With a music scene that is known worldwide, Nashville's iconic identity has never been in doubt. The region's rich musical heritage has always proven a central draw to its appeal and attracts those seeking a city with a unique, lively vibe. Yet, those relocating to the area from elsewhere in Tennessee, the southern U.S., or parts further afield quickly discover a welcome and surprising reality—and perhaps Nashville's best-kept secret—a burgeoning culinary scene.
What isn't a surprise is that the growing community of chefs and bakers and the gastronomists that follow every dash of salt or pinch of garlic is rooted in the state's proud agricultural history. While far fewer farms and less acreage are dedicated to farming than in past years, Tennessee still ranks 9th in the U.S. in number of farms per state. A sizable portion of what those farms produced, including soybeans, corn, wheat, tomatoes, and even beef, poultry, and dairy products, find their way to Tennessee's 129 Farmers Markets.
Among these, the Nashville Farmers Market stands out, not just in the state but as a nationally renowned daily urban market in the country that's been serving the city since the early 1800s. The iconic market helps promote the city's numerous smaller, neighborhood-driven markets, each with its own distinct flavor and offerings.
One such market is just across the Cumberland River, two miles east of downtown Nashville's grand affair, the East Nashville Farmers Market.
The culinary heart of a hip, trendy neighborhood
Situated at the western edge of East Nashville's community between the waterfront East Bank neighborhood and Historic Edgefield, the Farmers Market anchors a neighborhood that is a bit less formal in its culinary pursuits. One wouldn't describe the locals as serious gastronomists but instead as adventurous foodies. That's not to say their appetites are less refined; instead, the community hungers for far more eclectic offerings. From communal casual dining to quirk-filled coffee shops to formal and informal international cuisine, East Nashville's restaurant lineup dances to a bit different tune than its namesake neighbor to the west.
Mirroring the neighborhood's alternative vibe, the East Nashville Farmers Market finds its home, serving as a cornerstone to the area's foodie-centric atmosphere and historic charm.
Mirroring the neighborhood's alternative vibe, the East Nashville Farmers Market finds its home, serving as a cornerstone to the area's foodie-centric atmosphere and historic charm.
The details
Though not a daily market, the East Nashville Farmers Market satisfies its patrons. Held every Tuesday from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, April through December, the market fulfills its neighborly duties by bringing together a vast array of local and regional farmers, business owners, vendors, and artisans to showcase their bounty and wares for East Nashville residents.
Vendor tents are set up in the parking lot across from the First Church of the Nazarene, at the corner of Woodland Avenue and S 5th Street—the physical address is 511 Woodland Street. Parking is always free for those arriving by car, with ample space at the lot at 6th Street and Main Street.
The East Nashville Farmers Market's 2024 season is open for business on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
Vendor tents are set up in the parking lot across from the First Church of the Nazarene, at the corner of Woodland Avenue and S 5th Street—the physical address is 511 Woodland Street. Parking is always free for those arriving by car, with ample space at the lot at 6th Street and Main Street.
The East Nashville Farmers Market's 2024 season is open for business on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
A marketplace of over 50 weekly vendors
Throughout its April to December season, the East Nashville Farmers Market will welcome more than 100 vendors to the streetside gathering. Most weeks, between 50 and 60 local vendors will be in attendance, with some editions boasting upwards of 70 to 75 vendors. Nearly 60 vendors have reserved a spot for opening day, with potentially more to come.
These vendors represent the best of Middle Tennessee's farms, bakeries, and artisanal producers, offering a rich selection of fresh produce, organic meats, handcrafted cheeses, and gourmet treats. Among the notable opening day participants:
These vendors represent the best of Middle Tennessee's farms, bakeries, and artisanal producers, offering a rich selection of fresh produce, organic meats, handcrafted cheeses, and gourmet treats. Among the notable opening day participants:
- Caney Fork Farms is a Carthage-based farm specializing in organic vegetables and pasture-raised meats.
- Tucker's Pepper Company is a purveyor of small-batch sauces, including salsas, spice blends, BBQ rubs, and Bloody Mary mixes.
- Hidden Holler Farms is a first-generation farm raising poultry, beef, hair sheep, and Thanksgiving turkeys.
- SeaQuest Farm Dairy Goats utilizes Toggenburg and Oberhasli goat's milk to produce a range of products, including cheeses, soaps, lotions, and fudge.
- The Ramblin' Bee is a Gallatin-based honey farm that sells regular, infused and creamed honey as well as a variety of beeswax candles.
- Sourdough Co Nashville is an organic micro bakery that sells regular and flavored sourdough loaves and an assortment of muffins and scones.
- Gumbo to Geaux is owned by a pair of New Orleans natives committed to bringing a taste of the Big Easy to East Nashville.
Go beyond the East Nashville Farmers Market
The East Nashville Farmers Market is a vibrant weekly gathering that is as much about bringing the community together as it is supporting the best of local and regional farms and businesses.
If you're ready to explore the best of East Nashville luxury real estate, contact Shane McCarty at McSquared Luxury today to begin your real estate journey. From Shelby Hills real estate to homes for sale in Lockeland Springs, Shane understands what it's like to relocate. Whether you find yourself buying or selling, allow Shane’s experience, expertise, and passion for real estate to inform your next move.
If you're ready to explore the best of East Nashville luxury real estate, contact Shane McCarty at McSquared Luxury today to begin your real estate journey. From Shelby Hills real estate to homes for sale in Lockeland Springs, Shane understands what it's like to relocate. Whether you find yourself buying or selling, allow Shane’s experience, expertise, and passion for real estate to inform your next move.
