Atkinson Farms stocks beets and carrots at the City Hall Farmers Market.: Mayra Beltran : 29-95
Libby Kennedy, manager of Urban Harvest’s Sunday farmers market, is excited about the future.
On Sunday, the small market she oversaw at posh Highland Village shopping center will nearly triple in size when it moves two miles east to nearby Eastside on April 28.
“The location is synonymous with farmers markets,” Kennedy said, pointing to Urban Harvest’s Saturday market, which has a nearly 10-year history on Eastside. (The market’s official address is 3000 Richmond, but the market is in the parking lot behind that address.)
Tomatoes from Pine Valley Produce await visitors to the City Hall Farmers Market.: Mayra Beltran : 29-95
“We felt having the Sunday market there, too, just made sense. “There’s better parking, there’s more space for vendors.”
“We’ve toyed with moving the market for a long time,” Kennedy said, “and now is the time.”
Admittedly, the Highland Village market had been a challenge for vendors and shoppers.
“It really is a chicken-and-egg situation,” Kennedy said. “You can’t have one without the other.”
The good news is that Kennedy has gotten a great response to the relocated market from vendors. When it debuts it will feature 25 vendors, about half of whom are new to Urban Harvest markets.
Kennedy says it’s often 18 months from her first contact with a farmer or food artisan until he or she appears at one of Urban Harvest’s three weekly markets. Some of the new vendors at Sunday’s market “have been waiting in the wings for various reasons,” she said, adding that one factor in the Sunday markets’ favor is “this is the time of year that farmers have more product.”
Among the new vendors:
Donna Craft purchases produce from the Atkinson Farms stand at the City Hall.: Mayra Beltran : 29-95
Current markets
In recent years, the number of farmers markets has mushroomed. Some are small humble operations; others boast a festive atmosphere complete with live music, cooking demonstrations and food trucks.
All share a tasty notion: to nurture a better-educated consumer by facilitating conversations with food producers.
Some markets to check out:
TUESDAYS
Rice University Farmers Market
When: 3:30-7 p.m.
Where: Rice University, South Stadium Lot, 2100 University
Who's there:: More than 30 vendors showcasing everything from dog biscuits and organic baby food to infused vinegars and local honey. This is a very popular market and a boon to those with busy weekends, when most other markets take place.
Information:
farmersmarket.rice.edu
Brussel sprouts await customers at the farmers market.: Mayra Beltran : 29-95
WEDNESDAYS
City Hall Farmers Market
When: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through June 26 (resumes in the fall)
Where: City Hall, 901 Bagby (garage parking available at 400 Rusk)
Who's there:: Two dozen vendors offering prepared foods and produce, as well as cooking demonstrations by local chefs. Tip: Arrive early and head straight to Melange Creperie, where Sean Carroll makes savory and sweet crepes. They’re worth the wait and easy to consume as you check out the rest of the market. Trust us.
Information:
urbanharvest.org
Eco-Farmers Market
When: 4-8 p.m.
Where: CityCentre, 800 Town and Country Blvd.
Who's there:: At this small market, vendors of fresh baked goods, ready-to-eat Indian fare and bath products encircle the plaza at this popular lifestyle center. Live music.
Information:
citycentrehouston.com
Feast of Artisans Farmer’s Market
When: 4-8 p.m.
Where: Woodlands Mall, 1201 Lake Woodlands in The Woodlands
Who's there:: In addition to fresh produce and locally farmed proteins, this market offers pickles, jams, wines, fresh pasta, coffee, cheeses and handmade chocolates.
Information: Facebook
THURSDAYS
Spring Branch Farmers Market
When: 2:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, 1504 Wirt
Who's there:: This spanking-new market makes its debut this Thursday with 14 vendors, including Georgia’s Farm to Market. We expect the plentiful, adjacent parking will make popping into this market for a loaf of freshly baked bread or some free-range eggs quick and easy.
