Previously residing in the parking lot of River Hills Mall, the Heart of the Hills Farmers Market will relocate to downtown Kerrville on June 22. The market takes place every Saturday, bringing a variety of farmers and businesses together to foster community and promote shopping locally.
Heart of the Hills Farmers Market began back in 2022, when its four founders, Genelle Hitchman, Jennifer Rawls, Sally Thiels, and Joe Martin noticed the demand for a market held on Saturdays.
“At the time, there was a Friday afternoon farmers market down at the Schreiner Mansion, but we saw a need for a Saturday morning market,” said Martin.
Martin’s previous experience as President of Watauga County Farmers Market in North Carolina aided in growing the Heart of the Hills Farmers market beyond an idea alone.
Martin explains, “Watauga was three or four times larger than Heart of the Hills, and by operating that market, we learned visibility was a prime factor in whether a location worked for us.”
The original location, though selected by default rather than choice, was highly visible next to a busy intersection across from Louise-Hayes Park. The founders witnessed Heart of the Hills Farmers Market begin to grow.
“In the beginning we were averaging around 200 visitors, now the market averages between 350 and 450 visitors regularly,” said Martin.
Hoping to grow these numbers even more, Heart of the Hills Farmers Market moves deeper into the heart of Kerrville to provide its customers with new opportunities.
Martin explains, “Originally we really wanted to be closer to downtown, to be a part of that community. And so far, so great. The downtown merchants have been very welcoming.”
The new location is directly across the street from various shops and restaurants, encouraging visitors to enjoy their weekend at the market as well as other local retailers. Some downtown businesses, like Fairy Moon Emporium, are taking advantage of the anticipated foot traffic and opening early on Saturdays.
Alongside an increased ease of access and boost to the local economy, Heart of the Hills Farmers Market’s new location offers scenic views as well as a pavilion with electricity, which makes live entertainment possible.
On June 22, Heart of the Hills Farmers Market will officially relocate to the parking lot between the One Schreiner Center and the offices at 741 Water St.