A Southern Marketplace Shines on PBS’s Wish You Were Here!

If you’ve ever wandered through A Southern Marketplace at Acres of Grace Farms, you already know—there’s nothing quite like it. From the glow of twinkling lights to the hum of laughter and live music, it’s a place where farm charm meets heartfelt community. And now, that story has been shared with the world through PBS’s Wish You Were Here! Adventures in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland.

🎥 Watch the full episode here.

Where Farm Charm Meets Southern Hospitality

Host Shan Stout captured it perfectly when she said that A Southern Marketplace is where “farm charm meets the vibrant atmosphere of a beautiful open-air market.” What began as a simple dream on a family farm has grown into a one-of-a-kind shopping and community experience that transforms with each season.

As April Patterson shared in the episode, the idea started in 2017:

“This is our family farm—where my dad was born and raised. When I told Molly my dream of having a business here, the barn was about to fall in! But with a little vision, a lot of work, and an amazing team, we brought it to life.”

That once-humble hay barn now holds chandeliers instead of hay bales—and thousands of memories made by families who visit each year.

An Experience for All Senses

From the moment you arrive, the sights, sounds, and smells of A Southern Marketplace wrap you in the spirit of Tennessee hospitality. The PBS feature highlighted what makes the marketplace so special:

• Unique shopping – curated antiques, handmade goods, and boutique treasures from across the country

• Delicious eats – local food vendors filling the air with irresistible aromas

• Live music & photo ops – every corner designed to make memories

• A touch of wonder – yes, even “snow” drifts through the air during the Christmas market!

  
  

Each event is a full experience—equal parts upscale market and down-home gathering place.

A Mission Rooted in Giving Back

The episode also spotlighted something we hold dear: our commitment to giving back.

“A portion of the proceeds from every event goes right back into our community,” April explained. “Our Christmas Marketplace is especially close to our hearts—we host a VIP night that helps fund 150 holiday food baskets for local families in need.”

Beyond those baskets, the team also sponsors families for Christmas, reminding us that every purchase at the market helps spread kindness far beyond the farm.

More Than a Market

In addition to the marketplace, PBS viewers got a glimpse of The Barn at Acres of Grace, our stunning event venue. The crew marveled that what was a Christmas marketplace one weekend could become a wedding venue the next—thanks to the creativity and dedication of our small but mighty team.

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the episode introduced one of our favorite new traditions:the walk-through synchronized singing light show—complete with “singing cornstalks and trees!” Open every Friday and Saturday night through December, it’s a magical (or should we say wonder-filled) experience for families near and far.

A Tradition Worth the Trip

Wish You Were Here! wrapped the story with an invitation:

“We hope you mark your calendar for next year at A Southern Marketplace and make this a holiday tradition for your family.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Whether you visit in May, October, or at Christmastime, we hope you’ll experience the same joy and connection that the PBS team captured on screen.

Because here, every season brings new beauty—and every guest becomes part of our story.

📺 Watch the full PBS episode here:👉 Wish You Were Here! Season 3, Episode 10

📅 Plan your visit:Explore upcoming market dates, event details, and light show info at Acres of Grace Farms.