10 Farmers Markets to Shop This Summer in DeKalb County
10 Farmers Markets to Shop This Summer in DeKalb County
By Emma Goggans
Summer has officially arrived in DeKalb County, and locals & tourists alike are excited for all the season has to offer. Trips to swimming holes, hikes along scenic trails in Little River Canyon National Preserve, and kayak rides to DeSoto Falls are all popular choices. However, there is a summer activity that is ever-growing in popularity: farmers markets. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets across the country grew from 1,755 to 8,771 from 1994 to 2019. That is an average growth of almost 7 percent per year! Here in DeKalb County we have plenty of farmers markets to choose from to get the best farm-to-table products around. Here are 10 farmers markets in DeKalb County that you NEED to shop at this summer!
1. Mentone Farmers Market
AL-117 Dempsey Street, Mentone, Alabama 35984
The Mentone Farmers Market is a year-round farmers market located atop Lookout Mountain. The market prides itself on being a producer-only market that features local vendors. The market finds its purpose in bringing the people of Mentone and the people of neighboring communities together through fresh, local, and nutritious food. The Mentone Farmers Market is supported by the North Sand Mountain Farmers’ Market Organization and is open every Friday from 3pm-6pm.
2. Rainsville Farmers Market
100 Rodeo Lane, Rainsville, Alabama 35986
With a focus on cultivating a sustainable connection between producers and consumers, the Rainsville Farmers Market is a great choice when shopping farmers markets this season. The Rainsville Farmers Market is located on Sand Mountain and has a mission to provide healthy, locally-produced food and products to their community. This local market loves supporting their local economy and enhancing the overall health of local people and their environment. You can visit his market every Thursday from 4pm-6pm.
3. The Farmers Market at Mentone
6139 AL-117, Mentone, Alabama 35984
Another community-driven farmers market can be found every Saturday in Mentone, Alabama. The Farmers Market at Mentone offers a variety of products including things such as: farm fresh produce and eggs, all natural pet care products, homemade jams and jellies, handcrafted jewelry items, and hand sewn crafts like insulated bowl holders and bag holders. The eclectic lineup of products changes weekly, making each shopping experience unique. The Farmers Market at Mentone is open every Saturday year-round from 10am-1pm.
4. Fort Payne Family Farmers Market
(Tractor Supply Parking Lot) 100 DeKalb Plaza, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Fort Payne Family Farmers Market is held weekly at Tractors Supply in the valley below Lookout Mountain. This market has premium fresh local vegetables, fruit, and meat grown by “people you know.” The Fort Payne Family Farmers Market finds purpose in serving their local community and providing fresh products at a great value. They share food from their farm to your table so “you know where your food comes from”. You can visit this farmers market Tuesdays from 8am-12pm.
5. Windy Hill Farmers Market
445 County Road 942, Mentone, Alabama 35984
The Farm at Windy Hill was established in the fall of 2014. This farm has a unique purpose beyond just providing food for Mentone and the surrounding communities. A major part of the farm’s purpose is to serve Camp DeSoto, an all girls summer camp located in Mentone. The Farm at Windy Hill provides fresh, healthy, and delicious food for Camp DeSoto’s dining hall. In addition to this, the farm gives campers the unique opportunity to experience the work, play, and rhythms of farm life as part of their time at camp. During the spring and through the fall, The Farm at Windy Hill opens its doors to the community through its on-farm market. The market features a wide variety of products including 100% grass-fed and finished beef, pastured pork, pasture-raised eggs, seasonal produce, fresh herbs, and flowers. The on-farm market is open every Friday from 2pm-5pm.
6. Geraldine Farmers Market
203 Kermit Machen Street, Geraldine, AL 35974
Located on Sand Mountain, the Geraldine Farmers Market is yet another wonderful place that provides local farmers, gardeners and vendors the opportunity to sell fresh produce, agricultural products, homemade food items, and live plants to the public. This market is open to the public twice a week, Wednesdays 2pm-5pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm.
7. DeKalb County Farmers Market
(VFW Fairgrounds) 151 18th Street, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967
DeKalb County Farmers Market is a non-profit organization designed to promote local farmers. With goodies such as fruit, canned goods, and baked goods, the DeKalb County Farmers Market is a great choice when shopping for local treats. The market is held at the VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne. The covered facility is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm-5pm running June 6th through September 15th.
8. Henagar Farmers Market
18294 Alabama Hwy 75, Henagar, AL 35978
From June 1st to August 31st, the Henagar Farmers Market is another staple when shopping for local produce. Henagar Farmers Market also features agricultural products, homemade food items, and live plants. The market is open every Monday from 3pm-6pm.
9. The Market at TRM
5053 County Road 255, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Tennessee River Music, or TRM, is a cattle ranch owned by country music singer Randy Owen, his wife Kelly Owen, and his daughter and son-in-law Randa and John Starnes. The ranch, located on Lookout Mountain, prioritizes quality in all facets from pasture to rail. The cattle ranch consists of Angus and Hereford genetics that spend the majority of their lives grazing lush, green grass before being finished on a grain-based ration to maximize marbling and taste. TRM strongly believes the key to quality meat is comfortable, respected and humanely-raised animals. The Market at TRM is the ranch’s meat market that was created as a way to share their locally-sourced beef with the community. They also offer locally grown fresh vegetables. The Market at TRM is open Thursdays from 10am-2pm, and Fridays & Saturdays from 10am-5pm.
10. Fort Payne Main Street Farmers Market
Corner of 5th & Gault Ave., Fort Payne, Alabama 35967
Right down the street from the iconic Alabama Band Statues is the home of a weekly local treasure, the Main Street Farmers Market. Farmers from all over DeKalb County set up and provide shoppers with fresh produce, jams & jellies, local honey, homemade soaps, as well as a variety of baked goods. The farmers market is located across the street from the historic Coal & Iron building in the Fort Payne Main Street parking lot. You can shop at this farmers market Saturdays 8am-12pm and Mondays 3pm-6pm.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the scenic beauty of DeKalb County, these farmers markets offer not just groceries, but a taste of community spirit and sustainable living. So, make sure to add a visit to one or more of these vibrant markets to your summer itinerary, and savor the flavors and warmth that define this corner of Alabama. Happy shopping and happy summer!
