National GeographicAug 18
The Oldest Farmers Markets in America You Can Still Visit Today
America’s oldest farmers markets are more than places to buy produce or catch up with neighbors. They offer a view into a city’s history while continuing to do what public mar ...
Originated as an informal open-air trading site.
25 things in this story
- Cafe du MondeCaféHas served café au lait and beignets since 1862.
- The French MarketRestaurantOriginated as an informal open-air trading site.
- Aunt Sally’s Praline ShopRestaurantVisitors can watch Creole pralines being made.
- Southern CandymakersRestaurantSells caramels and chocolates.
- Carnival Candle CompanyPlaceOldest operating candle company in the French Quarter.
- Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-OpSightShowcases work by regional artists and designers.
- Elsewhere
- Central MarketMarketLancaster, United StatesBuilt in 1889, red-brick, twin-towered building still stands.
- Long's HorseradishRestaurantLancaster, United StatesFive-generation tradition grating horseradish in small batches.
- Groff’s VegetablesRestaurantLancaster, United StatesLongest family-owned business, brings produce from a 10-acre farm.
- Old Town Farmers MarketMarketAlexandria, United StatesOperated for over 270 years on the same plot of land.
- Gadsby’s TavernRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesNearby landmark that George Washington would still recognize.
- Maribeth’s BakeryRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesBegan at the market over 38 years ago.
- Lobster Maine-iaRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesSells seafood.
- Hog HavenRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesSells breakfast sandwiches.
- Blackhouse CoffeeRestaurantAlexandria, United StatesSells coffee.
- Portland Farmers’ MarketMarketPortland, United StatesBegan in 1768, producer-only market under Maine law.
- Emily’s OystersRestaurantPortland, United StatesSells oysters, a taste of the Maine sea.
- Balfour FarmRestaurantPortland, United StatesSells cheese.
- Snell’s Family FarmRestaurantPortland, United StatesSells apples.
- Lexington MarketTrain stationBaltimore, United StatesBegan in 1782, present building opened in 2022.
- Faidley’s SeafoodRestaurantBaltimore, United StatesPart of Lexington Market for over 138 years.
- Garden ProduceRestaurantBaltimore, United StatesContinues the market's tradition of selling fresh produce.
- Connie's Chicken & WafflesFast foodBaltimore, United StatesBaltimore's best hand-breaded fried chicken.
- Platinum AmalaRestaurantBaltimore, United States
- Lumbini Nepali FusionRestaurantBaltimore, United States