Stepping into Jonesborough, Tennessee, is like entering a living postcard. To call this town cute and quaint is an understatement. It’s a pristine gem with a rich history, holding the title of Tennessee’s oldest city and featuring more designated historic buildings than any small town I’ve ever seen. Of course, being surrounded by farmland, they also have a fabulous Farmers Market.
The old structures are beautifully maintained, forming a charming historic district that whispers stories of the past. Being a fan and student of Architecture, I couldn’t help but be impressed with the variety and exemplification of several architectural styles throughout Jonesborough. They are a delightful mix of Italian Renaissance, Victorian, Federal, Neo Classical Revival, and Pioneer Architecture that has evolved.
Despite its small population of around 6,500 residents, Jonesborough has a remarkable history, having hosted notable figures such as Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk. Yet, despite this history, you might expect a dull, musty old town, but it’s quite the opposite! The town is lively, its Historic District businesses are thriving, and the streets are alive with smiling faces. It’s one of those places where you just feel good—a true reflection of the pride its residents have in their home.
About the Jonesborough Farmers Market
And what better way to experience the heartbeat of this community than through its Farmers Market? I recently had the pleasure of visiting, and the energy was contagious! This isn’t just any market; it’s a ‘producer-only’ market, meaning every single item—from fresh produce to artisanal crafts—is grown, raised, or made directly by the vendor. This direct connection fosters transparency, helping shoppers truly understand where their food comes from.
Curious about its origins, I asked Deborah Byrd, Market Manager for the Jonesborough Farmers Market and Executive Director of Jonesborough Locally Grown, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that runs the market, how it all started. She said, ‘It was started in 2008 by some local people who wanted a market where the public could purchase directly from the farmers. It was originally operated by volunteers and held at the library. Five years later, the nonprofit was organized, and the event moved to Courthouse Square.’ What an inspiring journey!
Now, let’s introduce you to some of the fantastic folks who make this market a real local gem.
Slow Bird Bread and Leftfield
Nestled in Johnson City, Slow Bird Bread, part of Leftfield Farm, offers the charm of an urban farm and cottage bakery right at the market. They focus on naturally leavened sourdough breads and a delightful range of baked goods, all crafted with freshly milled, locally grown grains. Leftfield Farm also grows a wide selection of regionally significant heirloom produce, from crisp arugula to juicy tomatoes, all cultivated using a ‘no-till urban farm’ approach. This dedication to sustainable practices is genuinely inspiring.
Bent Tree Spring Farm
Right here in Jonesborough, Bent Tree Spring Farm offers a charming mix of farming and artistry. This dry flower farm produces beautiful, fresh-cut flowers available at their roadside stand and, of course, at the Farmers’ Market during the season. They even host “U-Picks,” inviting you to pick your blooms! Adding to their unique appeal, the farm is also home to blacksmith Austin Yarber, who makes custom pieces and offers lessons. It’s truly a place where beauty and craftsmanship flourish, all while being certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Austin is a regular at the Farmers Market
Rosey Apiaries & Bee Farm
Meet Tim and his daughter Kayla, the heart and soul behind Rosey Apiaries and Bee Farm, founded in 2006. Their story reflects passion and dedication, with 11 apiaries and 80 to 100 hives across three counties. They are committed to producing pure, natural honey and crafting beautiful beeswax candles. Tim finds great satisfaction in watching bees work together for the good of the colony, a philosophy that is reflected in the wholesome products they produce. Their care and dedication to quality make their products a true local treasure.
Blessed Creek Farm
Blessed Creek Farm offers a wealth of fresh, naturally grown produce, along with pasture-raised chicken and eggs. Their chicken is especially notable, being non-GMO, soy-free, and corn-free, available as whole birds or various cuts. From pickling cucumbers to sweet corn, their selection is extensive and seasonal, all grown without the use of chemicals. They even offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares, fostering a direct and consistent relationship with their customers.
Joyful Bee Flowers
Stepping into the Joyful Bee Flowers stall is like walking through a sunlit meadow. They have truly discovered their calling in growing vibrant, sustainably farmed blooms right here in Eastern Tennessee. Their bouquets are a burst of color and texture, showcasing everything from classic sunflowers to delicate snapdragons, all hand-picked and carefully arranged. It’s evident from the moment you see her display that for Jenkins, each flower is a piece of art, bringing a touch of natural beauty to every market-goer’s home.
Doe River Fungi
For something truly unique, consider Doe River Fungi, which specializes in gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. This diverse, eco-friendly family farm grows various types, including shiitake, often using traditional log-grown methods. Their focus on sustainable practices allows nearly year-round harvesting, providing a consistent supply of fresh, local fungi to the market even outside typical growing seasons. Its a pleasure to see this colorful and surprising array of fungi at the Farmers Market.
