8 Best Farmers Markets in Arkansas!
Radio personality Paul Harvey once said that on the eighth day, God made a farmer to be the world's caretaker. Agriculture is the largest industry in Arkansas. The state is sprinkled with 45,000 farms and 200 farmers markets. Natural State residents have long been establishing open marketplaces in an effort to connect, support, feed and educate the communities. Here are the eight best farmers markets in the state.
The Fayetteville Farmers Market, Fayetteville, AR
This award-winning market is arguably one of the best in all of Arkansas. The Fayetteville Farmers Market has been serving the Northwest Arkansas community since it was founded in 1973. All products are grown in our beautiful Ozark Mountains region from vendors located within a 60-mile radius of Fayetteville. How’s that for local!? Markets are located on Fayetteville’s historic downtown Square as well as inside Ozark Natural Foods in the Evelyn Hills Shopping Center on College Avenue during the winter season.
The Bentonville Farmers Market, Bentonville, AR
Running for over four decades, the Bentonville Farmers Market is knit into the heart of the community. Located on the lively Square in downtown Bentonville, this market is open on Saturdays from April to October. Not only does this market feature farm products that are certified by both the USDA and the Benton County Health Department, but it also welcomes WIC, SNAP, and SFMNP guests.
The Fort Smith Farmers Market on Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR
Founded in 2003, this year-round market is located on the corner of Garrison Avenue and North 2nd Street in historic downtown Fort Smith. With an emphasis on shopping local, the Fort Smith Farmers Market has been helping the Arkansas River Valley community grow greener and healthier. All products featured at this market come from a 90-mile radius of Fort Smith.
The Little Rock River Market, Little Rock, AR
From May to August, farm-fresh Arkansas crops and local crafts are featured every Saturday at this market, which opened in 1974. The market's location in the two open-air pavilions of the River Market district of downtown Little Rock provides beautiful views of the Arkansas River and Riverfront Park.
The Hot Springs Farmers & Artisan’s Market, Hot Springs, AR
Formed in the mid-1970s, this market now splits its operations into the Main Market season, open from May to October, and the Winter Market season, open November to April. Young people in the Hot Springs community are invited to take part in the market’s Youth Market Days free of charge. This great learning experience happens on the last Saturday of each month during the Main Market season. The Hot Springs Farmers & Artisan’s Market also participates in the Arkansas DHS SNAP program.
The Bernice Garden Farmers Market, Little Rock, AR
The Bernice Garden Farmers Market in downtown Little Rock is open every Sunday from April to November. Located inside of the publically-used yet privately-owned The Bernice Garden, the market provides an open marketplace community for the area’s farmers and consumers and promotes all things sustainable.
The Downtown Rogers Farmers Market, Rogers, AR
This family-friendly farmers market, managed by Main Street Rogers, Inc., makes its home in a converted auto repair shop bought by the City of Rogers. The Downtown Roger’s market houses many vendors in drive-up bays in its unique indoor/outdoor facility. This community gathering place is open on Wednesdays & Saturdays from April to November.
The Siloam Springs Farmers Market, Siloam Springs, AR
The producers-only Siloam Springs Farmers Market is an extension of Main Street Siloam Springs, Inc., a part of the Locally Grown network, and features products from vendors and farmers in the Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma areas. The marketplace is located at Mt. Olive Street / Memorial Park and is open every Saturday from May to October.
