A Guide to the Chattanooga Market
The Chattanooga Market is one of the best family friendly events in the Chattanooga community. It’s a nonprofit that encourages diversity, commerce, health and family fun by blending health and the arts together. The market’s website reads, “Frommer’s has named us as one of the Top Ten Best Public Markets in America,” which is pretty impressive, we think. The market happens every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Here is the full schedule.
Below, I’ve highlighted what I think are the most important things to know as well as a few tips:
The best part about The Chattanooga Market is ALL THE FOOD. From fresh produce, fresh baked breads and pastries, to all the food trucks, you’ll be full and your kitchen stocked when you leave. Some of our favorite food trucks are Lupi’s Pizza Pies, Taqueria Jalisco, Good Dog and Lockhart’s Fire & Smoke BBQ. Don’t miss Lockhart’s BBQ sundae! This dish comes in a mason jar loaded with seasoned pork, BBQ sauce, cole slaw, baked beans and a pickle. It’s absolutely delicious.- Lupi’s has enormous slices of fresh pizza on homemade dough with homemade sauce, Taqueria Jalisco has authentic tacos and homemade salsas and Good Dog has real beef or veggie hot dogs with a plethora of fresh, homemade toppings. The Yellow Deli is another food option for the healthier eater. They offer deli sandwiches on homemade bread, garden salads and smoothies. All of their food is delectable. If you enjoy alcohol, the Chattanooga Brewing Company has several local beers to choose from and there’s also Bloody Mary’s and mimosas galore! All of these food options are local.
- The produce at the market can be a bit overwhelming at first. Veggies, oh my! An abundance of different farmers sell produce at the market and there’s plenty of it. Signal Mountain Farm is probably the largest and their produce is always organic and beautiful, spring through autumn. The farm grows 60 varieties of fruits and veggies, so there’s always different options for your dinner table. Other farms at the market offer great produce, too, so make sure you have plenty of time to look around and support local farmers.
- The market also offers a great deal of other local food items such as breads, cheeses, meats, granola, coffee, tea, tamales, cakes, cookies, pies, pastries, kettle corn, salsas, jams, spices, etc. Grab a bouquet of fresh, local flowers for that special lady in your life or to add some color to your kitchen or living room! There’s something for everyone.
“Tip: Bring a few cloth tote bags to carry your items! This helps with plastic waste and will help your shoulder when your bag gets heavy! EPB, a sponsor of the market, hands out these bags if you don’t have any.”
- The arts and crafts scene is truly unique. The market offers clothing, signs, paintings, custom handmade cutting boards, handmade jewelry, handmade pottery, handmade candles, handmade furniture, etc. A favorite is a shop called The Clever Raven, which sells industrial lighting and furniture made right here in Chattanooga. Their stuff is so unique and downright funky. His industrial pipes make great coat hangers, shelves or robot lamps! Leave with a great, memorable gift for anyone.
On Sundays, two free shows occur on the EPB stage for everyone to enjoy! Sit back with a great lunch and rest your arms from produce-carrying to enjoy some quality tunes from local people.
The 2017 market season begins April 29-30th and will celebrate Moon Pie’s 100 Year Anniversary! The market is located in the First Tennessee Pavilion on Reggie White Blvd. Parking and admission are free! Go load up on some great produce and local arts and crafts. You won’t regret it.