Sentelle Farm (Sentelle’s Homemade Sausage)
If you’re a fan of high-quality pork, Sentelle’s Homemade Sausage is a must-visit. They offer a full range of USDA-inspected pork products, all of which are processed on their farm. From various cuts like pork butts and chops to an impressive selection of sausages—including specialty bratwurst, smoked Jalapeño Cheddar, and Italian links—they have something for every taste. Their on-farm processing ensures exceptional quality and traceability, providing an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Salsa Nova
Get ready for a flavor explosion with Salsa Nova! Based in Johnson City, they craft homemade, fresh salsa in mild, medium, and hot varieties. What started over 25 years ago as a personal passion for sharing delicious salsa with family has blossomed into a thriving business. They prioritize locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, using peppers from A Different Chick Farm and Orchard and tomatoes from Jones and Church Farm, truly embodying their mission to “create fresh, homemade salsa that brings people together. “
Appalachian Harvest, Appalachian Sustainable Development
Appalachian Harvest, the rural food hub of Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD), is a powerhouse for regional agriculture. Established in 2000, it’s one of the oldest rural food hubs in the U.S., dedicated to helping farmers transition from tobacco to produce, sustaining family farms. They aggregate and distribute high-quality beef, a wide variety of produce (including organic options), and value-added goods from farmers across multiple states, ensuring small and mid-size growers can reach broader markets. Beyond commerce, they pack an average of 1,500 food boxes per week for local food pantries, which is extremely valuable to community well-being.
Trails End Flower Farm
For those seeking to incorporate a touch of natural beauty into their lives, Trails End Flower Farm is a charming stop. They specialize in high-quality, freshly picked cut flower buckets, perfect for weddings and other events, with their season running from late April to October. Growing specialty cut flowers like ranunculus, tulips, and stunning dahlias on their Greene County farm, they offer “grower’s choice” buckets, ensuring you receive the best blooms available at the time, reflecting the natural variability and beauty of their harvest.
Land Basket Farm
Land Basket Farm is a veteran-owned, sustainable farm in East Tennessee dedicated to providing pasture-raised, non-GMO products. Their wide variety includes pasture-raised chicken and eggs, forest-raised non-GMO pork, Kipland Ridge Black Angus beef, and pasture-raised turkey. They prioritize animal welfare through practices such as 100% pasture-raising, soy-free and corn-free feed, no confinement, and the absence of hormones or antibiotics. Their grass-fed beef and use of guardian dogs, like Great Pyrenees, further showcase their ethical and innovative farming methods.
Carson Creek Farms
Carson Creek Farms, also known as Carson Creek Organics, provides the community with naturally grown vegetables and fruits. They are “Certified Naturally Grown,” showing their dedication to sustainable practices, including crop rotation, cover cropping, and avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides. You will find a wide range of seasonal vegetables and fruits, and they also attract market visitors with their sweet sourdough and cinnamon breads, as well as irresistible cinnamon rolls.
Sticky Paws Bakery
Don’t forget your furry friends when visiting the market! Sticky Paws Bakery specializes in gourmet dog treats made with wholesome ingredients. They offer a delightful variety of flavors and shapes, including peanut butter pumpkin heart-shaped treats, “Banana & Apple k-9 Kookies,” and “Blueberry & Bacon biggie bones.” They even offer custom flavors, ensuring your beloved pets can enjoy natural, delicious treats too!
Three Sisters Conservers
Step back in time with Three Sisters Conservers, who are “Purveyors of Jams, Jellies, and Apple Butter Cooked the Olde Fashioned Way.” Their dedication to traditional food preservation methods is evident in every jar. In addition to their delightful preserves, they also sell a variety of tempting baked goods at the market, such as blackberry honeybuns, double chocolate muffins, pineapple upside-down cake, and homemade gravy and biscuits. They have even started offering naturally fermented vinegars, showcasing their evolving craft.
GEO Farms
GEO Farms, located right here in Jonesborough, is a valued vendor at Boone Street Market, offering a variety of fresh produce, tasty baked goods, and farm-fresh chicken eggs. Their presence ensures that market visitors have access to essential staples and enjoyable treats, all sourced locally from a trusted producer.
Serenity Now Homestead
From the fertile lands of Chucky, Tennessee, Serenity Now Homestead stands as a testament to the diligent and sustainable farming practices of owners Tess and Mike Argila. Their stall is a key source of fresh, responsibly grown produce at the market, along with artisanal sourdough breads and infused oils. Their tables are always stocked with a rich variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as excellent baked goods. From crisp greens and juicy tomatoes in summer to hearty root vegetables as the seasons change, the Argilas consistently deliver high-quality, flavorful ingredients. While I’m at it, you should try some of their Herb Dip.
Yeehaw String Band
What’s a vibrant market without a soundtrack? The air at the Jonesborough Farmers Market hums with lively tunes from local musicians, and during my visit, the Yeehaw String Band set the perfect mood! As I walked past stalls filled with fresh, locally grown produce, the music added an extra charm to the market experience. Their music is pure energy, meant to make your feet tap and your spirit soar, with fiddles dancing and lively folk melodies filling the air.
You can hear authentic touches like double stops, slab bass, and finger slides, all contributing to that wonderfully energetic folk sound that makes you want to join in the fun. It’s the kind of music that not only elevates the lively atmosphere but also invites you to be part of the experience, adding even more local charm to an already delightful visit.
The Jonesborough Farmers Market is a lively market that links the community with dedicated growers and producers of East Tennessee’s incredible bounty. As always, it is impossible to include every vendor in one article, so it appears that this is another market we will continue to revisit. It’s a place where history merges with fresh produce, and each visit feels like a celebration of local goodness.
