Fairs, Farms, and Farmers Markets

One of the best things about coming to the South is all the farm fresh produce you can find. In Humphreys County, we’ve got farmland as far as the eye can see and farmers who really know what they’re doing. (They’d better since their farms have likely been in the family for generations.) So you can bank on that produce being some of the juiciest, tastiest you’ve ever had.

If you’d like to visit a farm so you can see right where that delicious food comes from, there are plenty of those, too. You can usually take a look around and purchase what you’d like, but some are only available for ordering ahead. Farmers have a lot of work to do during the day! Your best bet is to pick up your goodies at area farmers markets.

Like most county residents, farmers know how to have fun, too! One of our favorite ways to kick back is to hang out on a Friday night at the fair. The County Fair is something we look forward to all year.

Where can you go to find these hidden and not-so-hidden gems in Humphreys County? Try one of these.

Farmers Markets to Visit

There are two main farmers markets to check out in Humphreys County: McEwen and Dickson. If you can’t find everything you need for a delicious farm-to-table meal at one of these, you’ll probably find it at the other. Most of the local farms have stands at one, the other, or both, so it’s a great way to taste a variety of what the county has to offer.

McEwen Farmers Market

When it’s open:

Since the prime season for most Southern fruits and veggies is summer, the best harvest you’ll get will be over the summer. But you can still find a few goodies late in the spring and early in the fall. This means that this farmers market lasts from May until October. It’s open from 3pm until 6pm, so pick something fresh for dinner. Baked goods are available for dessert, and don’t forget some flowers for the table!

Where to go:

The address to put in your GPS is:

9704 Highway 70
McEwen, TN  37101

Dickson Farmers Market

When it’s open:

This market, open year-round, is where you’ll find a variety of produce, baked goods, meat, eggs, and everything else you need to stock your fridge. While you’re there, you’ll find items for decorating, including plants and homemade crafts. You might even find some Christmas gifts while you’re there, too. Check out their Facebook page to see the latest.

Where to go:

The address to put in your GPS is:

284 Cowan Road
Dickson TN

Farms Open to the Public

Wrensway Farm

When it’s open:

Wrensway Farm fills orders as needed but also sets up at the Dickson and McEwen Farmers Markets. This will quickly become your go-to place for gluten-free goodies. Look for yummy baked treats, homemade maple syrup, jams, and jellies, all prepared without wheat products.

Where to go:

The address to put in your GPS is:

1189 Ennis Branch Road

McEwen, Tennessee 37101

Hodgdon Farms

When it’s open:

Visit their website at any time to get a good idea of what’s fresh for the season to purchase, and then schedule a pickup. You’re sure to find a great variety of fruits and vegetables, jams, dried or fresh herbs by the bag, and fresh breads. Farm pickup is available on Fridays from 3pm until 6pm. 

Where to go:

Hodgdon Farms is located off Route 70W in case you need to come for order pickup, but they will also have a stand for browsing at the Dickson Farmers Market from 9am until noon on Saturdays.

1000 Old Nashville Hwy
McEwen TN 37101 

Clean Genes Farm

When it’s open:
Clean Genes is a Certified Naturally Grown farm on one acre of land that grows nutrient-rich produce year-round. Their special growing techniques help them to produce abundantly for all around to enjoy. Stop by or order from their online farm stand to purchase seeds, salad mixes, greens, veggies, and even syrup.

Where to go:

Close to everything in McEwen, this farm isn’t hard to find. Go to:

2779 Ogden Rd.

McEwen, TN.

Twin Bridge Farm

When it’s open:

Twin Bridge offers a unique variety of products that you might not find anywhere else. They specialize in gourmet mushrooms, but have also recently planted an orchard, lavender field, and vineyard. They can be found at Dickson’s Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, or you can order online. If you’d like to come visit, consider booking a stay via AirBnB.

Where to go:

Nestled in the county seat of Waverly, Twin Bridge Farm isn’t far from Route 13.

125 Spring Creek Lane
Waverly, TN 37185

The County Fair

Everyone knows that fairs are a rich tradition in the South. That’s because the idea of a fair originated in ancient times along trade routes in Mexico as a way for traveling merchants to show off and sell their wares. As time went on, fairs continued to move up from Mexico, through the American South, and spread all through the country. But many counties and towns in the South held onto their annual fairs as a matter of tradition. And we all know how important tradition can be to southerners!

Humphreys County Fair

Though there was a break in 2020 due to concerns with Covid-19, you can usually plan to visit the county seat of Waverly around the second week in September for the best fair of the season. Expect a fee for parking, and be sure to bring extra money for food, games, and rides. Here’s what you can expect when you visit the Humphreys County Fair.

Music:

Evenings start with the National Anthem performed by various groups on the main outdoor stage, located at the north end of the Livestock Barn. After that, you’ll find other local groups rocking the rest of the night away. You might even get a chance to hit the stage yourself with an open mic contest.

Animals:

For those who love farm animals, the county fair is the place to come and see some of the cream of the crop: cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, all for show. They might even do a Barnyard Olympiad. You can enter your own pet in the pet show if you want to show off your own animal.

Rides & Games:

These are open each night for your entertainment. You know this is what the kids have been waiting for all year. Get the kiddos an armband so they can ride the rides all night (prices vary by night) and pick up a few individual tickets as well if you want to join them for a few. Games are pay-as-you-go.

Food:

Here’s the reason most adults want to be at the fair. Imagine everyone bringing their best dishes to the party and sharing with everyone. Not to mention the food trucks with everyone’s fair food favorites. Deep fried…everything!

Demolition Derby:

This is the event everyone in the county looks forward to on the fair’s Saturday night. Register to participate for a chance at the big prize, or come as a spectator and root for your favorite.

Humphreys County is a great place to experience the outdoors and everything grown out there. Whether you love the fresh air of the farm or would prefer to partake in the fruit of the farmers’ labor, something about a farm keeps us all young and healthy. Take that energy and spend it with the family at the fair. You won’t truly understand rural life in Tennessee until you’ve experienced our farms, farmers markets, and fairs!

Quilt Trail

Throughout Humphreys County, as you drive to the water or to one of the many historic sites, you can also keep an eye out for the quilt blocks placed on dozens of barns and outbuildings. No matter which road you plan to take, you’re likely to see one of these barn markers in bright, bold colors with a distinct feel of yesteryear. 

You can find a map of these barn quilts online and plan your road trips in order to see everything you want to see at once. Maybe this weekend, you’ll plan to drive to the various rivers on your way to the Tennessee River at Johnsonville, and you want to see all the barn quilts along the way. Next weekend, you might plan to see the many farms and fields around Humphreys County, as well as the various quilt blocks. 

Or maybe you just want to visit only the quilts…and that’s okay! You’ll still see all the beauty and history that Humphreys County offers along the way.