranch and Tractor Hat Farm.

the easton farmers market in easton pennsylvania
Easton Farmers’ Market is America’s oldest continuous open-air market.
Easton Farmer's Market

​Easton Farmers’ Market
Easton, Pennsylvania

​Claiming the title of America’s “oldest continuous open-air market,” the Easton Farmers’ Market got its start when the city was founded in 1752. The Centre Square location near the junction of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers made Easton a center of commerce between New York City and Philadelphia. It was quite the busy place for trade and the community. A bit of Revolution-era trivia: Centre Square was one of three sites where a public reading of the Declaration of Independence was given. The farmers market moved to a larger space near the riverside in Scott Park in 2020 and continues to be a rich part of the city’s heritage with all manner of goods produced by the region’s farmers. All products sold at the market are locally grown and produced. The more than 45 vendors at the market serve nearly 3,000 visitors every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through mid-December. 

Insider’s tip: Try what locals call “sink peaches” from the family-owned and -operated Scholl Orchards. The peaches are said to be so juicy you’ll want to stand in front of the sink while you eat them.

the findlay market in cincinnati ohio
The Findlay Market in Cincinnati has been selling local goods since 1855.
Erin Matulis, Corporation for Findlay Market

​Historic Findlay Market and Farmers Market
Cincinnati

​Findlay Market has withstood the test of time. When the cast- and wrought-iron frame structure was built, in 1852, it was one of the first markets in the United States using iron frame construction. The framework provided shelter for the many vendor stalls within. Now it is one of a few iron frame markets to survive into the 21st century. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the market has connected local producers and farmers with the public since it officially opened in 1855. Findlay Market is open Tuesday through Sunday; the farmers market, in the Farm Shed, is open Saturdays and Sundays, year-round. Generations of family-owned farms and producers have been part of Findlay Market since the beginning. Shoppers can find all sorts of produce, handmade pasta, fresh bread and meat from nearby farmers, as well as specialty products.

Insider’s tip: Sample some goetta. Inspired by German settlers, it’s a type of sausage made with beef, pork, oats, onions and spices. Cincinnatians love this specialty of the region. Multiple merchants make goetta from scratch, each with unique flavors, each delicious.  

the roanoke city market in roanoke virginia
The Roanoke City Market has been a fixture of downtown since 1882.
Jenny Marie, Downtown Roanoke, Inc.

​Roanoke City Market
Roanoke, Virginia

​Since 1882, Roanoke City Market has been a fixture in the heart of downtown. Surrounded by historic buildings, products in the market have traveled an average of 25 miles to get there. Fresh meats plus plenty of fresh-grown produce like plants, vegetables and fruit can be purchased. One of the top sellers, heirloom tomatoes, are prized within the community. Makers sell a variety of handcrafted items, including pottery and gourd art. Open seven days a week, year-round, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Insider’s tip: During the winter holidays, purchase sweet-smelling Christmas trees and wreaths from Woods Farms at the market.

Gigi Ragland is a Colorado–based travel and food writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Hemispheres, Sierra, AFAR, American Cowgirl and many other publications. 

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