Christmas and Fresh Local Food bring smiles!

You could not have asked for a better day at the Franklin Farmers Market – the sun was shining bright, smiling faces were all over the place and the holiday spirit was in the air. Our farmers brought lots of Carrots, Collards, winter greens, Brussels sprouts, mixed lettuces, potatoes and other winter vegetables to the FFM last Saturday to help create perfect holiday meals. The fresh baked rolls and sweet decorated holiday cookies, muffins and homemade candies were popular too and why not?. After all, Santa (not to mention the little “elves” at home) loves cookies and other sweet treats. Beautiful jewelry, woodwork and other artisan crafts were being picked up by last minute gift shoppers too. But one of the best things at the market was all of the smiles and chatter going on. Conversations with the farmers and artisans or talking with neighbors and friends who were also at the market; enjoying a cup of hot apple cider or coffee and smiling while munching on a warm sweet donut. We’ll say it again – you could not have asked for a better day at the market!

Winter Produce from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Fresh Sweet Carrots from Beaverdam Creek Farm

local potatoes from Kirkview Farm

Delvin Farms brussels sprouts

Organic collards from Delvin Farms

Fresh eggs and herbs from Bloomsbury Farm

Locally grown radishes

Bear Creek Farm Ribeye’s

Winter officially began yesterday, on December 21st. At least 3 more cold months are ahead of us. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t see your favorite farmers every Saturday. The market will be open this Saturday, December 27th from 8am until noon. You’ll always find seasonal produce at the FFM, along with meats from local farms, dairy and baked goods too. But when the new year begins, our farmers get to sleep a little later. The hours for the winter season of the Franklin Farmers Market will change on January 3rd. The market will open at 9am and close at noon.

Whole Filet Mignon’s from Triple L Ranch

Fresh Hatcher Family Dairy milk

Fresh baked bread from Flying S Farm

River Cottage Farm ground beef

We like to snap photos every Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market. Good food, smiles and little kids make great pictures. In the FFM photo gallery, you can see the year in review, with photos from every Saturday at the market for 2014. From food, people and events, there are lots of photos of what happens at the FFM. Take a look and get ready to smile!

winter greens are now in large supply

Beautiful local cabbage from Kirkview Farm

Lettuce Mix from Pilgrims Produce

Organically grown local collards from Delvin Farms

Holiday Greenery from Riverbend Nurseries

You could tell it when you walked through the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday – Christmas is just around the corner. There was a bit of chill in the air, hot apple cider to sip on and lots of smiling faces throughout the market. The holiday spirit is alive and well. Many of you were stopping by to do some gift shopping at the FFM and we know why.

After all, where else can you find such a fantastic variety of handcrafted gifts, all made by local artisans?

Handmade artisan candles and bottles

Handcrafted artisan work by Mark Alan Artisan Woods

Shaving supplies from Tottys Bend Soap Farm

Handcrafted wood from Cody’s Woodworks

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Then there were the people we saw with lists in hand, looking for the fresh food needed to create the perfect holiday meals.

Organic Brussels Sprouts from Delvin Farms

Sweet carrots from Paradise Produce

Tomatoes and tomato juice from Evans Produce

Artisan goat cheese from Noble Springs Dairy

Beautiful fresh cut trees, garlands and wreathes were going home with lots of folks too to be decorated and ready for a visit from Santa. And then there were those of you who strolled around munching a warm donut and wishing everyone you saw “happy holidays.”

Home made orange cinnamon rolls from Lucy’s Kitchen

Fresh baked cakes from Flying S Farms

Christmas is 10 days away so there’s just one more Saturday to shop at the FFM before the holiday. Make your list and check it twice and then get to the Franklin Farmers Market this upcoming Saturday for the best in fresh local food and handcrafted, unique gifts.

Norton Family Farm Pickles and gift bags

Naturally made soap from Firefly Essentials

Real barnwood signs from Tom the Furniture Guy

Fresh baked banana nut bread from BB’s Gourmet Pretzels

Who doesn’t like to sleep in a little later on the weekend? While our farmers are used to being early birds, they too like to stay in that warm bed and snooze a bit more on a cold winter morning. On January 3rd, we will give them the chance to do that. The winter market hours will change. The Franklin Farmers Market will open an hour later at 9am and close at noon for the remainder of the winter market.

Antler Dog chews from Antler

Fresh made slices of pies from Dozen

One of the things we love most about market days is the chance to snap photos of happy people and good food. This past Saturday was no different. Lots of photos were taken. Did we catch you smiling for the camera? Take a look at the big Franklin Farmers Market photo gallery and see for yourself!

