Exploring the Ponce City Farmers and Artisan Market in Atlanta

The Ponce City Farmers and Artisan Market brings together local farmers, makers, and food vendors right in the heart of one of Atlanta’s busiest destinations. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and spending time on the BeltLine or at Ponce City Market, this market is an easy way to explore fresh, local food and handmade goods in a single stop.

Where It Is and How It Fits Into Atlanta Life

The market is typically held near Ponce City Market, at
675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, just off the Eastside BeltLine Trail.

That location matters if you’re in Atlanta because:

• It’s walkable from Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and parts of Midtown.
• You can bike or walk along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and arrive directly at the market area.
• It pairs easily with other errands or outings at Ponce City Market, like shopping, eating out, or meeting friends.

If you’re new to the city, think of this market as a compact, urban farmers market designed to fit into your weekend plans rather than an all-morning countryside trip.

What You’ll Find: Farmers, Food, and Local Makers

The Ponce City Farmers and Artisan Market usually features a mix of:

Fresh and Local Foods

You can expect rotating seasonal items, often including:

• Fresh produce: leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, okra, squash, sweet potatoes, herbs
• Fruits in season: peaches, strawberries, blueberries, apples, melons
• Eggs and dairy: farm eggs, cheeses, sometimes yogurt or specialty dairy
• Bread and baked goods: loaves, pastries, cookies, vegan or gluten-conscious options (varies by vendor)
• Prepared foods: sauces, jams, pickles, honey, nut butters, and snacks to take home

Because it’s Atlanta, you’ll often see Southern staples like collard greens, field peas, and cornbread-style baked items when those are in season.

Artisan and Craft Vendors

In addition to food, the artisan side of the market usually includes:

• Handmade skincare and wellness items (soaps, scrubs, natural balms)
• Candles and home goods
• Jewelry, textiles, and accessories
• Art prints, cards, and small decor pieces

You’re not just buying a product; you’re often talking directly with the person who made it. Many Atlanta residents use this market to discover small, local brands before they’re widely known.

Days, Hours, and Seasonality

Specific dates and hours can change, but most Atlanta BeltLine–adjacent markets follow a pattern like:

• Main season: Spring through late fall
• Typical timing: Weekend daytime hours (often Sunday or Saturday)
• Weather: Markets may scale back or adjust in extreme heat, rain, or cold

Because schedules can shift:

• ✅ Check the latest hours posted by Ponce City Market or the market organizer before you go.
• ✅ Look for signage around the Ponce City Market courtyard or BeltLine area for current market details.

Why Atlantans Use This Market

For many people living in Intown neighborhoods, the Ponce City Farmers and Artisan Market is less about doing a full weekly stock-up and more about topping off:

• Picking up fresh herbs, salad greens, or fruit for the week
• Grabbing a specialty bread or pastry for brunch
• Finding a host gift (candles, soaps, small art) on the way to a gathering
• Browsing local wellness and self-care products that aren’t in big-box stores

Because it’s right next to shops, restaurants, rooftop venues, and the BeltLine, it fits:

• Before or after a walk/run
• As part of a BeltLine bike ride
• As a quick stop while you’re already visiting Ponce City Market

Health, Wellness, and Beauty Angle

Although it’s not a spa or health clinic, this market connects strongly with health, wellness, and beauty in a practical way.

Fresh Food for Everyday Wellness

Buying from farmers and food makers can help you:

• Cook simple, fresh meals with seasonal produce
• Experiment with plant-forward dishes (salads, roasted vegetables, fruit-based snacks)
• Replace highly processed snacks with simpler ingredient options (like nuts, dried fruit, or minimally processed baked goods)

Many Atlantans use markets like this to slowly shift a few weekly meals toward fresher, home-cooked options without overhauling everything at once.

