There are a couple of fun stores down near the center. Rocky Peanut company is great for all sorts of nuts and candies, The Cost Plus Wine Shoppe is run by this nice Irish fella who knows his stuff, and just a few doors down there is the R. Hirt Jr. Co., which is like an old general store with imported items from the UK, Scotland, and all around Europe. Check out the site at http://www.easternmarket.org. There are store listings, a history of the market since 1841, and a map to show you it all.

What You'll Find at the Market The market is spread over 43 acres, encompassing fruit and vegetable stalls, meat and fish markets, restaurants, wholesale markets, ethnic food shops, and specialty shops, just to name a few.

When to Go The market is open 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays, except for special events. Get an early start, as the market opens early and is bustling by late morning.

Flower Day The Eastern Market has rightfully earned the title of World's Largest Bedding Flower Market . It's held in the late spring, so come see it for yourself! Over 100,000 people come to the market on Flower Day, surrounded by flowers, music in the streets, food stands, and activities.

How to Get Around Parking is scattered throughout the market, with parking lots and street parking available. Simply park your car and start walking. If you plan on buying a lot, you might want to consider bringing a wagon. Please be considerate, however, and don't drag your wagon through crowded areas.

What's so Great about the Market? I enjoy going to the market with friends early on a Saturday afternoon, when most of the crowds are gone and great deals are easily found. Something about the market just keeps me coming back again, and again, and again…