Appalachian Highlands Farmers News

Kingsport’s Crown Jewel: A Journey into the Heart of the Farmers Market!

The bustling Kingsport Farmers Market features indoor and outdoor vendor booths.

Get ready to ignite your senses and embark on an unforgettable adventure right in the heart of Kingsport, Tennessee! Imagine a place where vibrant colors burst forth from overflowing baskets, the aroma of freshly baked goods hangs sweetly in the air, and the joyful buzz of community fills every corner. This isn’t just a market; it’s the Kingsport Farmers Market, a true jewel in our city’s crown, promising an experience that’s part culinary delight, part cultural celebration, and entirely exhilarating!

The Story Behind the Success

So, who’s behind this incredible hub of local goodness? The Kingsport Farmers Market is proudly managed by the City of Kingsport. It’s not just a recent phenomenon; this market has deep roots in the community. What started as an association transformed into the Kingsport Farmers Market in the early 1990s. Then, on August 3rd, 2012, it found its fantastic permanent home in a renovated facility at the corner of Center & Clinchfield Streets. This dedicated space allows the market to truly flourish, serving its mission: to provide a lively and diverse place for local and regional farmers and artisans to share their amazing products with Kingsport.

Kingsport Farmers Market is a very busy and full featured Farmers Market. Lots of farmers and vendors and lots of visitors.

When to Join the Fun!

The Kingsport Farmers Market isn’t just a fleeting moment; it’s a seasonal celebration! You can dive into this local wonderland for most of the year. The market’s main season runs from late April through late November. During this time, you can catch the market on Saturdays from 7 AM to 1 PM. But wait, there’s more! From May through September, they also open their doors on Wednesdays from 7 AM to 1 PM. This means even more opportunities to stock up on fresh goodies and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Whether it’s a sunny Saturday morning or a bustling weekday, the Kingsport Farmers Market is ready to welcome you!

A Feast for the Senses: Vendor Spotlights!

Now, let’s talk about the stars of the show: the incredible vendors! Each stall at the Kingsport Farmers Market tells a story of passion, dedication, and a commitment to quality. You’ll find everything from farm-fresh produce to handcrafted delights, and the variety is truly astounding.

Appalachian RC&D Council: Sowing Seeds for the Future

Emily Bidgood from Appalachian RCD Council greeting market attendees and telling them about the 2025 Farm Tour.
Emily Bidgood from Appalachian RCD Council greeting market attendees and telling them about the 2025 Farm Tour.

While not a direct vendor selling produce, the Appalachian NE Tennessee Resource Conservation & Development Council (RC&D Council) plays a vital role behind the scenes at the Kingsport Farmers Market. This incredible non-profit organization, founded in 1994, is a true champion of the region. They are deeply committed to conserving natural resources and boosting rural economies. You might see them at the market through programs like their “Farmacy Fit” initiative, which, thanks to their grants, often supports healthy eating and helps make fresh, local food accessible through programs like Double UP SNAP dollars. Their presence underscores the market’s broader impact on community well-being and sustainable living.

Astronomic Creations: Handcrafted Wonders Under the Stars

Step into a world of unique artistry with Astronomic Creations.

Astronomic Creations offers a very full and diverse line of resin art décor, figurines, keychains and jewelry, all with other worldly, mystical, or fantasy themes. Trolls, moons with fairies or unicorns sitting on them, very unique and colorful pyramids with embedded flower petals and stones, and beautiful wall hangings. The variety is endless and the art is unique and interesting. Your mind can wander for hours while focusing on these gorgeous works. Astronomic Creations brings a celestial touch, offering anything from intricate jewelry inspired by the cosmos to beautifully crafted home decor that sparks imagination.

Cove Creek Coffee of Kingsport

Cove Creek Coffee: Your Daily Dose of Delicious Coffee

You can’t walk past this booth without stopping to smell the coffee. Literally. The aroma is comforting and rich. This small coffee roaster in Kingsport is the product of a lot of trial and error on the part of the founder who admits that he didn’t really like coffee growing up until he was introduced to a whole different realm of coffee when he and his wife moved to Seattle, the coffee capital of the United States. He tried roasting micro-batches until he became good at it and opened his company Cove Creek Coffee Company, named after his grandfather’s store in Greenville, TN. His practice certainly paid off because you can’t stop yourself from wanting some of this rich, beautiful, complex flavored coffee.

Brookhaven Farms: Regenerative Riches from the Land

Get ready to connect with the very essence of sustainable agriculture when you encounter Brookhaven Farms. This farm is a shining example of regenerative farming practices in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. They focus on soil health, animal well-being, and providing clean, natural food. You can expect to find a bounty of their efforts, including organic meats (their ruminant animals are always grain-free!), fresh dairy, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. They are truly passionate about healing the earth and nourishing families, and you can taste that commitment in every delicious product they offer. Visiting their stall is an opportunity to directly support farming that prioritizes the land and your health.