Natural and Small-Batch Body Products

Artisan markets in Atlanta often feature:

• Small-batch soaps with plant-based oils or essential oils
• Body butters and salves designed for dry skin or everyday use
• Bath products like bath salts or bath bombs
• Candles and aromatherapy items for home relaxation

If you’re trying to be more deliberate about what you put on your skin or bring into your home, markets like this are a way to:

• Talk directly with makers about ingredients
• Start with one or two items (for example, switching to a local soap before changing everything in your routine)
• Support small, local businesses while aligning with a more wellness-focused lifestyle

How It Compares to Other Atlanta Farmers Markets

Here’s a simple comparison of how the Ponce City Farmers and Artisan Market typically fits into the larger Atlanta market scene:

The Ponce City market is especially convenient if:

• You already spend time at Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward Park, or along the BeltLine
• You prefer short, frequent visits instead of a big weekly trip
• You like combining shopping with social or leisure time

Getting There: Transportation Tips

Because of its central Atlanta location, you have several options.

By MARTA

• Nearest rail station: North Avenue or Midtown (Red/Gold line), then a short rideshare, scooter, or bike ride to Ponce City Market.
• From MARTA buses, look for routes that serve Ponce de Leon Ave NE; stop near Ponce City Market and walk in.

If you’re planning a transit-based visit, check MARTA bus and train schedules for timing and transfers.

By Car

Ponce City Market has structured parking garages and decks. Points to keep in mind:

• Allow extra time during weekends and evenings, when the area is busiest.
• Parking is typically paid, so budget for that on top of your market purchases.
• Consider arriving earlier in the day to avoid congestion on Ponce de Leon Ave.

Walking or Biking on the BeltLine

Many locals prefer to arrive via the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail:

• The trail runs directly behind Ponce City Market.
• Bike racks are usually available around the property.
• This option can be more predictable than driving and parking when the area is crowded.

Paying at the Market

Payment options can vary by vendor, but in Atlanta urban markets, it’s common to see:

• Credit/debit cards via mobile readers
• Mobile payments (depending on the vendor)
• Cash, which smaller vendors sometimes prefer

To avoid issues:

• 💳 Bring at least one card plus some small bills.
• Ask vendors about minimum purchase amounts if you’re using a card for small items.

If you use SNAP/EBT, some Atlanta markets partner with local programs that match benefits for fresh produce. The availability and process can vary by market and season, so it’s worth:

• Asking at any information booth on-site
• Checking with Atlanta-area food access organizations or the City of Atlanta for current benefit-matching locations

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

If you’re planning your first trip to the Ponce City Farmers and Artisan Market:

1. Go earlier in the day

   • You’ll generally see the best selection of produce and baked goods.
   • Summer and early fall mornings are also cooler and more comfortable.

2. Bring a reusable bag or small tote

   • Handy for produce, candles, soaps, and other small items.
   • A backpack can be convenient if you’re walking or biking the BeltLine.

3. Start with a quick loop

   • Walk through once to see what’s available.
   • Then circle back for what really caught your eye—this helps you budget and avoid impulse overload.

4. Ask questions

   • Farmers can explain how to store or cook unfamiliar vegetables.
   • Makers often share how to use their products and what ingredients they prioritize.

5. Plan something simple around your finds

   • For example, if you pick up tomatoes, basil, and bread, you can plan a simple tomato toast or salad at home.
   • If you buy bath products or candles, you can set aside a relaxing evening to use them.

Nearby Spots to Pair With Your Market Trip

Because of its location, you can easily build a full outing around the market:

• Ponce City Market food hall – for coffee, snacks, or a sit-down meal after you shop
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – for a walk, run, or bike ride before or after your visit
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – a nearby green space if you want to sit with friends, kids, or pets
• Virginia-Highland and Inman Park – nearby neighborhoods with additional restaurants and shops if you want to keep exploring

This makes the Ponce City Farmers and Artisan Market especially attractive for visitors who want to see multiple Atlanta highlights in one area, and for locals who like layering errands onto a weekend stroll.

If You Want More Markets or CSA Options in Atlanta

If you enjoy the Ponce City market and want to go deeper into local food:

• Explore other Atlanta farmers markets in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Grant Park, and Westside.
• Look into CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs that deliver or offer pickup nearby, sometimes including drop-off locations in Midtown or Old Fourth Ward.
• Check with local farms and co-ops that serve the intown Atlanta area for subscription boxes or regular produce shares.

Using Ponce City Farmers and Artisan Market as a starting point, you can gradually build a more local, seasonal, and wellness-supportive routine without needing to leave the city or dramatically change your schedule.