Have you ever wondered how many watermelons you could fit into the trunk of a Ford Focus? Or how about how many bushels of produce could you cram into a Ford Explorer? Now’s the time to find out because the Soulard Farmer’s Market is in full swing with the bounties of the season.
Soulard Farmer’s Market is the last Public Market in the City of St. Louis. The origin was as a public market mapped out by Perre LaClede in 1764. As the City grew, the market split, and Soulard Market was created in 1839 as the South or French Market. The land for it was donated in perpetuity by Julia Soulard in 1838. The first structure was built shortly thereafter and the current structure was built in 1828.
Today it is a large Public Market with an array of vendors, more so from April into the fall. You can find produce, live poultry, pets, art, meat spices, coffee, flowers and many other products.
Shopping at Soulard Farmer's Market is a one of a kind experience that for some can be a little intimidating, but for most a lot of fun. If it’s your first trip to the market you should come down on a Saturday if you can, and walk the entire market.
Soulard Farmer's Market is in the shape of a large "H" so it is easy to just go in a large square pattern and you will see the whole thing. While walking the Market you should make note of not only the prices of the produce but also the quality of the produce. Every stand will have different prices and different quality.
Most stand owners families have been on the market for several generations so getting to know them can sometimes help you when trying to locate hard to get items or even get you a break on price. Every stand at the market is independent of the next, so when purchasing goods be sure to ask how many stalls that particular stand covers.
The Market is open Wednesday through Saturday. It the busiest on Friday and Saturday, when all vendors are open.
The Market adjoins a park and open space and it is used for a variety of neighborhood events and provides a place to play or rest. So head on down to Soulard. Load the family and a picnic lunch in the Ford Escape, or sample the wares of the market vendors.
OPEN YEAR ROUND
Wednesday-Saturday
Hours:
Wednesday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Soulard Market Office: 314-622-4180