Kingwood Farmers Market
When: 3-7 p.m.
Where: Town Center Park, 8 N. Main in Kingwood
Who's there:: Nearly two dozen vendors offer local fruit and produce, artisan cheeses, fresh bread, jellies and jams at this market that is celebrating its fourth year. The park setting lends itself to picnicking.
Information: Facebook
Many of the markets feature chefs on hand to prepare a meal. At the City Hall, Sean Carroll of Melange Creperie makes a crepe.: Mayra Beltran : 29-95
SATURDAYS
Urban Harvest Farmers Market
When: 8 a.m.-noon
Where: Parking lot behind 3000 Richmond at Eastside
Who's there:: This is the granddaddy of Houston farmers markets, with more than 50 farmers and vendors selling everything from freshly harvested produce and artisan breads to grass-fed beef and emu eggs. This market gets a lot of regulars who are on a first-name basis with the vendors. Most markets feature live music, too. Go hungry and enjoy a hot breakfast from one of several chefs who cook for shoppers.
Information:
urbanharvest.org
The Farm Stand at Petrol Station
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Petrol Station, 985 Wakefield
Who's there:: This small market features a dozen vendors selling produce, local honey, chicken and eggs.
Information: Facebook
White Oak Farmers Market
When: 8 a.m.-noon
Where: Onion Creek Cafe, 3106 White Oak
Who's there:: This once-flourishing market is “still hanging in there,” market manager Lola Daniel said. Down to just a handful of vendors, the market is looking to add more. Have a breakfast taco at Onion Creek and then stroll the parking-lot market.
Pearland Old Townsite Farmers Market
When: 8 a.m.-noon
every second and fourth Saturday
Where: Zylinski Park, 2243 Grand in Pearland
Who's there:: Vendors stocked with farm eggs, freshly roasted coffees, salsas, jams, beef jerky, and arts and crafts.
Information: pearland
oldtownsitefarmersmarket.com
Grab a bucket of squash and zucchini at the market.: Mayra Beltran : 29-95
Grogan’s Mill Village Farmers Market
When: 8 a.m.-noon
Where: Grogan’s Mill Center, 7 Switchbud Place in The Woodlands
Who's there:: More than 20 vendors offering baked good, tamales, authentic Italian sausage, pastured chicken, cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables and handmade crafts.
Information:
grogansmillvillage.com
Farmers Market at LaCenterra
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: LaCenterra, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in Katy
Who's there:: Dozens of vendors offering everything from seasonal produce and raw honey to fresh herbs and hand-pressed Texas olive oil.
Information:
lacenterra.com
Farmers Market at Imperial
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 1-Dec. 10
Where: 198 Kempner, Sugar Land
Who's there:: This robust market features as many as 50 vendors each week, including Gundermann Acres with its too-pretty-to-cook produce, wheat-free baked goods from Bella’s Kitchen and Law Ranch’s pastured, grass-fed beef.
Information:
imperialsugarland.com
Farmers Market at Clear Lake Shores
When: 8 a.m.-noon
Where: 1020 Marina Bay Drive in Clear Lake
Who's there:: More than two dozen vendors sell everything from fresh flowers and fruit to all-natural dog treats and locally bottled salsa.
Information: farmersmarketatcls.com
Tomball Farmers Market
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Corner of Main (FM 2920) and Cherry in downtown Tomball
Who's there:: About a dozen vendors offering fresh produce and herbs as well as prepared foods and handicrafts.
Information:
tomballfarmersmarket.org
Kemah Farmers & Open Air Market
When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 204 FM 2094 at Texas 146
Who's there:: Well, if the name didn’t give it away, this market is a mixed bag. You’ll find some fresh produce, and there are always home-baked and jarred goods. There are also a lot of flea-market goods. Live entertainment, too.