Locally made artisan gifts

There was a little chill in the air at the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday, but it was all good. After all, Christmas is just 17 days away, so a little cold weather was appropriate. It looked like quite a few of you thought so too, as we saw several of Riverbend Nursery’s beautiful Christmas trees strapped to cars and going home with happy people. And quite a few of you were picking out unique gifts from the local artisans at the market too. Gifts that are extra special, because they are handcrafted and created right here in Tennessee.

Miniatures by Philip Crews

Local farm preserves from Jones Mill Farm

Locally made goat cheese from Noble Springs

Goat milk soap from Tottys Bend Soap Farm

Of course, there was plenty of good fresh food from our farmers too, so those of you doing the planning of holiday meals had a good selection of seasonal veggies, meats, dairy and lots of special baked goods too.

Winter CSA and hand made Christmas wreaths

Fresh farm eggs and herbs from Bloomsbury Farm

Beautiful Broccoli just picked from the farm

Apples for Kirkview Farm

Locally made pies from Dozen

Fresh baked Banana nut bread from BB’s Gourmet Pretzels

Littles ones where happy to see Santa at Market!

To top it all off, a visit by a certain gentleman carrying lots of jingle bells made it official – Christmas is just around the corner!

Santa’s visit to the FFM this past Saturday was a jolly good time for a lot of little kids and some big “kids” too. It was kind of funny because there were many children who were so excited to be talking to Santa that they forgot what they wanted him to bring for Christmas! But Santa was prepared and he gave every boy and girl a little present for the holidays. It was a colorful jingle bell just like the ones the reindeer wear when pulling his sleigh.

A happy christmas tree meets a jolly Santa

Santa brought his jingle bells for all kids

There are only two more Saturdays to shop at the Franklin Farmers Market for the perfect gifts and the best food for holiday meals. Don’t forget, a lot of farmers and bakers at the FFM can take pre-orders for food, so you get exactly what you want for your holiday meals. And several of the artisans do custom work too. Make the holidays extra happy – find what you need to do so at the Franklin Farmers Market!

Fresh made pumpkin woopie pies from Norton Family Farm

Fresh made crepe’s from Crepe A Diem

We asked you to come to the Franklin Farmers Market for “Shop Small Business Saturday” and you did, buying unique gifts from our artisans and fresh food from our farmers.

Holiday packaging and gift bags for jams, jellies, baked goods and cookie trays from Norton Family Farm

100% soy candles hand made with recycled wine bottles from Intoxicating Aromas

Fresh Food from Colvin Family Farm

Fresh baked cookies from The Olive Tree Bakery

Hand made local artisan gifts and jewelry from Rockin Robbin Ranch

It made perfect sense to buy handcrafted gifts and food from local artisans and Tennessee farmers. Not only do you get creative gifts and the best in fresh food from the FFM, you are also helping the local economy. An average of $68 of every $100 spent at a local small business goes back into the community’s economy. Yes, it was a bit chilly this past Saturday, but it was worth the trip to the market for our Shop Small Business Saturday day. Thank you for making Small Business Saturday a great day at the Franklin Farmers Market. But if you didn’t make it to the FFM, don’t worry. The best in fresh food can always been found and there’s plenty of great gifts to be had too, just in time for Christmas.

Local shaving soaps from Tottys Bend Soap Farm

Guitar string bracelets from Lovely Beads by Brenda

Antler knives from Antlers

Authentic Barnwood signs from Tom the Furniture Guy

local alpalca gloves from Legacy Acres Alpacas farm

Local body butter from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Delicious recipes from our very own market cookbook

You need to find gifts for your kids’ teachers, your employees, clients and the budding chef in the family. No problem. Stop by the FFM info booth and pick up a copy of the market’s “Eating in Season” cookbook. It’s full of delicious recipes for each season from our farmers. Let’s say you’re shopping the FFM and see some great looking butternut squash, but you really don’t know how to prepare it. All you have to do is to take a look at the winter section of our “Eating in Season” cookbook and Voilà – you’ll find the perfect recipe for Butternut something soup. The Eating in Season cookbook is just $15 (plus tax) and there’s a special discount rate when you buy a case. Give a delicious gift – The Eating in Season cookbook.

Local butternut squash from Colvin Family Farm

Farm fresh herbs from Bloomsbury Farm

Get the cameras ready – the big man himself, Santa Claus will be at the Franklin Farmers Market this Saturday!

