A Field Trip to San Antonio Farmers’ Markets

Farmers Market

I’m going to let you in on a little secret, I’m kind of a farmers’ market geek! I always make my husband stop at markets whenever we’re visiting a new city. Just last week-end we stopped for plums at a road side stand in New Mexico, and last year we hit up the market in Delft while we were in Holland. I think going to the market is one of the best ways to get to know a city and a different culture.

Market

When we first moved to San Antonio six years ago, I was kind of disappointed in the market situation. We moved here from Salt Lake City, and I was sure that if SLC could support an amazing year round market, certainly San Antonio would have something comparable. But, six years ago, there was no Pearl Market (you can read Christina’s post about the Pearl here), no Quarry Market, no Southtown Market, and certainly nothing like the new market at the Eilan! What existed was a group of smaller parking lot markets. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t give the parking lot markets much of chance. I was a market snob. I wanted a place where I could get a chocolate macaroon and a fancy lemonade!

Market

I was so thrilled with the arrival of all the new markets that I quickly forgot about the original markets. This week I went back to the market in Leon Valley, and I fell in love! Seriously the friendliest vendors ever! When you’re deciding what market to go to, you have to ask yourself, what is the purpose of your visit? If you want some fancy lemonade, live music and grass-fed beef, you should probably head to a hipster market downtown, but if you’re looking for a quick visit for some produce, head to one of the smaller markets.

Market

The great thing about San Antonio is that we have lots of markets now that can cater to everyone. I haven’t been out to the market at the Eilan, Ripe, but I think it looks like the most family friendly, with face painting and other children’s activities. We also made a trek out to the New Braunfels market, which is great if you live out there, but if you’re central to San Antonio, it’s quite a drive.

So, here is a list of some of the city’s best markets. I tried to cover them all. Have I forgotten your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

San Antonio’s Best Farmers’ Markets:

  1. Pearl Farmers’ Market: Pearl Brewery, Saturdays, 9:00am-1:00pm

  2. Quarry Farmers’ Market: Quarry Shopping Center, Sundays, 9:00am-1:00pm

  3. Leon Valley Market: Leon Valley Community Center, Wednesdays, 7:30 am – 1:00pm

  4. Southtown Market: Blue Star Arts Complex, Saturdays, 9:00am-1:00pm

  5. Ripe Market at Eilan: Eilan Hotel, Sundays, 10:00am-2:00pm

Sarah
Sarah is originally from the east coast of Canada and moved to San Antonio from Salt Lake City 6 years ago for her husband’s job. They have 6 children: Samuel (9), William (7), Benjamin (5), Afton Rose (4), Charles (2), and a baby girl that was born on July 1st. She’s a busy stay at home mom, and she loves her job! She loves entertaining and cooking and spending time with friends and family. She’s also come to fully embrace the family road trip! You can read more about Sarah and her family over at Frankly Entertaining.

7 COMMENTS

  1. My old standby is the market on Jackson Keller between McCullough & San Pedro. No fancy lemonade, but all the basics in produce and herbs. Same vendors for the 7 years I have lived in area. A little cheaper than Quarry Market & Pearl too. Easy in and out. No frills stop and I love it!

  2. Cracking up a hipster markets, but it’s so true! I love the little parking lot markets! I’m usually going just for veggies and love that I can just get in and out and not deal with the crowds and noise.

    • You’re a total hipster Faith! People look at my family like we’re a circus troupe (they’re not completely wrong!).

  3. Great post! The Quarry farmers’ market is our favorite. We are looking forward to visiting the Southtown one soon.

    For younger kids, make the trip educational by naming all the fruits and veggies you can see.

    For older kids, let them count out the money to pay — unlike most stores, the prices are usually in round numbers. It helps to bring a stack of dollar bills for counting.

    • Inga,
      I love the idea of letting my older kids pay. I’m toying with the idea of giving them $5 and letting them pick out what they want, and having them find a way to use it.

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