National GeographicAug 18, 2026
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 ...
25 things in this story
- Old Town Farmers MarketMarketOperated for over 270 years on the same plot of land.
- Gadsby’s TavernRestaurantNearby landmark that George Washington would still recognize.
- Maribeth’s BakeryRestaurantBegan at the market over 38 years ago.
- Lobster Maine-iaRestaurantSells seafood.
- Hog HavenRestaurantSells breakfast sandwiches.
- Blackhouse CoffeeRestaurantSells coffee.
- Elsewhere
- Cafe du MondeCaféNew Orleans, United StatesHas served café au lait and beignets since 1862.
- 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.
- 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.
- The French MarketRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesOriginated as an informal open-air trading site.
- Aunt Sally’s Praline ShopRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesVisitors can watch Creole pralines being made.
- Southern CandymakersRestaurantNew Orleans, United StatesSells caramels and chocolates.
- Carnival Candle CompanyPlaceNew Orleans, United StatesOldest operating candle company in the French Quarter.
- Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-OpSightNew Orleans, United StatesShowcases work by regional artists and designers.
- Platinum AmalaRestaurantBaltimore, United States
- Lumbini Nepali FusionRestaurantBaltimore, United States
