Roaming a city’s farmers markets are the best place to tap into local flavor. In Dallas, there are plenty of markets to explore. Dallasites with entrepreneurial spirit and a green thumb thrive in these mostly weekend markets, overflowing with fresh-from-the-field produce, small-batch jams, artisan breads, lush plants, handcrafted art, and so much more. And, many take things even further. In addition to a bounty of nutritious goods, these markets transform shopping into an immersive experience with pick-your-own farms, fitness classes, celebrity chefs, and tasty noshes.
Come early and shop often. These local markets are worth setting your alarm for.
Dallas Farmers Market
The Dallas Farmers Market is the ultimate farmers market. The must-visit destination spans 26,000-square feet of indoor shopping called the Market, which is open daily; and an outdoor section, called the Shed, open on weekends. Vendor stands range from local produce and pasture-raised meats to baked goods and tea blends. Mushroom Street Farms’ gourmet fungi, tinctures, and seasonings are a must. Market-goers can dine onsite at the new Hurtado Barbeque, or quench their thirst at Porch Swing Ice Tea, which offers refillable mason jars. 920 S. Harwood St., Dallas, dallasfarmersmarket.org
White Rock Farmers Market
Nonprofit Good Local Markets oversees White Rock Farmers Market, a Saturday-only market that operates March through December. The market upholds Good Local Markets’ mission of community sustainability, increased local food access, and small business empowerment. All vendors grow, raise, or make their goods. Plan to shop early. Vendors like Girl With Flour, a delivery-based bakery with specialties like fig and leaf pastry, often sell out. Beyond food, find ceramics, farm-based skincare, metal art, clay jewelry, crochet, and more. Its sister market, Lakewood Tower Farmers Market, runs on Sundays. 1450 Old Gate Ln., Dallas, goodlocalmarkets.org
Pure Land Farm
Father-daughter farmer duo, Jack and Megan Neubauer, open their 28-acre Pure Land Farm in McKinney only eight weeks a year. From mid-May to mid-July, visitors can reserve an hour-long picking time slot online for $5. You won’t find rows of vendors here, but you will find florals and rows of crops ready for harvest. The farm operates on a “you-pick-it, you-buy-it” model, with produce priced by the pound. Carrots, beets, onions, garlic, and blackberries are expected early in the season, with cantaloupes and tomatoes appearing on the later side. 7505 County Rd. 201, McKinney, purelandorganic.com
The Cedar Market Ranch
In January, the Cedar Market Ranch went viral for its inflation-busting prices, attracting hundreds of Dallasites eager to score $1.99 strawberry pints and $5.50 cases of mangoes. Shoppers lined up for hours at the market’s two registers. The family-owned market has since opened six registers to meet demand and introduced a vendor program featuring taco, coffee, flowers, and sweet treats. 2434 S. Harwood St., Dallas, thecedarmarketranch.com
Carrollton Artisans Market
Four Seasons Markets has launched more than 60 markets across the Metroplex since 2009, and currently operates a dozen, including the Carrollton Artisans Market. This Sunday market hosts nearly 20 vendors that offer a spread of edible and household goods. Stop by Stubblefield Farm for seasonal produce; Coleman Cajun Egg Rolls for Cajun bites; Curated & Upgraded for plants and flowers; and El Paisita Chamoy for smoothies and elote. 2722 N. Josey Lane, Carrollton, fourseasonsmarkets.com
Georgia’s Farmers Market
Family-owned Georgia’s Farmers Market is Plano’s daily destination for seasonal, farm-fresh fare. Spot the navy, branded single cab flatbed parked beside a rainbow of blooming, potted flowers. Inside, you’ll find blue heritage eggs, pink pineapple, blood oranges, and golden pretzels from Bread Street Boys. The market’s signature jars and provisions feature unique finds like candied cherry peppers, Thick ‘n Spicy Gherkins, Sriracha garlic cloves, and preserves. 916 E. 15th St., Plano
Frisco Fresh Market
The Frisco Fresh Market is a pet-friendly weekend market that buzzes with activity, rain or shine. With 92 vendor stalls, the outdoor market offers plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, handcrafted wares, and entertainment from musicians and buskers. It’s also the only place in town to get a bite of Food Network-featured Tu Bones BBQ. Load up on ‘cue, and enjoy a day of chef demonstrations, goat yoga, and so much more in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. 9215 John W. Elliot Dr., Frisco, friscofreshmarket.com
