Romaine Close to Home: Best Farms, Summer Events & Fresh Finds Near Dallas Farmers Market

This summer, skip the headache of flying or the expense of long drives, and discover how much fresh flavor is right here in our own backyard. Within an hour of Dallas, you’ll find a wide network of local farms to explore, perfect for a budget-friendly day trip with family and friends. Join the Dallas Farmers Market on one of our scheduled farm tours for a behind-the-scenes look with the farmers themselves (plus a few extra goodies), or map out an adventure and hit the road at your own pace. However you go, you’ll be directly supporting the growers who bring the season’s best to your table.

Let DFM take care of the plans for you with a perfect summer morning at O’Neal Berry Farm on Thursday, June 25. You’ll enjoy a private tour with owner Elizabeth O’Neal and get an inside look at pesticide- and herbicide-free berry farming. Stroll the grounds, visit roaming chickens and friendly farm dogs, and shop local honey, cobblers, and jams while soaking in the charm of the season. Your ticket (available here) includes a guided tour, Dallas Farmers Market tote, berry basket, and u-pick access for up to two pounds of fresh blueberries and blackberries. A photographer will be on site to capture the day, so you can take home sweet memories along with your even sweeter berries.

The DFM staff is planning at least two additional tours this year, so stay tuned for more fun options!

Or visit these incredible farms and discover them at your own pace:

Blase Family Farm in Rockwall, TX – blueberry picking, honeybees, fresh popsicles, fudge, jam, homemade soaps, and other souvenirs. Blueberry plants are for sale, too! (Approx 40 minutes from DFM)
Eden Hill Winery & Vineyard in Celina, TX – visit their vineyard and winery estate in Celina and see how they make Texas wine from grape to glass. 4910 Eden Hill Ln, Celina, TX 75009 (55 minutes from DFM)
Fieldsong Farms in Lucas, TX – edible flowers, goat products (milk & soaps), vegetables, bakery, and pantry staples. (1 Hour from DFM)
Goober Bub’s Orchard & Bakery in Justin, TX – a family-run U-Pick farm where you can find fresh berries in the spring, off-the-vine pumpkins in the fall, delicious baked goods, and, more than anything, fun memories. 10534 Eakin Cemetery Rd, Justin, TX 76247 (58 minutes from DFM)
Ham Orchards in Terrell, TX – Peach Farm 11939 Co Rd 309, Terrell, TX 75161 (41 minutes from DFM)
Hemingway Hills in Terrell, TX – opens seasonally for tulips, sunflowers, and Christmas trees. Be sure to check their website for hours of operation. (42 minutes from DFM)
Mars Hill Farm in Ferris, TX – Flower Farm – currently holding their 6^th Annual Glad Fest from now until June 21. Guests can walk through thousands of blooming gladiolus flowers, create hand-cut bouquets, enjoy family-friendly farm activities, take photos in the flower fields, and experience a working regenerative farm during peak bloom season. 1604 Mars Rd, Ferris, TX 75125 (23 minutes from DFM)
Oneal Berry Farms in Royse City, TX – Blackberry farm, U-Pick blackberries – Season is Late May-July (50 minutes from DFM)

Head to The Shed May 30 – May 31

Welcome to the exciting start of summer abundance! We here at the Dallas Farmers Market are a bit giddy as the first Texas watermelons of the year have officially arrived, juicy, sweet, and ready to slice. Kelley Produce is stocked with Orange Seeded and Red Seedless watermelons, with more varieties on the way. The first peaches of the summer are also here, and blackberries and cantaloupes are expected to make their debut in early June. Now is the time to make weekly visits to the DFM part of your permanent summer plans.

This weekend, get the family excited about outdoor adventures with our Kids’ Activity DIY Picnic Baskets from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Window to the Wild sharing their feathered friends from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, May 31, learn how to make blueberry season last even longer with L.A. Farm Girl and her Blueberry Merlot Jam Demo at noon in The Shed.

If you want a more hands-on experience, join L.A. Farm Girl for a beginner-friendly jam-making class on June 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Dallas Farmers Market. You’ll learn the process from start to finish and make your own jar to take home. Only 12 seats are available (tickets and more information here), because, like the jam, it’s best in small batches.

Along with all the fresh produce, summer also brings new vendors to explore in The Shed. Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce them to you here, but make it a point to wander and make connections during this weekend’s DFM visit.

This week, we’re introducing you to new places to sip and savor. Stop by this weekend!

Amelia’s Campfire Pretzel – campfire-ready pretzel rods dipped in chocolate and marshmallows
Cupcake Carnage – homemade cupcakes with edgy flavors like Grape Soda and Thai Chili Lime, along with the more traditionally delicious options
Dallie Smokehouse – top-quality, USDA-approved cuts, seasoned just right, and smoked, then vacuum-sealed to stay perfect, whether you’re tossing it in a sandwich or a picnic basket, or just snacking straight from the pack
Horseshoe Bend Cellars Vineyard and Winery – a family-owned operational vineyard and winery that produces some of the most unique wines in the Wichita Falls area
Lazy R Homestead – squash, zucchini, onions, and pickles, as well as pork green hatch chile brats and jalapeño cheddar brats, plus farm-fresh chicken eggs
MD Supper Club – a prominent Dallas-based culinary and catering service famous for its elevated Southern-soul and Italian fusion tasting menus, as well as its popular House Fire seasoning blends.
Njiru Coffee – organic, family farm-grown and roasted locally, so you get your coffee fresh
Rise and Bloom Sourdough Co. – small-batch sourdough made with love, laughter, and long ferments
Stichworks Coffee – organic coffee blended with different herbs and fungi to give your body added medicinal benefits, as well as just energy
TerraFuel – freeze-dried meals and snacks made from high-quality organic ingredients, crafted for health, convenience, and sustainability

Chill with the Sounds of Summer

Summer means taking it a bit slower, so grab a cool drink, some delicious bites, and a comfortable seat to experience live music from local artists throughout the Dallas Farmers Market.

Saturday, May 30