Information:
kemahfarmersmarket.com
Nassau Bay Farmers Market
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Erma’s Nutrition Center, 18045 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay
Who's there:: Local growers and artisans peddling, among other things, pastured cuts of beef, organic soaps and growlers of kombucha.
Information: Facebook
Locavore Farmers’ Market
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every third Saturday
Where: Lakewood UMC Church, 11330 Louetta in Spring
Who's there:: Another of the city’s charming small markets, this one offers produce, honey, coffee and handmade goods.
SUNDAYS
Urban Harvest Farmers Market
When: noon-4 p.m.
Where: Parking lot behind 3000 Richmond at Eastside
Who's there:: This market relocates from Highland Village to this longtime farmers market site beginning this Sunday. More than two dozen quality vendors offer organic produce, free-range meats, and artisanal breads and cheeses.
Information:
urbanharvest.org
Farmers Market at Bridgeland
When: 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. every second Sunday
Where: Activity Center, 16902 Bridgeland Landing in Cypress
Who's there:: About 30 vendors including Happy Food Dance Bakery, Four Feet Treats, Hog Creek Farms, Gurrola’s Produce and King of the Pit.
Information: Facebook
Magnolia Farmers Market
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m every first and third Sunday
Where: Intersection of FM 1488 and FM 1774 in Magnolia
Who's there:: These are neighbor gatherings with about a dozen farmers and vendors, many of whom have their businesses in the same ZIP code. Among the finds: do-it-yourself hard cider kits, handmade jewelry, goat-milk soap and free-range brown eggs.
Information:
sweetmagnoliapickins.net
None of the markets listed are actual FARMER'S markets. Just folks taking advantage of silly yupster food crazes.
If I want to go to a real farmer's market I'll leave town.
@Smeg - nonsense! I have known those vendors personally for five years and they are indeed real farmers. Come meet them tomorrow and see for yourself.
Your comment is pure proof you never bother to actually go to any of these markets. Hopefully the arrogant ignorance will dissuade anyone from taking you seriously.
Good idea Smeg....and keep going.
A farmers market I always go to is Delorio's in Hempstead,off old 290 going west into town. Great choices,local produce,lots of variety. It worth the drive from cypress where we live and makes for fun time... check it out yourself!
DeIorios is on Highway 6, actually, about a mile north of the intersection with 290. I go there on my way back from trips that go through College Station. My wife loves it there.
DiIorio's has both locations - the original in town (Hempstead) on the old 290 and the new one on Hwy 6 just north of the split from the "New" 290. They moved out when the new highway was built and most people no longer went through town. Both locations are good, they have some different things.
There is still a farmers' market in the Heights at the White Oak Cafe on White Oak, Saturday mornings. It's called the White Oak Farmers' Market. It is small- maybe 2 produce vendors, hand made soaps and such, plants and sometimes some really good jellies.
If you patronize it, it will grow. Vendors are unwilling to commit to a market without sufficient customer traffic, yet customers are unwilling to continue to patronize a small market to help it to grow. Kind of a Catch 22.
Both current produce vendors grow sustainably, although they are not Certified Organic.
The Eastside Urban Harvest Market (north of Richmond/south of Alabama) is GREAT!! I am ALWAYS finding GREAT fruit and vegetables as well as farm fresh eggs, artisian breads, cheeses, prepared foods, etc.
The farmers that drive in for the Urban Harvest markets each week with their products might take offense at Luther saying they are not, in fact, farmers.
What if one wants to donate over a hundred (slightly used) plastic grocery bags? Might anyone want 'em for use at any of these markets?
Canino's has really gone done in quality. What can u expect when the produce is sitting in 90 weather with no AC. They told me they do not put out the best because people in the are will not pay top dollar for quality. they are trying to feed families....
Hi, do you know wich is the best farmer market to sell art crafts?. I do wood bowls to use for food and I think I can sell very good in any of the markets.Thanks for your help.
