Exploring the Marietta Square Farmers Market: A Local Favorite Near Atlanta

If you live in metro Atlanta and enjoy fresh, local food, the Marietta Square Farmers Market is one of the most popular spots to explore. Located just northwest of Atlanta, it’s close enough for an easy Saturday or Sunday morning outing and has become a regular destination for many Atlanta-area residents focused on health, wellness, and local eating.

Below is a detailed guide to what you’ll find there, how it works, and how to make the most of your visit from an Atlanta perspective.

Where the Marietta Square Farmers Market Is and How to Get There

The Marietta Square Farmers Market is held on the historic Marietta Square in downtown Marietta:

• Location: Around Glover Park / Historic Marietta Square
  Approximate address: 41 Mill Street, Marietta, GA 30060
• Distance from central Atlanta: About 20–25 minutes by car from Midtown or Downtown, depending on traffic

Getting There from Atlanta

By car:

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta, most people use:
  • I-75 North → exit at GA-120 Loop toward Marietta → follow signs for Marietta Square
• Street parking and public lots are available around the Square, but they can fill up on busy market days. Paid decks around the square are a common backup.

By transit (partial):

• You can take MARTA north and connect to CobbLinc buses, but there isn’t a simple one-seat ride from Atlanta directly into the Square. This option may take significantly longer than driving and usually still involves a short walk.

If you’re visiting Atlanta without a car, rideshare services are a common way to reach Marietta Square from in-town neighborhoods.

Typical Market Days, Times, and Seasonal Rhythm

Market schedules can vary, but the Marietta Square Farmers Market generally follows this year-round pattern:

*Exact hours can change, especially around holidays and winter months, so it’s wise to check current information before you go.

For many Atlanta residents, this becomes a weekly routine—arrive early on Saturday, shop for produce and baked goods, grab a coffee, and then stroll the Square.

What You’ll Find: Produce, Prepared Foods, and More

The Marietta Square Farmers Market is known for having a wide mix of vendors. Offerings rotate somewhat by season and week, but visitors from Atlanta can expect to see:

Fresh Produce

You’ll typically find:

• In-season fruits and vegetables from North Georgia and surrounding areas
• Leafy greens, herbs, root vegetables, and seasonal items like Georgia peaches, berries, and tomatoes
• Some organic or naturally grown produce, clearly labeled by the individual farmers

For Atlanta households focused on healthier eating, this can be a practical way to build meals around seasonal ingredients instead of relying solely on big grocery chains.

Meat, Dairy, and Eggs

Many weeks include:

• Local eggs, often from smaller farms
• Beef, pork, and poultry from regional producers
• Goat cheese, cow’s milk cheese, and other dairy products from small dairies

Selection can change week to week, so if you’re coming from Atlanta specifically for a certain item (for example, grass-fed beef or a particular cheese), it’s wise to arrive earlier in the day.

Baked Goods and Prepared Foods

Expect a variety of:

• Artisan breads, pastries, cookies, and cakes
• Gluten-free or specialty baked items (varies by vendor)
• Locally made jams, jellies, sauces, pickles, and salsas
• Honey and honey-based products

These are popular with people who live in nearby Atlanta neighborhoods and want to bring something special to weekend brunches or small gatherings.

Specialty and Wellness-Oriented Items

In keeping with the market’s place within Health, Wellness and Beauty, you’ll often find:

• Herbal products (teas, salves, tinctures)
• Natural body care items like soaps, scrubs, and lotions
• Handcrafted candles and home-fragrance items

These are typically marketed more as lifestyle and self-care products rather than medical treatments, and that’s how most shoppers use them—as part of a more mindful, home-centered wellness routine.

Crafts and Local Goods

While the market’s core is food, many days include:

• Handmade crafts and gifts
• Locally designed home goods
• Seasonal items (for example, wreaths or decor around holidays)

This combination makes the Marietta market feel more like a community gathering place than just a place to buy groceries.

Why Atlantans Make the Trip to Marietta Square

Even though Atlanta has its own farmers markets, the Marietta Square Farmers Market draws many visitors from all over the metro area for a few reasons.

1. The Setting: A Historic Square

Marietta Square has:

• A walkable, tree-lined park in the center
• Historic buildings and locally owned shops and restaurants around the perimeter
• Regular events and live performances in and around the park

This means you’re not just shopping; you can easily turn a quick market run into a half-day outing, especially if you’re visiting from Atlanta with family or friends.

2. Combining Market Shopping with Wellness Habits

For many Atlanta residents, a trip to the Marietta Square Farmers Market supports:

• Movement: Walking the market and the surrounding Square
• Healthier eating: Stocking up on whole foods and fresh produce
• Stress relief: Enjoying live music, fresh air, and a slower pace than the city

Some people pair the visit with nearby walking spots or parks in and around Marietta to turn it into a weekend “reset.”

