Soulard Farmers Market, Saint Louis

Soulard Farmers Market is a historic public market that has been in operation since the mid-19th century. It is known to be the oldest public market in the United States west of the Mississippi River, and the only one operated by the city.

The market is home to more than 140 vendors, and visitors can find a wide variety of goods available for purchase. The Grand Hall shops, which are permanent stores located within the market, offer a range of items, including baked goods, meats, flowers, and spices. In addition to these stores, the market is filled with vendors selling fresh produce, fish, cheese, soap, and handicrafts. Many of the vendors have been in the market for multiple generations, and some hold stall leases that have been passed down through their families.

Visitors to Soulard Farmers Market will find plenty of amenities in the surrounding area. There is ample parking available, both free and metered, as well as a playground, park, and plaza. On Saturday mornings, a local chef prepares a dish using items from the local produce available at the market. It's worth noting that some vendors are only present on Saturdays, so visitors who want to experience the market in its entirety should plan their visit accordingly.

Despite its name, a few studies conducted at Soulard Farmers Market have found that most of the vendors are not farmers themselves, but rather merchants who purchase produce wholesale from other sources. Many of these vendors source their fruits and vegetables from Produce Row, a wholesale market located in the city.