Visit Santa at Franklin Farmers Market

Hand made manager from Miniatures by Philip Crews

A Happy Santa for kids

From 9am until noon, Santa will be in his big rocking chair and ready to visit with all good girls and boys. Santa’s even got a special little gift for the kids too. Come by and tell Santa what you want to find under the Christmas tree!

Christmas Trees, Wreaths and other holiday greenery from Riverbend Nurseries

Come on in and browse from our pure local Tennessee Artisan Handcrafted Gifts!

Where can you find unique handmade artisan gifts for the Holiday Season? Yep, you guessed right; the Franklin Farmers Market has the best assembly of locally handmade artisan holiday gifts in Middle Tennessee. There’s no question that the Franklin Farmers Market is the place to go for the best in fresh food. From meats, dairy, baked goods and seasonal vegetables from local farms, the FFM has what you need to create a holiday meal that no one will forget. But the Franklin Farmers Market is also the place to find gifts that are anything, but ordinary. Unique gifts crafted with care and attention to detail by local artisans. Special creative gifts to appreciate like those listed below from our local Tennessee Artisans:

Beautiful artisan wood work of sculptures, bowls, trays and much more.
Bright, colorful handmade pottery.

Hand carved artisan wood work by Mark Alan Artisan Woods

Colorful handmade pottery from V Pottery

Bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings, guitar string jewelry crafted with creative designs.
Unique barn wood signs, large and small.

artisan jewelry from Rockin Robbin Ranch

guitar string jewelry from Lovely Beads by Brenda

Rustic barnwood serving trays from Mark Alan Artisan Woods

Hand painted barn wood signs from Tom the Furniture Guy

Miniature houses and historic reproductions, with detailed craftsmanship.
Creative wine bottle art.
Warm, silky soft Alpaca clothing and accessories.

Historic reproductions from Miniatures by Philip

Handcrafted miniature historic buildings by Philip

Artisan handcrafted Wine Bottle Art

Handmade Alpaca Clothing right off the Tennessee farm from Legacy Acres Alpacas

Fun and funky artisan craftwork.
Handcrafted cutting boards and rolling pins made with a variety of beautiful woods.

Funky Folk Art from Bebo Folkart

Handmade artisan wood cutting boards and rolling pins from Cody’s Woodworks

Luxurious natural soaps and lotions.
Eco-friendly upcycled accessories.
Creative pet products.

Goat milk soaps from Tottys Bend Soap Farm

Natural soaps from Firefly Essentials

Handcrafted holiday gifts from local wood

Pet Products from the Barkers Market

This year, consider giving some gifts you won’t find at the local shopping malls. Our local artisans handcraft everything they bring to market. Shop outside the big box and give gifts that mean more. Artisan handmade gifts you’ll find each Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market.

You can view many of our special holiday gifts by visiting our Handmade Artisan Gifts Photo Gallery. Learn more about our local Tennessee Artisans by visiting our Artisans webpage.  We hope to see you soon at the Franklin Farmers Market!

Selecting that perfect gift for the Holiday Season becomes more special when it’s a unique “one of a kind” made by hand from one our our local Tennessee Artisans

It was a little chilly this past Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market, but so what, there was plenty of local fresh food like vegetables, potatoes, carrots and onions.

Fresh picked peppers from Colvin Family Farm

Organically grown winter greens from Delvin Farms

I love sweet potatoes!

Fresh carrots from Paradise Produce

Farm onions from Evans Produce

Add some delicious beef or chicken from our local meat farmers and voila – you’ve got a delicious pot of hot soup to warm you up. Local fresh food like broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and apples were at the market too, along with radishes, turnips, and winter greens. We could go on and on, but the list of fresh winter veggies is pretty long. The point is, even though the weather can turn nasty and cold, you’ll always find local fresh food to create a warm tasty meal all winter long at the FFM.

Local fresh meats

Homemade soup from Jones Mill Farm

Organic broccoli from Delvin Farms

Organic cauliflower from Delvin Farms

Lettuce mix from Beaverdam Creek Farm

Apples from Kirkview Farm

Turnips from Bloomsbury Farm

Radishes and wheatgrass

Volunteers collecting coats

Speaking of cold weather, our thanks to everyone who shared the warmth and donated coats, blankets and winter clothing this past Saturday at the FFM. It was our 2nd year for the Love Will Keep Us Warm charity drive. All donations collected will be distributed to the Oasis Center and the Nashville Rescue Mission. Your donations go a long way in keeping those in need warm throughout our cold winter.