3. Access to Local Producers

Metro Atlanta is large, and it can be hard to connect directly with small farmers and makers. The market offers:

• A chance to meet producers face-to-face
• Ask questions about growing methods, ingredients, and recipes
• Learn about other pick-up locations, community-supported agriculture (CSA) options, or special orders

This is especially valuable if you live in an Atlanta neighborhood that doesn’t have a weekly farmers market within walking distance.

Paying at the Market: Cash, Cards, and EBT

Most vendors at the Marietta Square Farmers Market accept multiple forms of payment, though it can vary by table.

Common options include:

• Cash – Almost always accepted and still very common
• Credit and debit cards – Many vendors use mobile card readers
• Mobile payments – Some vendors accept app-based payments
• EBT/SNAP – Availability can change; look for official signage or an information tent

If you’re traveling from Atlanta, it’s smart to:

• Bring some cash for small purchases and tips
• Have a card ready for larger buys like meat, cheese, or bulk items
• Check at any market info booth to see if there are token programs or EBT matching (these programs sometimes exist in Georgia but vary by market and by year)

CSA and Regular-Order Options Connected to the Market

The Marietta Square Farmers Market often features farms that also offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) or regular produce box programs.

If you live in Atlanta and want:

• A consistent supply of local produce, or
• A way to support a specific farm more directly,

you can:

1. Talk with the farmer at their booth about:
   • CSA availability
   • Pick-up locations (some may have Atlanta or in-town drop-offs)
   • What’s typically included in a share
2. Ask whether they deliver to Atlanta addresses, offer pick-up points inside the perimeter, or only operate in surrounding suburbs.

Many CSA-style programs operate on a seasonal subscription model, with sign-ups in late winter or early spring, but some have rolling enrollment or shorter-term options.

Tips for Atlanta Visitors: Making the Most of Your Trip

If you’re heading to the Marietta Square Farmers Market from anywhere in metro Atlanta, a little planning can help you enjoy the experience and avoid crowds.

When to Arrive

• Earlier in the day:
  • 🕗 Better selection of produce and baked goods
  • Cooler temperatures in warmer months
• Later in the morning:
  • A bit more crowded
  • More of a “festival” feel, especially in spring and summer

Traffic from Atlanta to Marietta can build quickly, especially on Saturdays when there are nearby events, so factor in extra drive time.

What to Bring

• Reusable bags or a small cart (especially if you’re stocking up)
• A small cooler in your car if you plan to buy meat, cheese, or dairy and stay in Marietta for lunch or shopping afterward
• Water and sunscreen in warmer months, as you’ll be outside and on your feet

Pairing the Market with Other Local Stops

Many Atlanta residents turn the drive into a mini day trip by:

• Browsing local shops around Marietta Square
• Grabbing coffee or brunch at one of the nearby cafés or restaurants
• Visiting nearby museums, theaters, or historic sites in downtown Marietta

This can be a good option if friends or family visiting Atlanta want something beyond the typical city attractions.

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

The Marietta Square Farmers Market is generally family-friendly and walkable.

• Strollers and kids: The square and park are typically easy for families to navigate, though busy periods can feel crowded.
• Pets: Policies can vary by market and city rules. Many people do bring dogs to the square, but it is always best to confirm current guidelines and be considerate of produce and food areas.
• Mobility: Sidewalks and paved areas around the park make it accessible to most visitors with mobility aids, though uneven historic surfaces may appear in some spots.

If you or a family member have specific accessibility needs, planning to arrive earlier—before the thickest crowds—can make moving around easier.

How the Market Fits into a Healthy Atlanta Lifestyle

For people living in Atlanta or spending extended time in the city, the Marietta Square Farmers Market supports a balanced approach to health and wellness:

• Encourages seasonal eating, which often means more fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed foods
• Creates a connection between consumers and local agriculture, which many people find motivating when making food choices
• Provides a social, outdoor activity that gets you away from screens and into a community setting

Instead of thinking of it as a one-time stop, some Atlantans fold it into their weekly or monthly routine, alternating it with closer in-town markets to diversify what they bring home.

Practical Details and Local Contact Points

While the Marietta Square Farmers Market itself is an event rather than a government office, these local contact points can help you plan your visit or learn more about the area:

• City of Marietta
  205 Lawrence Street
  Marietta, GA 30060
  Main phone line typically available during business hours for general questions about downtown events and public parking.

• Cobb County Government
  100 Cherokee Street
  Marietta, GA 30090
  Can provide information on local regulations, public facilities, and nearby county services if you’re interested in broader community resources while you’re in the area.

For the most current market hours, vendor lists, and any weather-related changes, many Atlanta residents check the market’s official communication channels or contact the organizers directly before making the drive.

For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting the city, or exploring the broader metro area, the Marietta Square Farmers Market offers an easy way to connect with local food, wellness-focused products, and a historic town square atmosphere—all within a short drive of the city.