Summer is the quintessential time for outings of all kinds. Area farmers tailgate markets are great for an in-town, close-to-home excursion: experience new foods, cultivate community, hear live music, and bring home delicious goodies direct from local farmers.
Many markets have children’s activities, making them great for the whole family. If your market doesn’t have kid-specific activities, offer your young ones a few dollars or a market token and let them purchase a veggie of their choice. Most markets feature live music by rotating musicians. Sometimes you can find a large audience congregated around the music, and even some dancing market-shoppers. Prepared foods from bakeries and food trucks make perfect breakfasts on Saturday mornings and wonderful lunches at weekday afternoon markets.
Here in the mountains, farmers markets aren’t just on the weekends. There are markets almost every day of the week. Run out of peaches purchased on Saturday by Wednesday? Went on a three-day weekend vacation and need your local groceries? Check out our list of mid-week markets near you to find where markets are each day of the week.
What might you find this week at an outing to area farmers tailgate markets? Sweet corn has arrived from Creasman Farms (Asheville City Market, River Arts District Farmers Market, and Black Mountain Tailgate Market). Sweet bell peppers are ready for snacking from Aardvark Farm (Yancey County Farmers Market, Asheville City Market, and River Arts District Farmers Market). Tomatillos (great for making cooked salsa verde) are available from Ten Mile Farm (Asheville City Market and River Arts District Farmers Market) and heirloom tomatoes are popping up at many farmers booths at markets throughout the region.
Additionally, discover many other fruits and vegetables of all kinds, as well as meats, cheeses, mushrooms, preserved foods, specialty items, and more.
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. Find out where farmers tailgate markets are on which days. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting our online Local Food Guide.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