DePew Family Farm: A Taste of Generations

DePew Family Farm at the market brings high quality and very effective as well as lovely cosmetic products made from herb infused beef tallow, cocoa butter and goat’s milk. They have Vanilla, Berry, and Violet infused lotions made from goats’ milk. Tea Tree, Frankincense, Geranium, and Lavendar infused Tallow creams that smell amazing and are highly effective at moisturizing dry skin. They even make a very unique, Goat Milk Laundry detergent. DePew Family Farm is a must stop booth at Kingsport.

Harpo’s Hot Dogs, just good, simple food.

Harpo Hotdogs: A Market Day Treat!

Harpo Hot Dogs is simple and to the point. They offer a very short menu of food that is long on quality and taste. It’s only four main offerings, the rest is available toppings, drinks and chips. 1. Harpo Hot Dog is an all-beef hot dog with Mustard, Chili, and Onions. 2. Plain ol’ Hot Dog is just that, a plain hot dog, or you can have Mustard Ketchup, or Mayo. 3. Buddy Brats Dog – Harpo’s seasoned Bratwurst with Spicy Mustard, Salsa, and Cheese. This is the way to do food! Keeping it simple keeps it good!

Holston Beef: Premium Meats from Local Lands

For those seeking high-quality, locally raised meats, Holston Beef Co. LLC is a vendor you won’t want to miss. As a multi-generational farm based right in Kingsport, they are committed to offering consistent and delicious products for your family table. You can expect to find a range of retail cuts of their beef, pork, and lamb. They even offer locally finished bison seasonally! Holston Beef Co. represents the dedication of local farmers to providing ethically raised, flavorful meats directly to their community. Supporting them means supporting sustainable farming and enjoying exceptional quality.

Horse and Bear Ranch: A Glimpse into wise use of farm products

Horse and Bear Ranch is the home of The Herb Peddler, a line of Goat’s milk soaps, Herbal Blends, and Botanicals. Their Herb line includes very unique things like Hops, Pennyroyal, Damiana, Skullcap, and Peppermint. Their Goat’s Milk Soaps include Lavender, Patchouli, Sunshine and Tea, Oats and Honey, Cocoa Java Mint and Fungal Fixer. Horse and Bear also have a variety of Slaves and Microgreens as well as interesting tchotchkes in their booth.

Sourdough Treasury: Artisan Breads, Baked with Love

Prepare your taste buds for pure bliss when you encounter Sourdough Treasury. This local gem specializes in the exquisite flavors of sourdough, freshly baked right in Kingsport. You can expect perfectly balanced tangy and buttery scones, perhaps with a crisp, golden edge and a tender crumb. They also offer delectable sourdough sandwich bread, decorative artisan sourdough loaves, and even savory options like bacon cheddar artisan sourdough. Want to make your own fresh sourdough bread at home? They even sell sourdough starter. For bread lovers, Sourdough Treasury is an absolute treasure, bringing the art of traditional baking to the market.

South in Ya Mouth: Flavors that Ignite!

Makes a variety of items including some unusual ones. In addition to their pastries, canned goods, and other offerings, the most unusual and intriguing item they sell is a tomato pie. I have to say that I have never seen anything like it and it looks delicious. The pie is enormous and savory, it is so pleasing to look at, it would almost be worth the $20 just to look at it, but no, for that, you get to take on home with you. That is, if they haven’t sold out. South in Ya Mouth has a line of tinctures, salves, and lotions, as well as lip balms in several flavors. They sell a wound balm, and Beard Butter along with a large variety of other balms and salves.

And Many More!

Beyond these highlighted vendors, the Kingsport Farmers Market is a vibrant tapestry of local talent and agricultural abundance. You’ll discover a constantly rotating selection of fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the farm, ensuring you always find something new and in season. Look for colorful bouquets of fresh flowers, homemade baked goods like pies and cookies, artisanal crafts perfect for gifts, and a variety of local meats beyond what’s mentioned above. Each visit promises new discoveries and delightful surprises!

Your Next Kingsport Adventure Awaits!

The Kingsport Farmers Market is more than just a place to buy groceries; it’s a vibrant community hub, a celebration of local talent, and a testament to the rich agricultural heritage of Northeast Tennessee. It’s a place where you can connect with the people who grow your food, discover unique handcrafted items, and simply soak in the lively atmosphere. So, whether you’re a Kingsport local or a visitor passing through, make sure to mark your calendar. Come explore, taste, and experience the pure joy that awaits you at the Kingsport Farmers Market! It’s an adventure for your taste buds and your soul!

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