Did you know St Louis has two giant farmers' markets on Saturdays? While the historic Soulard Farmers’ Market often steals the spotlight–unsurprisingly, as it’s the longest-running farmers market west of the Mississippi–there’s another gem you need to know about. Meet Tower Grove Farmers’ Market, the best farmers market in St. Louis. She’s younger, more hip, and the beating heart of the local scene in the area! Showcasing the area's top food, farmers, craftspeople, music, and artisans. This market is where everyone visiting St. Louis should go to see the best of what the area has to offer.

Tower Grove Farmers’ Market is nestled in the historic Tower Grove Park, near downtown St. Louis, making it conveniently close to everything.

Go early for the best selection. If you can’t make the 120-vendor market on Saturday, there is a smaller market on Tuesday evenings in summer with up to 50 vendors. The market usually runs from late April through Early November. Vendors rotate occasionally, and offerings change with the season, so you’ll never know what you'll find!

My husband is a second-generation vegetable farmer, so I can confidently say I know good food when I see it! The lines at the produce vendors speak for themselves—the produce here is incredibly fresh, and during the summer, it's especially bountiful. Many of the farmers also offer things they’ve made with their harvest like pickles, salsa, or fun sweet treats.

Flower vendors offer bouquets, single stems, options to create your own bouquet, or cute mini arrangements like these. Varieties change as the season progresses.

One of the best things about the market is that you get to meet the makers themselves. These artisans and producers are experts in their crafts, so don't hesitate to ask them questions. For example, at one booth, customers were inquiring about pet-safe plants. I also bought some soap from a local vendor who was more than happy to share details about where and how she sources her ingredients.

It's more than just farmers. Local food trucks, bakeries, and restaurants offer cuisine from around the world. You’ll also discover a variety of niche vendors selling items like granola, fresh-made coconut juice, popsicles, ice cream, chocolates, candies, teas, coffee, eggs, cheese, honey, jams, hummus, sauces, smoked and cured meats, local meat, and more.

When I arrive, I like to get a coffee and snack from a pastry vendor and finish out my farmers’ market excursion by sitting on the steps (as the locals do) at the historic Roman Pavilion while enjoying a hot meal and local craft beer. There, you’ll find local music during peak season and a splash pad for the kiddos.

If you visit a big historic farmers’ market like Soulard in St. Louis or Pike Place in Seattle, you'll find a blend of produce shipped from around the world alongside locally grown food. I understand why markets do this, they’re meeting a demand for consumers. And hey, who doesn’t love a pineapple from Hawaii or Puerto Rico [pineapples don’t grow in Missouri or Washington] every now and again?

However, what sets markets like the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market apart from these more commercialized markets, is their commitment to seasonality and strict growers-only, makers-only policy. This means you’ll find genuinely local goods, ensuring an authentic and fresh experience.

If you arrive early, you can join a yoga class. The yoga class is a pay-what-you-can session, making it accessible for everyone. There's something mesmerizing about seeing a hundred people lunging forward in unison, but don’t stare too long. A yogi’s dog stared me down letting me know I needed to participate or leave, ha!

This is a great place to grab a gift or an unusual souvenir. You’ll find clothing, artwork, home decor, jewelry, soap, personal care products, or candles. See what local makers and artisans have to offer.

If all these cool vendors were not enough to convince you to head to Tower Grove Park, you can use the park’s interactive map to explore the historic structures at the park founded in the late 1800s. These historic pavilions are another great place to picnic with your new purchases from the market.

This is one of the best places in St. Louis to spend a Saturday morning!

I hope you make this local gem a priority for your next St. Louis visit. It is THE spot for local specialties in St. Louis. Have you been to Tower Grove Farmers’ Market? Do you agree it is the best farmers’ market in St. Louis? Be sure to check out the Facebook page before your visit to see what’s in season and to check hours and get weather-related information.

If you’re visiting downtown, check out some other things to do around St. Louis, or make it easy on yourself and join a tour.