Popular Farmers' Markets In New Orleans

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway outside New Orleans provides a beautiful ride into the city from the north. It comprises twin parallel bridges, the longest one being approximately 23.9 miles. The south end of the bridge puts drivers in Metairie, Louisiana, while the north entrance is in Mandeville on Causeway Boulevard. It was the longest bridge in the world until July 2011, when a longer bridge was constructed in China.

Large areas of the landscape and waterscape in and around Orleans Parish, Louisiana were damaged by 2005's Hurricane Katrina. This destruction brought New Orleans to a relative standstill, but the restaurants and farmers' markets were some of the first venues to come back to life in 2006.

The closest farmer's markets and U-Pick farms to New Orelans are in Orleans Parish and St. Tammany Parish to the north. The best known farmer's market in this area is the Crescent City Farmers' Market that operates in three locations within New Orelans (see information presented below).

The Mississippi River has long been a shipping route for taking agricultural good to retail markets throughout the South North, and Midwest. One of the best things about the Delta area farmers' market is that they offer fresh fish and other seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.

The Crescent City market, honoring the city's nickname, is the largest farmers' market in New Orleans. Held on three separate days each week during the summer and autumn seasons, the market serves Downtown (with live music on Saturdays), Uptown, and Mid-City. You might see several local food trucks at the Uptown market.

Crescent City says, "Meet me at the market." By this it means to come visit and get involved in any of a long list of activities and projects designed to build community and they build the local economy and provide healthy foods.

Children can find a lot of fun things to do at the market, but senior citizens are also a major focus. A special nutrition program operated by Crescent City market teaches seniors about nutrition and offers tokens for purchases additional food they may need. An outreach brings additional seniors to the market in order to increase their activity and to better their nutrition overall. Besides, it's fun!

Tokens for up to $20 worth of food at the market can also be had by folks that use the federal SNAP program via the Louisiana Purchase Card.

Marketeer Saturdays - For attendees aged 16 and older, the market puts on activities during the first Saturday of the month at the market.

Food and cooking demos are fun to watch and attendees can learn to make new and healthier dishes.

The market is more sustainable every year as well. Free filtered drinking water is available to everyone and waste in all areas is cut to practically "0" all over the market.

Special Project - The Cayote Squash or Mirliton.

• The market promotes the use and production of heirloom mirlitons, which are native to Louisiana - no GMO is acceptable.

The number and diversity of vendors present at the Crescent City market is startling. Even the zoo is involved -- The Audubon Zoo Horticulture Department in New Orleans offers its own garden compost.

Besides zoo compost, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh-fruit popsicles, beet lemonade, knife sharpening, herbs and flowers, free range chickens, game fowl, grains, pies and breads, alligator meat and seafood, nuts, Mexican and British foods, fresh farm meats, dairy products, dog treats, jams and preserves, and many more items. If you have nver enjoyed Creole cream cheese, you can pick some up here.

After the American Revolution, the Spanish set up French Market in New Orleans. It thrived as a farmers' market and several other small markets emerged and operated for many years. By the late 1990s, nearly all of the small markets were gone, but French Market remained, selling fresh foods and ethnic foods from many nationalities. Today, it is six blocks long, to the northeast of the Crescent City Saturday Market.

The farmers' market and flea market here are both open seven days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm. A stage is set up for cooking demonstrations and live musical talent. In addition, special events are held throughout the year, making this marketplace very popular. For instance, the Mighty Mississippi Festival is held during the second Saturday of September.

The French Market District includes dozens of stores on Decatur and St. Peters Streets as well.

Hunnington Farms

• 79093 Doug Jarrell Rd, Covington , LA 70435. Phone: 985-892-0357.
• Saturday Hours:9:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday Hours: 6:00am to Noon.
• Seven miles north of Covinton LA.
• Roadside stand near the house.
• Pumpkins, kennel, pet services. Large dairy farm is located in Kentwood LA.

Ridemore Ranch and Berry Farm

• 22154 John T Prats Rd, Covington , LA 70435. Phone: 985-875-1965.
• Open during spring through early autumn. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, and MasterCard.
• Different varieties of berries (U-Pick), beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, garlic, figs, onions, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, zucchini; honey from their own hives.
• Corn stalks offered for fall and Halloween decor.
• Horse boarding in the stables/pasture, horse leasing, and riding trails are available.
• Horses and other farm animals are available for families to see and there is a picnic area under the shade trees.

Sunhillow Berry Farm

• 33510 Magee-Mahner Road, Pearl River, LA 70452. Phone: 985-867-9737.
• Hours: Sunrise to Sundown, 7 days a week from mid-April to mid-September.
• Blueberries, Mayhaws, Muscadine grapes.