People shop for locally grown and made products at Soulard Farmers Market.

Check Out These 6 Vendors at Soulard Farmers Market

Monday May 13, 2024

By Rachel Huffman

Soulard Farmers Market sits among the red-brick row houses of Soulard, one of the oldest – and most charming – residential neighborhoods in St. Louis.

Touted as the city’s greatest lesson in historic preservation and urban redevelopment, the neighborhood was once part of the estate of Antoine and Julia Soulard. After Antoine died, Julia began subdividing the property and selling the lots, becoming the first female real estate developer west of the Mississippi River.

At the time, Julia bequeathed two city blocks to the people of St. Louis with the stipulation that the land be used as a public market. Today, Soulard Farmers Market remains a cornerstone of the neighborhood, drawing thousands of residents and tourists alike to purchase fresh cuts of meat, aromatic herbs and spices and locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers, among other consumables.

Some of the region’s most impressive makers also peddle their products – think outstanding barbecue sauce, fragrant handmade soap, expertly crafted hummus and attractive St. Louis apparel.

Mylk and Hummus sells nutrient-dense hummus at Soulard Farmers Market.
Photo courtesy of Mylk and Hummus

Here are six of the best vendors to check out at Soulard Farmers Market.

Mylk and Hummus

Words cannot express hummus customers love this local maker. Crafting delicious, nutrient-dense, pulse-based foods for active people on the go, Mylk and Hummus offers an eclectic array of seasonal offerings – think roasted beet and pepita hummus and caramelized carrot and ginger hummus. At the stall at Soulard Farmers Market, you can also snag Afghan naan to pair with the dips.

Hermann Handmade Soaps

Want to take better care of your skin and thus yourself? Hermann Handmade Soaps boast the best features of fancy soap, including olive and other essential oils, at a price that makes them practical for everyday use. Take your pick of products such as Calypso Spice, Patchouli with Lavender and Summer Mint. The small business also makes shampoo bars, healing salves and lip balms.

Sauce So Good

The name doesn’t lie – this barbecue sauce is so good! Experimenting with a family recipe, Keyon Watkins added his own spin to create an exceptional product, which comes mild or spicy. (Both barbecue sauces are also vegan-friendly and gluten-free.) Not one to rest on his laurels, Watkins also developed a dry rub and an all-purpose seasoning to satisfy all your grilling needs. He constantly passes out samples at Soulard Farmers Market, where he’s a permanent vendor, so you’ll get a taste of Sauce So Good whether you purchase a bottle or not. “I’m just spreading the love,” he says. “That’s what STL stand for.”

Schweiger’s Candies

You can’t leave Soulard Farmers Market without getting a Monster Turtle from Schweiger’s Candies. Handmade locally, the old-fashioned pecan-caramel turtles are as big as your palm and delicious down to the last bite. Other addictive treats include peanut brittle, toffee squares, molasses puffs, nonpareils and chocolate-covered Oreos. Milk and dark chocolate also add a finishing touch to almonds, cashews, pecans, cranberries, raisins, espresso beans and more.

Hats N Stuff

St. Louis is a sports town, and thanks to Hats N Stuff, you can take home a piece of the action. The local retailer offers official gear from both professional and college teams as well as STL-inspired items.

Crepes and Treats

Whether you’re feeling sweet or savory, Crepes and Treats has a surprise for you. At the bustling stall, crêpe varieties range from Nutella with strawberries to ham and cheese with Dijonnaise and condensed milk with bananas to roast beef with pepper Jack and chipotle sauce. Hungry yet?

Keyon Watkins, owner of Sauce So Good, holds an armful of barbecue sauces and rubs.
Keyon Watkins of Sauce So Good | Photo courtesy of Sauce So Good

Soulard Farmers Market is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

When you visit, shop like a local – with a Bloody Mary in your hand! At Julia’s Market, the signature cocktail features housemade Bloody Mary mix, Julia’s secret seasoning and vodka – plus, colorful garnishes such as pickled asparagus, celery and green beans.