Staying at a vacation rental in the Big Peach? Fill your fridge at these purveyors of fresh foods.
Headed to Atlanta, Georgia? Perusing vacation rentals instead of hotel rooms, because you like the idea of cooking healthy meals from scratch rather than paying high prices for over-salted, butter-drenched non-organic fare at restaurants?
This handy guide to the fresh-food markets in Atlanta, Georgia – farmers or otherwise – will show you where to find organic veggies, locally-raised meats – and, more than likely, a host of other great stuff like fresh flowers, baked goods and handmade soaps. You’ll probably end up meeting the farmers, ranchers, and craftspeople themselves – not to mention a crowd of people who are friendlier than the folks in the next booth at the restaurant are likely to be.
Your Dekalb Farmers Market
3000 East Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, Georgia
This is not your typical farmers market by any stretch of the imagination. Sure, you’ll find local produce and the like – but this is no mere produce stand. The market prides itself in being a true “world market,” and they receive shipments of fresh goods from international destinations that they sell to both the public and to local retailers and restaurateurs. But even that is just the beginning. The facility is staffed 24/7 with workers busy baking bread, pasta and pastries, sorting and washing produce, squeezing fresh juice, creating ready-to eat items for the deli, and readying the cafe. Craving seafood? You’ll find salmon, snow crab, lobster, mussels, halibut catfish, tuna and more. Looking for a nice bottle to go with the lovely tenderloin you just found? Choose from over 700 varieties of wine from around the globe, 500 different beers – and even a large selection of mixers. The selection of spices here is mind-boggling, too. Seriously, this is unlike any farmers market you’ve ever seen. Good thing they have a coffee shop where you can find strong espresso or cup of tea to keep you going while you explore this food paradise.
Other things to note:
- Plenty of parking
- Numerous, ultra-helpful staff
- An on-site recycling center
- Clean bathrooms
- Cash or debit card only
The Municipal Market
209 Edgewood Ave, SE
Another “more than your typical farmers market” farmers market, The Municipal Market stands in a space that was an open-air market in 1918. Called “Curb Market” by the locals, it houses not only produce but also restaurants – Chinese, Italian, Colombian, soul food, Vietnamese, butchers, a bakery… and even a cooking school. In fact, you can think of it as being similar to Pike Place Market in Seattle or Reading Terminal in Philadelphia. So, whether you feel like shopping for ingredients to take back to your vacation rental – or you’d just like to grab a bite for lunch – this is a great place to go. Plus, its Sweet Auburn location makes getting here a breeze.
Other things to note:
- Parking is validated for up to one hour
Freedom Farmers Market
453 Freedom Pkwy NE (the Carter Center)
A proper farmers market in every sense of the word, Freedom Farmers Market is where you’ll find local farmers and ranchers selling locally grown veggies, meats and eggs, fresh bread, and prepared foods to eat on the spot. In the true spirit of a classic farmers market, you’re also likely to enjoy some live musical talent while you shop. And eat.
Other things to note:
- Dog-friendly!
- Vendors take cash – or tokens that can be purchased with Debit/Credit/EBT cards
Where to stay?
Looking around for a great place to stay while you’re in town? These Atlanta vacation home rentals are located in great, walkable neighborhoods, and professional management means that you can count on squeaking clean units and a seamless arrival.