Exploring the Georgia State Farmers Market in Forest Park: A Practical Guide for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

The Georgia State Farmers Market in Forest Park is one of the largest produce markets in the Southeast and a major hub for fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants serving the entire Atlanta area. Whether you’re a local trying to buy in bulk, a restaurant owner sourcing ingredients, or a visitor curious about a “behind the scenes” look at Atlanta’s food system, this market is worth understanding before you go.

What Is the Georgia State Farmers Market (Forest Park)?

The Georgia State Farmers Market – Forest Park is a massive, state-operated wholesale and retail market just south of Atlanta. It’s sometimes called the Atlanta State Farmers Market because of its regional role.

Key points:

• It’s primarily a wholesale produce market, supplying grocery stores, restaurants, and distributors.
• It also has public-facing retail vendors, where everyday shoppers can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and some specialty goods.
• The market includes produce sheds, a flea-market-style retail area, restaurants, and plant/flower vendors depending on the season.

For many Atlantans, this is where a lot of the fresh produce in local stores and restaurants originates—so visiting gives you a closer look at the backbone of the city’s food supply.

Location, Address, and Basic Details

Georgia State Farmers Market (Forest Park)
Address: 16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, GA 30297
General area: Just south of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, off I-75

Because this is a state-run facility, operations are typically year-round, with activity peaking very early in the morning. Individual vendors have their own hours, and some stalls may open or close seasonally.

For the most up-to-date details, Atlanta residents often contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture or the market office directly for questions about hours and vendor availability.

Is It for Wholesale, Retail, or Both?

This is one of the most important things to understand before visiting from Atlanta.

Wholesale Focus

Much of the Georgia State Farmers Market is dedicated to wholesale buyers:

• Grocery stores
• Independent markets
• Restaurants and caterers
• Distributors and food service companies

Sales often happen in large quantities: full boxes, cases, or pallets of fruits and vegetables.

Retail Access for the Public

Everyday shoppers from Atlanta are still welcome. There are retail-oriented sections and vendors where you can:

• Buy smaller quantities of produce, typically by the basket, bag, or case
• Shop plants, flowers, and garden supplies in season
• Browse specialty products like nuts, honey, or regional items, depending on who is set up

If you’re used to neighborhood farmers markets in Atlanta (Grant Park, East Atlanta, or Decatur), this will feel very different—less “boutique” and more like a working industrial market that allows retail access.

What You’ll Find at the Market

Offerings can change by season, but most Atlantans can expect to see:

Fruits and Vegetables

You’ll often find:

• Seasonal Georgia produce: peaches, watermelons, greens, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, okra
• Regional and out-of-state items: citrus, apples, melons, onions, and many staple vegetables
• Bulk quantities: ideal if you’re canning, juicing, or shopping for an event

Because this is a central distribution point, the selection can be broader—and in larger volume—than what’s typical at smaller neighborhood markets.

Plants and Flowers

Located in dedicated areas or greenhouses, vendors may offer:

• Bedding plants, herbs, and vegetable starts
• Shrubs, trees, and landscaping plants
• Cut flowers in certain seasons

Atlanta gardeners and landscapers sometimes visit here to get better prices on bulk or large plants than they might find at smaller garden centers.

Food and Services On-Site

Depending on current tenants, you may also find:

• Casual eateries or diners catering largely to truck drivers and vendors
• Snack spots or small retail stands with drinks and grab-and-go items

These aren’t tourist restaurants as much as working-market food stops, but many locals appreciate them for straightforward, no-frills meals.

Who the Market Is Best For

The Georgia State Farmers Market in Forest Park can be useful for several types of Atlanta visitors and residents:

1. Restaurant Owners, Caterers, and Food Businesses

If you run a food business anywhere in metro Atlanta, this market may be a key resource:

• Bulk buying of core ingredients
• Options to build relationships with suppliers
• Ability to compare quality and price across multiple wholesalers in one location

Expect a professional, no-nonsense environment—this is where much of Atlanta’s food trade happens.

2. Home Cooks and Families

For everyday Atlanta households, the market can be appealing if:

• You want to stock up for meal prep, large families, or events
• You’re comfortable buying by the box or larger basket
• You enjoy exploring a more “behind-the-scenes” food environment

You won’t find the same curated experience as at local weekend farmers markets, but you may get very competitive prices, especially on seasonal produce.

3. Gardeners and Landscapers

If you live in metro Atlanta and:

• Are starting a vegetable garden
• Need shrubs, trees, or bedding plants
• Are working on landscaping projects

You may find wholesale-style variety and pricing, especially in peak planting seasons (spring and early fall).

4. Curious Visitors

Travelers staying in Atlanta who are interested in:

• How regional food distribution works
• Seeing a large-scale working market
• Experiencing a different side of the city beyond tourist districts

may find the Georgia State Farmers Market an interesting, very “local” experience—just understand it’s a professional environment first, attraction second.

What to Expect When You Visit

Because this is not a typical tourist attraction, it helps to know what the experience is like.

