The Factory at Franklin Farmers Market: Shop Local Every Wednesday
The Wednesday Farmers Market at The Factory at Franklin is back for the season, offering a mix of locally made products, farm-fresh goods, and specialty items you won’t find anywhere else. Set beneath the iconic water tower at one of Franklin’s most popular destinations, the market runs weekly, giving visitors a chance to meet the makers, sample unique offerings, and support small businesses—all in a single midweek stop.
While weekend markets often bring big crowds, this Wednesday option provides a more laid-back experience. You can chat with the people who actually grow, bake, roast, or craft what you’re buying—and maybe learn something new along the way!
A New Tradition at The Factory
Launched in the spring of 2024, the Wednesday Factory Farmers Market is a relatively new addition to The Factory at Franklin’s lineup of community events. The market is managed by Diane Kolopanas, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 40 years of experience. Diane is also the founder of 30A Farmers Markets, which operates several markets in the Florida Panhandle. Her expertise brings a well-curated selection of vendors and a welcoming atmosphere to Franklin’s midweek market.
Why Vendors and Visitors Love The Factory Farmers Market
The Wednesday market may not be the biggest in town yet, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. Vendors often greet customers by name, remembering their favorite items or sharing new products to try. It’s not uncommon for someone to stop by just to say hello or leave with something unexpected after a friendly recommendation.
Vendors and shoppers alike say this newer market has a lot of potential. “I like the intimacy,” said beekeeper Katherine Haynes, owner of Haynes Hivegoods, which offers local honey and 100% beeswax candles. “I can spend quality time with customers and teach them about what we do.”
Market-goers like the selection and quality of goods as well as the friendly atmosphere. With live music playing nearby and a variety of shops and restaurants inside The Factory at Franklin, there are a lot of reasons to linger.
The Factory at Franklin: A Historic Destination
The Factory at Franklin, a revitalized complex of shops, eateries, studios, and venues, makes an ideal backdrop for a midweek market. Originally built in 1929 as a stove manufacturing plant, the facility has been reimagined into one of Franklin’s premier destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Visitors can shop the booths outside, and then wander through The Factory, discovering new retailers, locally owned boutiques, artisan workshops, and gallery-style storefronts showcasing everything from handmade home goods to contemporary art.
What You’ll Find at the Factory Farmers Market
This market offers more than just groceries. It’s a carefully selected showcase of regional creativity and craftsmanship. You’ll find produce and pantry staples, but also indulgent treats, handmade gifts, and small-batch goods that reflect the spirit of Middle Tennessee.
There are returning vendors and first-timers, each bringing something different to the mix. From the scent of lavender to the sweetness of infused sugar, each booth tells a story. Whether you’re shopping for dinner or looking for something special to bring home, you’re likely to discover something new to take home.
Sweet and Savory Specialties
From fresh-baked breads to heritage pastries and small-batch sugars, the market features a variety of sweet and savory foods made with care, and often a personal story behind each recipe.
Jonathan Webb of Rockville shares samples of Simply Sourdough by Crystal, a business he and his wife run together. The bread, which uses a 72-hour cold-proofing process to reduce gluten, is made with organic flour, filtered water, and sea salt. “Unless you’re celiac, most people can handle it just fine,” he said. Their naturally leavened loaves have built a steady following and often sell out quickly.
New to the market is Bellflower Blends, a mother-and-son venture from Old Hickory, Tennessee, founded by Myra and John McWethy. Here, they offer infused sugars and syrups crafted from a global mix of 35 different sugars. “Every grain is infused with flavor,” said John, who notes that everything is made from scratch, including their vanilla extract, which is aged for two years. Their unique offerings include Swedish pearl sugar with lemon zest oils and unfiltered syrups with real candied ginger.
Suzy Starr, who runs Suzy’s Sweets, brings the flavors of her Greek heritage to Franklin with homemade baklava and melomakarona, a spiced, honey-dipped cookie. “My mom taught me everything,” she said. “This business is a way of honoring her.” Her booth draws regulars and newcomers alike, drawn to the scents of cinnamon and warm pastry.
Other noteworthy vendors include Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnuts, offering hot, fresh doughnuts, and Caroline’s Spice Pantry, specializing in handcrafted spice blends, teas, finishing salts, and more.
