Open-air markets, or as they are called locally ‘farmers markets’, are not common in Houston. Houstonians like to purchase conveniently in air-conditioning and a clean environment such as a grocery store and, as a result, farmers markets are dwindling. You will find a few farmers markets or local farmers parked on the side of the road selling produce on your way out of town off Hwy 290 towards Austin or Hwy 6 towards Navasota or sometimes at a corner somewhere in Houston.
That said, there are still a few good farmers markets in Houston who sell their produce, such as locally grown fruits and vegetables, locally raised meat and poultry products, breads and herbs; locally being from the general area in Texas but not necessarily from Houston directly. Some growers specialize in humanely raised and all natural meat products or organic fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to ask freely when browsing the market and asking for prices and bargains. The markets are generally open in any weather, rain or shine.
Here are some of the farmers markets in Houston:
• Bayou City Farmers Market – http://www.urbanharvest.org/(Richmond location: Sat 8 am – 12 pm noon, Discovery Green location: Sun 12 pm – 4 pm)
Selling seasonal produce such as locally grown vegetables and fruits as well as seafood, honey, baked items, cage-free eggs, etc. from local gardeners and farmers. This farmers market has grown to two locations:
3000 Richmond (between Kirby and Buffalo Speedway) in the rear parking lot and 1500 McKinney at Discovery Green, both inside Houston
• Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill Center – http://www.grogansmillvillage.com/ (Sat 8 am – 12 pm noon)
This market sells grass-fed beef, organic eggs, fresh goat’s milk, organic fruit and vegetables, herbs, candles, soaps and lotions, Indian food, organic and whole grain bakery goods and raw honey.
Grogan’s Mill Center at Grogan’s Mill Rd & South Millbend Dr (parking lot close to Randall’s) in The Woodlands
• Houston Farmers Market – http://farmersmarket.rice.edu/ (Tue 3:30 pm – 7 pm)
Selling seasonal produce such as locally grown vegetables (squash, cucumbers, cantaloupes, watermelons), herbs, humanely and naturally raised chicken and beef, breads, handmade soaps and lotions, etc. The market also offers knife sharpening.
Rice University campus, 2100 University Blvd. (Visitors West Lot off University Blvd, Entrance 9) in Houston
• Midtown Farmers Market – http://www.tafia.com/mfm.html (Sat 8 am – 12 pm noon)
This market sells naturally raised beef, free-range eggs, many organics, cheese, handmade sauces and handmade soaps and lotions. It also offers breakfast and knife sharpening.
At Monica Pope’s restaurant called t’afia on 3701 Travis St. (One block north of W. Alabama, Metrorail station HCC/Ensemble) in Houston.
A 30 minute drive out of Houston to Hempstead, you will find one of the most popular and oldest farmers markets in the Houston area off old Hwy 290:
• Dilorio Farms and Roadside Market – http://www.diioriofarms.com (8 am – 7 pm daily)
The Dilorio Market is well-known for the best watermelons in the Houston area. It is a covered farmers market that offers locally grown produce such as seasonal fruits and vegetables and also locally made jellies and marmalade, honey, nuts as well as locally made wooden furniture, such as squirrel and bird houses, garden benches and much more.
750 Hwy 290 East in Hempstead, TX 77445