Atmosphere

• Industrial and busy, especially overnight into the early morning
• Lots of trucks, forklifts, and pallet jacks moving produce
• Mix of wholesale buyers, workers, and some retail shoppers

It feels less like a festival market and more like a logistics and trading hub.

Layout

The market area includes:

• Large covered produce sheds where wholesalers and some retailers operate
• Areas for plants and nursery stock
• Office and support buildings
• Parking and truck staging areas

The grounds are extensive, so wearing comfortable shoes and planning for some walking is advisable.

When to Go: Timing Tips for Atlantans

There is activity at the market across much of the day, but your experience will vary:

Because many deals happen early for wholesale buyers, some items may be more limited by late afternoon. Checking in advance (by calling specific vendors, if you have contacts) can help.

Tips for Shopping at the Georgia State Farmers Market

If you’re heading there from Atlanta, a few practical strategies can make your visit smoother:

1. Be Prepared for Bulk Quantities

• Many vendors sell by the box or case, not by the individual piece.
• Consider splitting purchases with friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
• Bring coolers or insulated bags if you’re driving back across metro Atlanta on a hot day.

2. Bring Cash (But Don’t Rely on It Alone)

• Some vendors may prefer cash, especially smaller or independent sellers.
• Others accept cards; it varies stall by stall.
• Having both payment options gives you more flexibility.

3. Ask About Pricing and Minimums

It’s normal to:

• Ask “How are you selling this?” (by case, box, pound, bundle, etc.)
• Confirm if there’s a minimum purchase
• In some situations, respectfully ask about price breaks for multiple boxes

The tone is typically direct and businesslike; clear questions are expected.

4. Dress for a Working Market

• Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended.
• Expect concrete floors, some outdoor areas, and the possibility of water, leaves, or debris around produce stacks.
• In colder months, parts of the market can feel chilly since many areas are open or semi-open.

5. Plan Your Route from Atlanta

Forest Park is just south of the city, but traffic patterns matter:

• Coming from Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, I-75 South is the most direct route.
• Allow extra time during rush hours or if traveling from far north metro areas (like Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, or Duluth).
• Navigation apps can help you approach the correct entrance, as the market complex is large.

How It Compares to Neighborhood Farmers Markets in Atlanta

If you’re used to weekend markets like:

• Freedom Farmers Market (near the Carter Center)
• Grant Park Farmers Market
• Peachtree Road Farmers Market

you may be surprised by how different the Georgia State Farmers Market in Forest Park feels.

Key differences:

• Georgia State Farmers Market:

  • Wholesale-first; retail is allowed but not the main focus
  • More industrial setting, primarily boxes and bulk
  • Less emphasis on artisan products, live music, or “event” atmosphere

• Neighborhood farmers markets:

  • Retail-focused, geared toward walk-up shoppers
  • Often emphasize local-only producers and small farms
  • Typically feature prepared foods, coffee stands, and community events

If you want a social weekend outing, neighborhood markets may be a better fit. If you want volume, variety, and a look at the supply chain, Forest Park’s state market is more appropriate.

Accessibility Considerations

The market grounds are generally:

• Flat and paved, with large open sheds and parking areas
• Exposed to weather conditions, with limited climate control in many areas
• Spread out enough that people with mobility limitations may want to plan carefully, park strategically, and bring any needed mobility aids

Because this is a working facility, there may not be the same level of visitor-oriented infrastructure (like detailed maps or signage) you’d find at tourist attractions in downtown Atlanta.

Using the Market as an Atlanta Resident

For people living in Atlanta or the surrounding suburbs, the Georgia State Farmers Market can be integrated into regular routines in a few ways:

• Weekly or monthly bulk produce trips to stock up on staple items
• Seasonal buying for canning, freezing, or making preserves
• Plant-buying trips at the start of Atlanta’s long growing seasons
• Occasional visits to compare prices before major events (weddings, reunions, large cookouts)

If you’re new to bulk buying, it can be helpful to start with one or two items—for example, a case of tomatoes for sauce or salsa—before trying to manage multiple large purchases at once.

Is It Worth Visiting During a Trip to Atlanta?

For most casual tourists focused on Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead attractions, this market is not an essential stop. However, it can be particularly interesting if:

• You work in food, hospitality, or agriculture
• You already enjoy markets and food systems when you travel
• You’re staying on the south side of Atlanta or near the airport and want something authentically local

In that case, a short morning visit can give you a perspective on how Atlanta feeds itself that you won’t get at typical tourist landmarks.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Shoppers and Visitors

• The Georgia State Farmers Market in Forest Park is a large, state-run wholesale and retail produce hub just south of Atlanta.
• It’s designed primarily for wholesale buyers, but retail shoppers are welcome in certain areas.
• You can expect bulk quantities, competitive pricing, and a working industrial atmosphere, not a boutique farmers market experience.
• It’s most useful for food businesses, large households, gardeners, and anyone comfortable buying in volume.
• Planning your timing, transportation, payment options, and expectations in advance will make your visit far smoother.

For Atlantans who want to see the city’s food system in action—or save on large quantities of produce and plants—this market can be a powerful resource just a short drive from the urban core.