Dog-Friendly Farmers Markets

Posted by Lauren Barker

The first known farmers market in the U.S. began in Boston in 1634, when local farmers gathered together in one place to sell their produce to the community. The tradition continues to this day, with vendors offering everything from farm-fresh greens to artwork, flowers, homemade products, and even pet treats. Since most farmers markets are located outdoors, many welcome canine customers to join their humans, but these dog-friendly markets will have Fido begging to shop til he drops.

Portland Saturday Market

Portland, OR
Four-legged shoppers on a mission. Photo by Portland Saturday Market

Located in Waterfront Park and boasting 258 regular vendors, the Portland Saturday Market prides itself as the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country. Bring Fido along to help you pick out fresh vegetables, flowers, meats and cheeses, and handmade arts and crafts from the Pacific Northwest. Water bowls are scattered throughout the market for your pooch to enjoy, and if you visit on a hot summer day, your pup can cool off in the water fountain.

After shopping all day, sleep all night at The Benson Hotel, located just a few blocks from the market. Complete the Portland experience by grabbing breakfast the next morning at Voodoo Doughnut.

Medina Farmers Market

Medina, OH
Cool as the cucumbers they're selling. Photo by @kanashiba.ch

On Saturday mornings from mid-May to mid-October, the Medina Farmers Market brings shoppers on two legs and four to the historic Medina town square. Many vendors cater to dogs with items like healthy gourmet biscuits, sweet potato chews, peanut butter paws, and more. Canine shoppers will find water dishes at several businesses, and waste bags are located on each corner of the square. Before you call it a day, head over to the Countryside Farmers Market at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Dogs are welcome during Yappy Hour from 11 a.m. to noon each Saturday.

Bring your bounty back to this vacation rental in Strongsville, and cook dinner in the full kitchen stocked with all the necessities.

Yellow Green Farmers Market

Hollywood, FL
"All this shopping is making me hungry!" Photo by @ygfarmersmarket

Bring Fido to the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood, FL, and shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, specialty foods, arts and crafts, and more. The sprawling market occupies a 100,000-square-foot building and is open every Saturday and Sunday. In addition to local products, you can enjoy performances from live entertainers, chef demonstrations, and children’s activities. Grab a bite to eat from one of the vendors and find a seat in the shade of the outdoor tikis. Canine shopaholics will want to browse the booths for gourmet dog food, pet products, and even furniture.

After his shopping spree, let Fido cool off at the Dog Beach of Hollywood or the Performance Pups Freshwater Dog Beach in nearby Dania Beach before you check in at La Quinta Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Hilldale Farmers Market

Madison, WI
"I hear there's ice cream here!" Photo by @lunaychico

From May through October, Hilldale Farmers Market invites canines to join their humans to shop for local produce, plants and flowers, and local goods like honey, flavorful jams, and freshly baked treats. Pick up delicious fresh dog food from Yellow Dog Deli, grab a pup cup from Ice Cream Social, and let Fido chow down at one of the outdoor picnic tables. The market is open Wednesday through Sunday. For more traditional retail therapy, continue shopping in pet-friendly stores like Anthropologie, Free People, Macys, and L.L. Bean at Hilldale Shopping Center.

Once you’ve had all the shopping you can handle, rest up at Graduate Madison. You’ll be close to the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus and a short walk from Brittingham Dog Park.

Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market

Phoenix, AZ
"Thanks for the lift." Photo by @valkentjana

Leashed pups are welcome to join you while you shop for fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers, browse local arts and crafts, and listen to live music at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market. Your pooch will enjoy vendors like Desert Dog Treat Bar, Dogtopia, and Ruff Life Dog Bones, and there’s a community water bowl located by the information booth. The open-air market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine, but during the summer it’s best to bring Fido early in the morning to avoid the heat and asphalt. Afterwards, hop over to Roadrunner Park Farmers Market in northern Phoenix, where canine “good citizens” are always welcome and you’ll find more local produce and pet products.

Stay close to both farmers markets at Best Western InnSuites Phoenix Hotel & Suites. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast with to-go bags available to fuel a return trip to the markets.

Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market

Des Moines, IA
"I think I see the treat tent!" Photo by @keelygoshia

Be sure to check out the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market in the Historic Court District when you visit Iowa’s capital city from May through October. This Saturday morning market welcomes four-legged shoppers to accompany their owners while browsing fresh produce, eggs, meats, and more. Meet up with family and friends to have breakfast, or hang around and listen to live music and entertainment. Your pup will want to stop at vendors like The Watson & Wallie Dog for all-natural dog treats and other tasty goodies.

After Fido has selected his treats, head to nearby Pappajohn Sculpture Park for an artsy stroll before putting your paws up for the night at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown.

Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market

Roswell, GA
"Why doesn't that dog move?" Photo by Facebook.com/RoswellFAM

Located at Roswell Presbyterian Church, the Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market has been advocating for a local community and sustainable food economy since 2007. Leashed pets are invited to browse the Saturday morning market that runs from April through October, and shop for items like leashes, bandanas, and gourmet dog treats. Humans can find fresh seafood, spices, and baked goods as well as jewelry, candles, and art. Listen to live music while you stroll through, and be sure to check the weekly calendar for events and contests your pooch can “pawticipate” in.

Grab a post-market meal at Lucky's Burger & Brew, then retire to this Roswell home where Fido can run leash-free in the fenced yard.

Bentonville Farmers Market

Bentonville, AR
Fun for the whole family. Photo by Facebook.com/DowntownBentonville

It may be the birthplace of one of the world’s largest retailers, but the town of Bentonville is happy to support local farmers and artisans at the Bentonville Farmers Market. From late April through October, shoppers and their pups are invited to listen to live music while browsing the selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and crafts. The market is held at the downtown square on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Pay attention to the town’s event calendar for the annual Dog Days celebration held each August, when the market goes entirely to the dogs with special vendors, contests, a pet parade, and more.

Stay at The Sunflower, a charming home just a few blocks from the farmers market and other dog-friendly shopping experiences like Three Dog Bakery and Label Boutique.

Fredericksburg Farmers Market

Fredericksburg, VA
Happy it's Saturday! Photo by @fredericksburgfoodcoop

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at Hurkamp Park for the open-air Fredericksburg Farmers Market, where homegrown, homemade, and hand-baked goods are sold by farmers and bakers. The market runs 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday from April through October. Shop for fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, breads, baked goods, plants, fresh and dried flowers, and herbs. On the first and third Saturday of each month, you and your pup can also shop Art in the Park, where local artists and crafters share their creativity with the community.

Book a stay at Richard Johnston Inn and spend some time exploring Fredericksburg at cool attractions like Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Frisco Fresh Market

Frisco, TX
Good pups get to enjoy the farmers market. Photo by @friscofreshmkt

Fido won’t want to miss out on the weekend Frisco Fresh Market on Main Street. Open year-round on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., canine shoppers will delight in a large selection of pet products like fresh-baked treats, bandanas, leashes and collars, dog beer, ice cream, toys, and natural pet shampoos and balms. In addition to shopping, humans can enjoy chef demonstrations, live music, and a lineup of family-friendly events. Check the market’s calendar for the annual Pet Fest, which features adoptable dogs, rescue organizations, and other pet-related vendors and activities.

Bring your pup and his haul back to Drury Inn & Suites Dallas Frisco. He can enjoy his dog beer and treats in the room while you attend 5:30 Kickback, the hotel’s evening snacks and refreshment event.

Do you have a favorite dog-friendly farmers market? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Jiawei Chen on Unsplash.