Here in the Garden Route, we love shopping at the market. There’s nowhere better to get fresh, locally grown produce, unique one-of-a-kind gifts, a vintage piece of clothing or furniture, and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and homebaked pie or pastry while the kids run free under the trees.
Next time you’re on holiday on the Garden Route, you’ll be pleased to discover that we have several markets for you to try. Here are a few of our favourites:
Wild Oats Community Farmer’s Market
The Wild Oats Market in Sedgefield is one of the biggest, and best, markets on the Garden Route. The market comprises of three parts, a sprawling food section where you can shop for fresh produce, or pick up something hot for breakfast or lunch, a middle section which is an eclectic mix of decor, gifts, and more food at the Mosaic Village Market, and a local arts and crafts delight at the Scarab Arts & Crafts Village. The market runs every Saturday from 7:30 am – 12 noon in summer and 8 am – 12 noon in winter. Be sure to get there early as the traders do sell out and it gets very busy.
Harkerville Saturday Market
The Harkerville Market takes place on the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay every Saturday from 8 am until 12. Although smaller than some of the other Garden Route markets, this rustic, rural affair is another firm local favourite. Once again, you can not only shop farm fresh produce and food but also some amazing handmade crafts. The mighty oak trees make a fabulous setting to enjoy a relaxed morning with friends and family.
Knysna Friday Market
Every Friday in summer the Knysna Montessori School hosts the Knysna Friday Supper and Craft Market. The market, which has been ongoing for the past eleven years runs from 4 to 8 pm and is the ideal spot to destress and reconnect after a long week. The market offers bonfires, live music, a quality craft section, a licensed bar, and an amazing choice of locally produced food that can be enjoyed on the premises or taken back to your villa to enjoy on your balcony overlooking the Knysna lagoon. The market also serves as the main fundraiser for the school so you will be contributing towards a good cause by showing your support.
Outeniqua Family Market
Open every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm in George, the Outeniqua Family Market is where many locals buy their fresh produce. Here you can browse the beautiful farm-fresh meats, vegetables, and cheeses and choose some items to stretch your culinary imagination. You can even get some tips and secret recipes directly from the farmers to try out back in the kitchen of your beautiful Knysna villa. There are also craft stalls, live entertainment, a Boere train ride, pedal cars, pony cycle rides, face painting, bunnies, sand-art, and a massive play park so be sure to bring the family along for a fun morning out.
The Old Nick Midweek Market
The Old Nick Village in Plettenberg Bay hosts a Midweek Market every Wednesday from 9 am to 2 pm. This is a great space to connect with local farmers to pick up some local products. Shop for fruit and vegetables, ethically farmed meat and dairy products, tasty homemade foods, or a variety of handmade gifts. The market has a strong focus on showcasing environmentally friendly products that protect the natural environment while promoting recycling, healthy eating, and community living. As there are so many weekend markets along the Garden Route, this is a great option for when the fridge runs out mid-week.
Milkwood Village Market
Sunday is Funday at Milkwood Village in Wilderness where the permanent traders spill out into the courtyard with a variety of things to sell. Sit in the shade of the ancient Milkwoods while you enjoy some great grub or shop the range of handmade products. There’s also a dedicated kids zone to keep the little ones busy and several permanent restaurants in the center where you can relax.
Plett Market on Main
The Market on Plett’s Main Street has recently been given a new lease on life with a range of new market stalls from eclectic food offerings to frames and books, jewellery and art, and plenty of beautiful creations for your home. This permanent space is open every day from 7 am to 10 pm and is a great spot to chill, sip on some of the Garden Route’s finest wines, tuck into some tasty street food, or try a craft beer, while enjoying the spectacular views of the bay. Thursdays is Ladies Day at Market on Main when all ladies receive a complimentary glass of house wine with their meal.