730 Carroll St. 314.622.4180
Soulard Farmers Market B y : A my D e La H u n t P h o t o g r a p h y : C a r me n Tro e sse r
A r r i v i n g f r o m t h e p l a z a o n t h e m a r k e t ’s s o u t h
in 1914 and first leased indoor market
side, shoppers walk up to a gracious expanse
s p a c e i n 1 9 2 9 . S c h w e i g e r ’s P r o d u c e h a s a n
of Renaissance architecture. Inside the Grand
even longer history: The fourth-generation
H a l l , n o i s e l e v e l s r i s e i m m e d i a t e l y, a l o n g
producer was established in 1884. One
with aromas of spices, coffee and bread.
newcomer is Park Avenue Coffee; its two-
We l c o m e t o S o u l a rd F a r m e r s M a r k e t — o ff i c i a l l y
y e a r- o l d l o c a t i o n i s t h e c o m p a n y ’s f i f t h s h o p .
established in 1841 as a two-block venue where farmers could park their wagons and
On Saturdays, St. Louisans of all backgrounds,
sell their wares, which they’d already been
lifestyles, income levels and ages mill through
doing since 1779. The main building, with
the aisles. From early spring through late fall,
shops on the first floor and a gymnasium
many of the outdoor stalls in the north wings
and theater on the second, dates to 1929.
fill with local producers of fruits, vegetables, preserves, meats and more. In the south
10
GUIDED
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are a
wings, shoppers find cheeses, baked goods,
good time to meet the mainstay vendors.
flowers, seafood, sports gear and prepared
T h e r e ’s S o u l a r d S p i c e S h o p , w h i c h o p e n e d
foods from mini donuts to tamales to falafel.