I would love for you to be a vendor at my car boot sale. It is located at 4220 FM 1960 and is open every Saturday. Please call Maureen at 713 297 1740 for more information. Thanks
The Farmers Market at Imperial in Sugar Land is GREAT! Many local farmers like Gundermann Acres and Georgia Grass Fed Beef.
It must have improved, because I went when it first opened and it was horrible. Mostly vendors hawking food from their restaurants, crafts, and stuff other than produce.
I see orchids in the picture .. which farmers market has them??
Froberg's lets you pick your own strawberries when their in season, a great family trip. There's also a little place that smokes meat next door.
Fried pies at Froberg's are awesome! Every flavor you could ever want.
For those in NW Houston, there is a farmer's market called Debbie's Garden located on Huffmeister just south of 290. Debbie's is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and she has produce, farm eggs, baked goods, grass-fed beef, and more!
Where are you located? I have tried to find you a couple of times now. Are you near the school?
Orchids are available at the Grogan's Mill
Farmers Market, Kingwood Farmers Market and
Eastside Farmers Market.
The following markets are now year round markets:
Farmers Market at Imperial and Grogan's Mill in the Woodlands.
This article keeps re-appearing (comments back to August 2011), which is fine because farmer's markets can't be talked about too much. The White Oak Market is still missing though and should be on the list. 3106 White Oak Dr, 77008, in Onion Creek parking area.
The Eco-Farmers market at CityCentre has interesting varieties like baby eggplant -- great for imam baldi. Also local honey. Sorry it ends in November. Anyone know when it reopens?
Orchids are also at the Rice University Farmer's Market
Rip off markets is more like it! I will go to my back yard and pick my fresh items. These set up markets are OVER PRICED SCAMS! Beware. Go over to Airline and get a much better deal!
Jamesh, this article is about FARMER'S MARKETS, which the stands on Airline are not. Further, many of our area farmers are not spraying Roundup and Sevin all over the food I will eventually eat. For their hard work, I am willing to pay a little more over the prices on Airline. Good for you for growing your own garden--I hope you have a good growing season this year.
Each of these markets has different things to offer. "Rip off" is not a fair assessment AT ALL. At Airline, you can get some good stuff. You can also get some stuff that has been refused by reputable grocers as grown with unacceptable pestacides, is not fresh, or might otherwise be something you don't want to eat. It''s definitely caveat emptor. The markets listed have market managers who enforce rules about growing practices, and assuring that those are FARMERS who are selling to you, not truck drivers. You can choose where to buy, and who to support. But I think you should do so with KNOWLEDGE and not presumption.
went to two today after reading this article - overall was very disappointed. one or two booths with overpriced produce - the rest was flea mkt type stuff...
Would like to know which markets you visited.
Jamesh, good for you on keeping a garden! Since you do so, you must certainly understand that the local, more sustainable, often pesticide- and GMO-free items at our local farmer's markets are far superior in taste and nutrition to the produce trucked in to the produce terminal on Airline. I will continue to support my farmers' hard work and excellent products.
Does anyone know who to contact to do music at some of these farmer's markets?
Urban Harvest sponsors 5 of the markets, so that would be a good place to start. You should find some contact information at urbanharvest.org.
There is also a Farm and Garden Market In Tomball 19243 FM 2920 Called Fresh Pickings they have a mixed variety of Fresh Produce, Mexican Pottery, Spices, And Wooden Crafts. This is a pretty neat place they are open 7 days a week from 9 am to 9pm Check them out on face book. or google the Fresh Pickings!!
Summer has arrived BIG !We are seiahcrng out farmers markets and other places where fresh food is offered. Willowtree Farms just west of Port Perry still had fresh strawberries as lof lst Wednesday Would'nt miss it!. (But we could use more rain to cool us off and keep those veggies growing).
There is also the Urban Pickins Farmer's Market at Wabash Feed Store on Washington Ave. on Sundays. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. http://wabashfeed.com/eventcalendar.html