You are what you eat
5 fresh Austin farmers markets for peak produce and artisanal foods
If you are wondering why you should take a little extra time to shop at Austin’s farmers’ markets each week, we invite you to take the tomato test. Pick up a couple from your neighborhood grocer, then pick up a bunch (you’ll thank us later) from one of the markets below.
Notice how the grocery store selections are pale and mealy, robbed of all its flavor by refrigeration. Then compared it to the vibrant flavors of the tomatoes that didn’t have to far to make it to your kitchen. This is the way a tomato is supposed to taste. Once you’ve experienced it, we guarantee that nothing else will do.
Barton Creek Farmers’ Market
Get all your shopping done at once at this farmers’ market in the parking lot of Barton Creek Mall. In addition to the fresh fruits and vegetable, score handmade jewelry from M Squared, custom serving bowls from Worth Effort Woodworking, and treats for your pup from Jake’s Raw Dog Food. If your kids get a little restless while you sample olive oil, they’re sure to perk up after a visit to the Tiny tails to You Petting Zoo.
Boggy Creek Farm
What’s better than buying peak produce directly from the farmer? Buying the season’s best on the farm itself. This lovely 19th century property sells their bounty direct to the public Wednesday-Saturday (Wednesday and Saturdays only in August) along with cheeses, rain water, gluten-free brownies, and eggs. It’s also one of the few places around town where you can pick up wonderfully scented soaps from Springdale Handmade.
HOPE Farmers’ Market
A neighborhood tradition for East Austinites, this Sunday market offers more than just food. Find your next housewarming gift at Dolce’s delights, a vendor who makes stylish pillows out of re-used cotton saris, or treat yourself to some pampering from Hemp 360, a New Braunfel’s skincare line made from organic raw hemp.
Sustainable Food Center Farmers’ Market Downtown
It’s not unusual to see Austin’s best locavore chefs at this charming market located at Republic Square, so go right at 9 am to beat them to the best produce. But if you’re a late riser don’t despair, there’s still plenty of melons, mint, and mustard greens to go around, plus kombucha from Buddha’s Brew, breakfast tacos from Tacodeli, and flaky empanadas from Yapa.
Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller
Perhaps Austin’s most popular farmers’ market, this bi-weekly party brings out some of Austin’s best artisanal vendors on both Sunday afternoons and Wednesday nights. Buy a Texas-grown floral arrangement from Corona Violeta Farm, delectable goat cheeses from Pure Luck Dairy, or even medicinal mushrooms from Hi-Fi Mycology. Make the most of your outing by dining at nearby restaurants like L’oca d’Oro, Colleen’s Kitchen, or J.T. Youngblood’s. Don't live near Mueller? Texas Farmers' Market also operates out of Lakeline and the Domain.
Could sit in this airy shop all day.Photo by Chad Wadsworth
Eberly's Atrium will host a creative dinner with visual artists.