Handcrafted Goods and Artisanal Touches
The Factory Farmers Market isn’t just for food lovers—it’s also a destination for handmade goods and natural wellness items. From candles and skincare to jewelry and home décor, these artisans bring thoughtful craftsmanship to every booth.
“We started with the Factory Farmers Market last year,” said Kevin Shamblin, who, with his partner Kelly, runs LavendergirlTN, a lavender-based product business offering everything from soaps and lotions to essential oils and fresh-cut lavender. “Now we only do this one market a week, and people come here just to get what they didn’t get at the festivals.”
Lisa of Fiddle & Flame Candle Company creates coconut soy candles inspired by Tennessee’s landscapes and music culture. She offers seasonal scents and travel tins, along with trays and wax melts. Tallow and Honey makes small-batch skincare products using grass-fed tallow, local honey, and other natural ingredients, aiming to nourish and protect skin the old-fashioned way.
ETZ Hayim Collective offers handcrafted items rooted in Jewish tradition and inspired by nature, including home décor and personal accessories. Modern Myth Jewelry showcases hand-forged, retro-inspired jewelry, blending timeless design with a modern edge.
Coffee, Snacks, and Farm Fare
Whether you’re looking for your next favorite coffee, a high-protein snack, or farm-fresh staples for your kitchen, these vendors deliver the essentials with a personal touch.
Roast & Brews Coffee, represented at the market by Juan Matias, sources beans from his family’s farm in Guatemala and oversees the roasting process in Gallatin. By managing the entire journey from farm to cup, Roast & Brews ensures freshness, transparency, and a personal connection to every batch. Chop Jerky, owned by Anett and Corey, offers protein-rich, gluten-free snacks inspired by Anett’s Hungarian roots and her childhood experiences in Europe. Made from local meat and clean ingredients, their jerky is marinated in-house using a recipe rooted in Anett’s European background.
Harmony Lane Farm, a Smithville-based creamery and agritourism destination, showcases cheeses, goat milk fudge, soaps, and information about their on-farm tours and baby goat cuddling sessions. Brush Creek Farm offers fresh produce, pasture-raised eggs, and flowers straight from their family-run farm, while KHK Cattle Farm specializes in American Akaushi Wagyu beef.
Growing Community and Local Connections
Some vendors have deep roots in Franklin; others travel in from neighboring towns and counties. What they all have in common is a passion for craft and a belief that this midweek market is worth showing up for. “A lot of people don’t know about it yet,” one vendor said. “But once they do, I think this will be the place to be.”
Many vendors noted that The Factory’s growing popularity and central location make it easier for customers to stop by on their way home from work or after dining out. Others mentioned that as nearby markets shuffle locations, The Factory’s Wednesday event has room to grow—and the potential to become a weekly tradition for locals.
Plan Your Visit to the Wednesday Farmers Market
The Wednesday Farmers Market runs weekly from 4 pm to 7 pm through October at The Factory at Franklin, located at 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064. Admission is free, and onsite parking is available. The market is dog- and stroller-friendly, with shaded seating areas nearby and public restrooms available inside The Factory.
Whether you’re coming for produce, pantry items, or handmade gifts, it’s an experience that invites you to slow down and connect with local makers and fellow shoppers. Bring a tote bag, come hungry, and stay awhile to enjoy the music, conversation, and craftsmanship that make this market a community favorite!
Explore More Shopping Experiences in Franklin
To explore more shopping, dining, and activity ideas around Franklin, check out related articles on FranklinIs.
- Discover the unique blend of history and modernity that makes The Factory a must-visit destination in Discover the Charms of The Factory at Franklin.
- Learn where to enjoy inclusive dining in Breaking Bread: Food Allergy-Friendly Restaurants and Bakeries In and Around Franklin, Tennessee, which highlights thoughtful spots for those with dietary needs.
- For a broad look at local fun, 20 Things to Do in Franklin and Williamson County, TN: Local Favorites and Unique Finds offers suggestions ranging from historical sites to entertainment.
- If food is your focus, check out Brunch in Franklin and Brentwood, TN: Best Spots for Every Occasion for cozy cafés and lively brunch spots, or explore regional heat in The Spice of Life: Where to Get Nashville Hot Chicken in Franklin and Williamson County, which covers where to find the best renditions of this Tennessee classic.
