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Atlanta State Farmers Market
Category: Food Farmers Market Farmers Market [Edit]
16 Forest PkwyForest Park, GA 30298
(404) 675-1782
- Hours:
Mon 9 am - 5 pm
Tue-Sat 7 am - 3 pm
Sun 10 am - 3 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
9 reviews for Atlanta State Farmers Market
9 reviews in English
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Review from Kimberly S.
Jonesboro, GA
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been coming to the Farmer's Market since I was a little girl. This place is mainly OUTDOORS vendors. This is not like the Atlanta Municipal Market (AKA for those from Atlanta "The Curb Market!" nor the DeKalb Farmer's Market. You can park and walk down each row or just drive to the vendor that has some thing that catches your eye.
Forget Aldi. I think this is the best place to get good fresh produce. There is a store on the premises like a Sam's Wholesales with no membership needed. There is a restaurant that used to be Thomas' a long time ago. You can get flower/plants/veggies s for your garden here as well. They have everything from food to pots and pans to SpongeBob pinatas. Since I'm on the subject. I noticed a big selection of Mexican/Latino items here as well.
I found an older gentleman that I recall seeing some years ago. Tall slim fella that sits on the end of a row near the restaurant. Always there with his cowboy hat on and he has a beautiful kind heart. So I always get my produce, nuts and candy from him. He reminds me of a thinner version of my grandfather! I love to hear his voice.
But just drive around and see what suits your fancy! You'll be surprised at how much we are being overcharged at Kroger, Walmart and my favorite, Publix. -
Review from Jessica H.
Lithia Springs, GA
8/16/2011
As a state employee, I'm kinda biased about the Atlanta State Farmers Market, but the more I learn about it, the more I love it! It is so unique and, as the largest of its kind in the world, it literally has something for everyone. At 150 acres, it can be a little intimidating when you first arrive. Things to know:
1. If you're stuck in traffic on I-75, stop by! It's literally right off the interstate and is a great place to grab something to eat (there is a cafe by the Welcome Center and a mexican restaurant on the opposite side, by the Garden Center), see some cool stuff and use a restroom if you need it. Perfect place to plan a rest stop break at if you're on I-75 for a long trip. And FYI, it's open 24-7 (except Christmas day). When you pull into the Market, head to your left first (the right side, up on the hill, is mostly wholesale distributors and many aren't open to the public -- but some are, just ask in the Welcome Center).
2. If you're local, you should seriously be going here at least once a month. I'm AMAZED at some of the inexpensive prices that you can find on produce. Most of it is sold on a wholesale level, but talk to each of the farmers to find out about how you can purchase a lot and preserve items (or just buy a ton and share with friends and family, you're still getting a major steal on prices -- and it's literally just been picked in the last day). And the Market Grocery store is awesome. It's kinda like BJ's or Sam's Club -- just without the membership fees (note, they're closed Sundays).
3. When you get to the Market, stop at the Welcome Center first. You can get a map of the whole market, and if you have something you'd like to find, just ask and they'll show you were to go.
4. When you walk through the open shed areas, know that each row of sheds is numbered. Rows 11-14 are your Georgia farmers. Take the time to chat it up with some of them -- most have been coming here for decades and have local farms they'd love to tell you about. It's very cool to hear their stories and learn about what they grow. There are also many other vendors who come from neighboring states or who represent larger distributors.
5. MOST of the farmers/vendors come early (like 3 a.m.) and are usually done for the day around 10-11 a.m., so earlier is better. By late afternoon, you'll find it to be very quiet until the next morning...
6. During regualar business hours, there are other things besides produce here. There's a huge nursery area with tons of exotic and local plants, flowers, trees, etc. Find whatever you need for landscaping, even a sod distributor who's just up past the garden centers. There are places to find garden statues, baskets and unique housewares, etc.
If you're coming to the market and expecting a "run of the mill" farmers market, you won't find it here. Ask about prices (yes, sometimes you have to actually talk to the vendors), drive down the sheds to see everything that's available (or walk if you've got time to kill...it IS 150 acres, remember?), and make sure you keep your map handy -- there's tons to see! I'm really looking forward to seeing all the upcoming seasonal stuff this fall and Christmas, I've heard it's awesome and I believe it. -
Review from Natalie A.
Atlanta, GA
1/29/2011
Really enjoy making a trip to this market every month or so. I say I'm getting food, but I really go to check out the plant nurseries, awesome selections & prices, and I usually score some very inexpensive floral bouquets as well.
The vegetables & fruit options are also great. No matter what I've gotten there, it's incredibly fresh, tasty & at least 1/3 less than a grocery store, usually more like half the cost. Some people say they are self-conscious going to the hispanic stalls if they don't speak solid Spanish, but I've actually found better fruit, broader selections & lower prices at some of those spots, and the vendors welcome your business & do usually speak English as well. Feel free to comparison shop & haggle, it's expected, and even if you're terrible at it, you'll still walk away with more food, tastier veggies & less cost than anywhere else.
