Farmer's Markets in Dallas, Texas

The farmers market is a tradition with ties to America's agricultural roots. Local farmers would gather together to bring excess produce for trade and sale. Often found at the edge of towns, farmers markets provided a way for local communities to obtain local produce. The industrialization of cities and the advent of grocery stores and imported produce from all over the world diminished many local markets. Finding a farmers market in Dallas with strong ties to local produce is a great way to not only support the local economy but to support a way of life in the United States.

Dallas Farmers Market

The largest farmer's market in the area, the Dallas Farmer's Market can be found in downtown Dallas every day. The atmosphere at the Dallas' Farmer's Market is as relaxed today as it was a hundred years ago when farmers from all over the region brought their goods in to be sold. Different produce is available at different times of the year, but the temperate nature of North Texas provides a rich resource for produce growers.

The Market is located at 1010 S. Pearl Expressway in Dallas. Retail sales begin promptly at 8 a.m. every morning and end at 6 p.m. in the evening. Bulk sales begin around midnight each day and may continue until 7 a.m. or when the farmer's produce is cleaned out.

The Dallas Farmer's Market hosts a wide variety of festivals and events throughout the calendar year. Local visitors who have never been to the Farmer's Market should really check out the Dallas Farmer's Market, at least once. The atmosphere, the fresh produce and the local color are well worth the trip. It's also a great place to find great recipes, new foods and the festivals are nothing to sneeze at.

Some popular festivals held at the Dallas Farmer's Market include:

• Farm & Flower Festival

• Spring into Summer

• 4th of July at the Market

• Savoring the Bounty of Summer

• Celebrate Farming

• For Your Health

• Pumpkin Party

• Safety Day

• Holidays at the Market

Fairview Farms Marketplace

The Fairview Farms Marketplace is only open from May to October, but provides locals in Plano with access to seasonal fresh produce, flowers and plants. The Fairview Farms Marketplace is located at 3314 N Central Expressway # 100 in Plano. The market is typically closed on Mondays during the season, but can make a great Sunday excursion for the family before or after church.

The Fairview Farms Marketplace does not have quite the selection as can be found downtown, but for residents in the North Dallas area (Richardson, Plano, Allen, Murphy, Garland) may find it more convenient than driving all the way downtown, particularly when gas prices are surging. Prices vary, but the market is worth a trip to get some great produce.

Sprout's Farmers Market

The new location in Murphy opened in 2008 and increased the much needed availability of fresh produce from local growers to the Murphy, Wylie, Parker and Allen areas. Sprouts Farmers Market is unique because it's a chain model from a company based out of Arizona. Mixing the local grocery store setting, the Sprout's Farmers Market specializes in bringing their customers the best local produce they can buy. The vegetables are fresh and crisp and the fruits are really sweet.

Peppers, onions and avocados are priced exceptionally well and stay fresh in the refrigerator longer than their grocery store counterparts. Shopping at Sprouts is a real teaser for the senses, because they focus on their produce, on vitamins and for local vegetarians a wide selection of tofu and meat replacement products. It's quite the win-win for Murphy and Wylie residents who would otherwise drive ten to fifteen miles to get to the Downtown Dallas Farmer's Market.

The Sprout's Farmer's Market is Murphy is lo9cated 207 E FM 544. It's open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.