The region around Carmel, Indiana, has a plethora of local growers and makers ready to provide seasonal produce, fresh meat, unique handmade items, and more. The next time you’re looking to shop local and support the people and businesses in your community, make plans to check out a few of these amazing farmers markets near Carmel.

Carmel Farmers Market

“Farmers’ Market” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by NatalieMaynor

Carmel Farmers Market operates two major markets — one in the summer and one in the winter. The summer market occurs every Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. from May through September on Carter Green in front of the Center for the Performing Arts. During your visit, you can listen to live music performed by a variety of talented musicians at the Carmel Rotary Amphitheater. The summer market also has several family-friendly community days, such as the VeggieArt Contest, Jim Keckley Donut Day, and Carmel Firehouse Cook-Off.

In the winter, the market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon from October through March at the Wire Factory. Just like the summer market, the winter market also includes live music from talented local artists and special community events, such as Purdue University Athletics Day.

Vendors at Carmel Farmers Market are only allowed to sell Indiana-grown or produced agricultural products at both markets. Some of the popular items you can shop for include gourmet dog treats, natural condiments, baked goods, local raw honey, popcorn, maple products, homemade chocolates and candies, fresh eggs, all-natural meat products, and a variety of fresh produce.

Fishers Farmers Market

Located approximately 7 miles east of Carmel in Fishers, the Fishers Farmers Market once came in third as one of the best farmers markets in the Indianapolis area by Indy A-List. This family-friendly attraction in Fishers is located behind City Hall in the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. It’s open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon from May through September. When you visit this farmers market, you’ll be able to shop for all of your favorite seasonal produce and local handmade items from over 55 vendors.

When you visit the Fishers Farmers Market, stop by Grandpa’s Jerky for jerky flavors that range from mild to spicy. Masters Home Preserves and Marta’s Goody’s both have an impressive variety of jams, jellies, and marmalades. You can satisfy your sweet tooth when you get delicious creations from Le Petit Gateau Bakery or Generations Pie Company. If you’re looking for something for your four-legged family member, be sure to stop by Lazy Labs Bakery or Wesson’s Canine Bakery for some of their all-natural dog treats.

Noblesville Farmers Market

From fresh meat and honey to candles and flowers, the Noblesville Farmers Market has a diverse vendor base that offers something for everyone. All of the vendors produce the products they sell, so you know you’ll be getting items that are fresh and unique. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon May through October at Federal Hill Commons.

If you’re shopping for fresh produce, you can find everything from locally grown mushrooms at Scooter’s Morel Mushrooms to organically grown fruits and vegetables at Green Growers Farm. When you need meat, dairy, or eggs, you can find what you want at the booths for Trietsch Farms and 8th Day Farms. You can pick up a gift for someone special at Without Borders Boutique, Nature’s Bling, and Fox Holler Woodworks. Plus, if all that shopping makes you hungry, you can get ready-to-eat food at Hoosier Kettle Corn, Chantilly Crepes, Custard Dogs, and Uptown Cafe.

Binford Farmers Market

Indianapolis is home to several outstanding farmers markets. However, one of the more popular markets in the city is Binford Farmers Market. Located about 10 miles south of Carmel, Binford Farmers Market brings in over 80 local vendors that sell fresh and locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, crafts, and more. With vendors that range from Antler Pure Chews and Brick House Vinaigrette to The Vegan Cheese Lady and Petals and Pollen Flowers, you’re sure to find something for everyone when you visit this market.

Binford Farmers Market is held in the parking lot of Northview Church every Saturday from May through October. It’s open from 8 a.m. to noon, so you’ll have plenty of time to browse all of the booths and discover some of the best farms, bakeries, nurseries, wineries, and other specialty vendors in Indiana. Plus, in addition to an excellent variety of vendors, the market also has amazing local talent providing live music to keep you entertained while you shop.

Zionsville Farmers Market

Zionsville is a charming community located just 9 miles west of Carmel. It’s also home to the Zionsville Farmers Market. Held on Main Street between Pine Street and Hawthorne Street, the goal of this market is to support local farmers and the community. The market is open every Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. from May through September.

The market is seasonal, which means every week the farmers and makers bring something different depending on what is in season. On any given week, you can expect to find a variety of produce, meat, flowers, and baked goods. If you’re shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to check out McWhirt Family Produce, Earthlink Farms, Gordon Family Farm, Pete’s Peaches, and Balanced Harvest Farm. In the mood for something sweet? You’ll find exactly what you’re searching for at Susie’s Honey, Kim’s Key Lime Cookies, and The Walking Waffle.

You can even find vendors selling a variety of specialty items. Get a crisp and authentic egg roll at Vietnamese Eggroll Bar, find your favorite type of jerky at Grandpa’s Beef Jerky, or pick up a tasty treat that still works with a gluten-free diet by visiting Emily’s Gluten-Free Goodies.At Crème de la Crème of Carmel, we love visiting these farmers markets and discovering what the growers and makers have available. Did we forget to mention one of your favorite markets in the area? If so, please be sure to contact us and let us know so we can include it on this list!