**Definitely bring cash. It's not a credit card kind of place, though some vendors will run them for you. -
Review from Sean C.
4/19/2011
A customer of mine turned me onto this place when I was visiting a couple of years ago. Since I travel by plane, I don't get to do much more than looking at the stalls, but I dig the cafe onsite. We come here for lunch and love it! It doesn't get much fresher, nor does it get more local and more sustainable.
The cafe changes up the menu based on what's available and the food is knock your socks off good. They also prove that good, fresh ingredients don't have to be complicated. This is good southern, home food done exceptionally well. -
Review from Michelle B.
Atlanta, GA
8/6/2011
My quest to find the best market continues. Like a man, or a car, they all have their good points, and their bad; depends on what you're looking for and what you need at that time. Just don't ever think that just one will fulfill all needs.
This is a good market for fresh and cheap. Allegedly, a good portion of the fruits and veggies are local, but I think that's debatable. If you mean local as in from-this-country local, that's covered. There are a few local farms represented, but keep in mind: a good portion of business here is wholesale, so they only use the larger farms. Publix probably gets their stuff from the same place. Lots of Hispanic stuff and great kitchen gadgets (I got a 3ft. loofah for $3). Lots of "won't-make-it-till Monday goodies" to haggle over too; just look at everything carefully. My $1 strawberries were so ripe they spoiled before I could get them home. Don't let the vendors scare you into buying more than you need: you can purchase small amounts. If you need 50 pounds of tomatoes, you can get that here too, and cheap!
Don't get me wrong: I luv, luv, luv our community markets for small, locally sourced specialty goods. The fab peaches and Heirlooms are to die for. I luv supporting our local agricultural artisans, but sometimes I have a need they don't fulfill. So let's keep this on the down-low. I feel like I'm cheating! -
Review from Jamarcus T.
Stone Mountain, GA
I like this Farmers Market and it's "no walls" approach. You just walk around from aisle to aisle, which is perfect on warm clear days, checking out their fruits, veggies, plant nurseries and even grabbing little ornamental do dads like a coworker bought the other day. If you get tired from the walking, head on over to have lunch at one of the two restaurants here, and there's even a flower shop should you feel like giving your better half a dozen roses.
Well worth the stop for some fresh veggies. -
Review from gwen f.
Mableton, GA
9/22/2008
This is a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. Before you hit the stands be sure to stop by the Visitors Center to get a map of the stalls. The people at the center can tell you what is in season and where to get it. Adjacent to the center is a cafe that features dishes made with farm-fresh ingredients. I haven't eaten there, but I did stop in for a bottle of water.
I generally spend my money and my time with the Georgia and South East farmer stalls. I'm not one for wheeling and dealing, but usually they sweeten the deal for you if you visit towards noon as they're packing up for the day.
There are also some SWEET plant nurseries there. I scored a crepe myrtle tree for $6. -
Review from Joshua P.
Atlanta, GA
7/28/2010
Listen, this place is cool. I freely admit that. But damn man, if you're not hispanic, you kinda get screwed by the vendors (who predominantly are). I have seen vendors double their prices to non-hispanics buying the EXACT same thing. Happened to a lovely old grandmother yesterday just trying to buy some corn. They charged that poor lady Whole Foods prices. My Espanol is good enough to know what's going on, and it pisses me off. I tried to haggle with one guy, and he just wouldn't give me the price he had just given a hispanic lady - and I was trying to buy more! I left the market and drove down the road to Super H, where I proceeded to buy better produce at a comparable price. Sometimes it sucks to be whitey....
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Review from Kay T.
Conley, GA
5/27/2009
THIS IS A MUST STOP STAPLE FOR ANYONE LIVING HERE OR DRIVING THROUGH. If you are not a purveyor of fine fruits, vegetables and vegetation keep it moving. I highly recommend you bring cash and your list. Once can usually get more bang for the buck. For example if you eat cukes, in the store they maybe 1 or two for a buck usually they are twice the quantity or at least a third more of whatever you are buying for the same money. This is fun for a group and children. ALso the plants SHUT YO MOUTH, I can buy a flat of 36 plants for 13 bucks or less. In home depot you get a flat of 18 plants for 12 bucks. I rest my case. This trip is not for the faint hearted, this is for the real deal seekers. Also I purchased sod for 1/3 the price of the home store supercenters. Don't take my work, roll by and be ready to be impressed. The plant vendors take visa but most of the stall vendors take cash only or have a crazy minimum on the visa spending limit.
