Every Wednesday and Saturday, Peachtree City holds an outdoor market that features local farmers and vendors. The Peachtree City Market plays an important role in providing a positive environment for the distribution of locally grown foods and products. Envisioned in 2010 by local realtor, Tricia Stearns, she sought to create a community of small farmers and business owners. The result is an open air, food loving, dog welcoming market aims to provide a sustainable living, something that Stearns was very passionate about.
The managing position of the market was handed off to Alison Vallee in 2019. “Eating and cooking healthy is very important to me,” Vallee states. “I want to share my knowledge of food and cooking with people.” Her passion for sourcing local food makes her the ideal person for the job. At the market, patrons have a unique opportunity to chat directly with the farmer. This interaction goes a long way. It gives you a chance to understand the growing process and where the food originated. Better yet, when you purchase from the farmer, you are directly supporting his/her family and operation.
Some farms regularly seen at the market are Circle M Farm, McCray Farm and Two Doves Farms. Two Doves is proud to call Fayette County home. They always supply a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Not only are they growing produce, but they are raising hens and honey bees to provide free range eggs and honey.
You can’t fully experience the market without stopping by Big Daddy’s Peanuts to grab a piping hot bag of boiled peanuts. Big Daddy’s is a household name and market favorite with its variety of boiled peanuts. It’s just $5.00 for a pound of peanuts, flavors include regular, lemon, jalapeno hot and more. Just follow your nose and you will stumble upon their stand. You’ll also find local artisans, healthy living vendors and nonprofit booths, making this market a great spot for gifts and unique finds. From jewelry to handmade soaps and lotions, there’s something for everyone. Vallee loves to celebrate diversity in her vendors. “All of my vendors are very special to the community and they offer unique products and crafts.” Shoppers can experience worldly food and crafts, right here in Peachtree City. Explore Jamaican cuisine, Cuban fare and Cherokee Native American preserves.
Some say to not shop hungry, but in this case, we encourage it. Food and coffee trucks line the market, giving you a multitude of options. A market favorite is Blue Donkey Craft Coffee. This coffee truck sources Arabica coffee beans and roasts them in-house. In each cup of coffee is the use of all-natural ingredients. Grab a single-serve iced coffee, iced coffee gallons or freshly roasted coffee. Some of the other food trucks you might run into include The Mad Greek, Kettleworks, Cousins Maine Lobster and more. And don't forget to finish your meal with a decadent dessert from one of the many local bakers. Amongst the rows of vendors, you will hear sweet sounds of music coming from a variety of musicians. Dogs will say hello and children run happily around. You will be engrossed in the sense of a small-town community, all gathering for the same purpose, supporting one another.
Shopping small while experiencing the outdoors with our family is good for our hearts. Happiness spills over at this market. Getting to know our neighbors, our farmers and artisans allow us to have a deeper connection with our community.
Vallee is always available to share her favorite recipes, cooking ideas and market tips. “This market is so very important to our community and surrounding area because we provide fresh produce, bread & pastries, locally sourced honey, BBQ sauces and rubs, teas, coffee, and many crafters as well.”
Peachtree City Market is a year-round market that’s offered every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm. The outdoor market is held rain or shine and golf cart accessible. Aberdeen Village Shopping Center, 215 Northlake Drive PTC