Thanksgiving is just a week and a half away. Just a reminder that local fresh food ingredients for practically any recipe you might prepare for your big Thanksgiving Day can be found at the Franklin Farmers Market. Farm raised never frozen turkeys, fresh baked breads, farm ground cornmeal, sweet potato pies, and many other farm fresh ingredients from the Franklin Farmers Market, and you’ve got the best Thanksgiving meal ever!

Stone ground grits and cornmeal

Fresh baked bread from Flying S Farms

Lots of smiles at the market this past Saturday. Make sure to check out our big photo gallery and see who we caught on camera!

Enter here for Farm Fresh Food!!!

Everyone was prepared this past Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market shopping for winter root vegetables – toboggan hats, gloves and scarves were the normal attire, although we did see a couple of people brave enough to wear shorts in the chilly temps. But it really didn’t matter whether you bundled up or wore a tank top, it was a good day to pick up the best in seasonal fresh food at the FFM. Cabbages and cauliflower were abundant along with broccoli and carrots. Lots and lots of sweet potatoes could be found along with other winter root vegetables.

Sweet carrots from Rocky Glade Farm

Organic cabbage from Delvin Farms

Broccoli from Kirkview Farm

Sweet potatoes from Rocky Glade Farm

And even though the calendar says otherwise, summer has not quite disappeared at the FFM. We have farms at the market that are further south from Franklin and their summer crops such as tomatoes and fresh peppers tend to last a little longer. So whether you were in the mood for some butternut squash or a slice of a fresh tomato, it was a good day for the best in fresh food from local farms at the FFM.

Tomatoes for salads from Norton Family Farm

Sweet Baby Bell Peppers from Evans Produce

Organically grown winter greens from Delvin Farms

Butternut Squash from Colvin Family Farm

Lucy’s Kitchen open for business!

There’s going to be a nosedive with the temperatures this week, as the local weather experts are predicting lows dipping into 20-something degrees. When you bundle up in your warm coats or throw an extra blanket on the bed, it might not seem like such a big deal. But there are many here in our communities who don’t have the coats, the blankets and sweaters needed to ward off the cold. That’s why the Franklin Farmers Market is once again joining the “Love Will Keep Us Warm” charity drive to help those in need stay warm this winter. Share the warmth. You can drop off your donation of gently used or new blankets, sweaters, coats, hats and more at the FFM this upcoming Saturday (November 15th) to be distributed to Middle Tennessee charities who help those who can benefit from your generosity. For more info, send an email to dottie.d.beasley@gmail.com. Share the warmth and help your neighbors this Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market.

You see them every weekend at the FFM. You buy their fresh produce, meats and dairy goods. But how much do you really know about the farmers at the market? It’s easy to find out more info. Just visit our Farmers Profile section and learn more about your favorite farmers at the FFM. Know your farmers. Know your food. And don’t forget to visit the market photo gallery to see your friends and what winter root vegetables are in season.

Franklin Juice joins the FFM

Organic Salsa from Delvin Farms, mild or hot

Canned Veggies from Norton Family Farm

Yummy cornbread and biscuits from Fly S Farms

Local Tennessee Farmers Stephanie, Hank and Daniel

It was the first day of the winter farmers market this past Saturday at the Franklin Farmers Market and it sure felt like it. Cold and very windy weather had everyone bundled up. But what’s a little cold weather when there’s good food to be found? It’s not a problem. With all of the delicious fresh food to be had at the FFM, the chilly temps didn’t seem to stop anyone from visiting the winter farmers market. After all, there was hot coffee and hot chocolate to sip on; warm tasty crepes, biscuits and more to munch and the absolute best in fresh food from local farms. Cold weather? Bring it on. We’re ready. The FFM’s Winter Market is open every Saturday, now through April.

Fresh Hot Coffee on a cold winter morning

Oatmeal cookies from Dozen

Sweet tomatoes from Norton Family Farm

Organic Broccoli from Delvin Farms

Turnip Greens from Kirkview Farm

Banana Bread from BB’s Gourmet Pretzels

Tailgating corn hole boards of your favorite football team hand made and painted by Mike’s Genuine Art

There’s no question that the Franklin Farmers Market is one of the biggest farmers markets in Tennessee. But we had some people asking us this past Saturday why the market looked even bigger. Winter market does have quite a few farmers and vendors, so it’s not a small market to begin with. But things looked different now because the area we call Tent City has been moved. It’s now front and center of the big market shed, so FFM stretches all the way down to Liberty Pike. That makes it a whole lot easier for you to see everything that’s at the Franklin Farmers Market, because it’s a lot easier to navigate your way around the FFM. That’s not the only thing that’s different at our Winter Market. This year, for the first time, you’ll be able to pick out the perfect Christmas tree at the FFM from Riverbend Nursery. Watch for the date that the trees will arrive at market in our weekly newsletter. And go ahead and circle the date – on December 6th, the big man will be back. Santa arrives at the Franklin Farmers Market on December 6th!

Finally, even with the cold weather this past weekend, it didn’t affect the supply of good food and happy faces at the market. For proof of both, just check out the FFM’s big photo gallery!

Fresh Juice from Juice

Fresh Made Pasta from City Pasta

Organic Kale from Delvin Farms

Artisan Goat Cheese from Noble Springs Dairy

Our winter farmers market begins this Saturday November 1st and runs every Saturday thru April. Summer’s over and cold weather is moving in. So how is it that the Franklin Farmers Market can stay open all winter long? Cold weather doesn’t stop our farmers from growing. It just changes the variety of fruits and vegetables available from Tennessee farms. And you have not lived until you have tried some of our local soups made with farm fresh ingredients!

Farmers can extend seasons for growing in a number of different ways. Hoop houses, greenhouses and row covers are used to protect crops from freezing temperatures working to extend the season for some vegetables and allows early planting for spring produce. Some hardy crops, like potatoes, can stay fresh for months if stored properly. There are sweet, crisp apples available. Root crops, such as beets and carrots are plentiful during the winter and there are many types of greens too, like kale, arugula and lettuce. Brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and winter squash also favor cooler weather for growing. And to round out your meals, the best dairy, locally raised meats, honey and baked goods are always at the Franklin Farmers Market, year-round. Winter market is also a good time to talk to the farmers at the FFM about your favorite spring and summer veggies, because winter is when the farmers decide what to plant for the next year.

Delicious home made soups can be found at the market

Our winter farmers market has tripled in size the past few years. We will have over 60 vendors to kick off this years winter market this coming Saturday. Many local Tennesseans are not aware we are a year round farmers market. Our local farmers and cooks work together to provide great winter soups and baked goods for busy families to have nutritious home cooked meals during the week. No matter whether its summer or winter, you can always find the best in fresh local food from local farms at the Franklin Farmers Market.

Winter Farmers Market is open every Saturday no matter how cold the weather.
8am – noon, November – December
9am – noon, January thru April

There were fresh tomatoes and sweet potatoes, cabbages and green beans all from local farms. It’s stuff that foodies dream about. Summer and fall produce can be found at the Franklin Farmers Market and this past Saturday, the proof was in the shopping bags carrying such food as ripe summer tomatoes and winter squash too.

Organic tomatoes from Delvin Farms

Sweet potatoes from Kirkview Farm

Organic cabbages from Delvin Farms

Fresh picked green beans from Kirkview Farm

Winter Squash from Flying S Farms

Farm Fresh produce from Colvin Family Farm

Easting in Season market cookbook

It’s true that November 1st is the official beginning of the market’s winter season, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of summer veggies. The farmers that live in southern parts of Tennessee have a longer growing season than those that live further north, which is why you can still find such goodies as tomatoes and green beans at the market. But even when that summer produce finally is gone, you can still buy fresh local farm veggies at the FFM, because our farmers know how to grow during the winter too. The only thing that really changes is the time that the market is open. Starting next Saturday, the FFM switches to winter market hours, opening at 8am and closing at noon.

Organic beets from Delvin Family Farm

Beautiful broccoli from Kirview Farm

Farm grown herbs from Bloomsbury Farm

Sweet farm carrots from Rocky Glade Farm

Pumpkin Tree at Franklin Pumpkin Fest

Our farmers are good. Really good. So good, that they can grow a pumpkin tree. Well, sort of. At the big Pumpkinfest event that took place this past Saturday, the staff of the Franklin Farmers Market “grew” a pumpkin tree with help from the King Family Farm. The “tree” was constructed with pumpkins of all sizes and colors from the King Farm and it was an impressive sight to behold, right smack in the middle of Main Street and 4th Avenue.

This was the 31st year for Pumpkinfest, a day of free family fun in downtown Franklin. Our thanks to the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County for inviting the Franklin Farmers Market to be a part of the Pumpkinfest.

Pumpkin tree top at Franklin Pumpkinfest

Pumpkins and fresh picked produce from Colbert Farm

With Halloween just around the corner, there was bound to be some little funny characters roaming around the FFM and we caught several of them on camera this past Saturday. For a look at the little monsters and other fun and tasty things at the FFM, take a look at the big market photo gallery!

Fresh farm lettuces from Paradise Produce

Hot Peppers from Colbert Farm