Now that Thanksgiving is over, farmers tailgate markets have begun to kick off their holiday markets! Make sure to double check your market’s social media for any updates on changing hours. With the arrival of more artisan and craft vendors, you might also be able to check a few items off your holiday shopping list while still grabbing what you need to prepare nourishing meals for yourself this week.
If you’re eager to start decorating, some vendors may have exactly what you’re looking for to make home look a little more festive. Thatchmore Farms has holly bouquets and wreaths, as well as mini christmas trees to adorn your home (West and North Asheville markets). If you’re in the market for a full-sized christmas tree this year, pre-order and pick up a beautiful fraser fir from Hensley’s Tree Farm at the North Asheville Tailgate Market’s Holiday Bazaar this Saturday. You can also find gorgeous fresh bouquets and dried flower arrangements from Blazing Star Flowers at the River Arts District Farmers Market.
Looking to get ahead on gifts for friends and family this holiday season? Look no further than the wonderful array of vendors at your local market! For the food lovers and aspiring chefs in your life, markets have a variety of gift offerings that will be sure to please. Well Seasoned Table is offering a variety of infused salts, sugars, artisanal seasonings, and spice blends. Sister of Mother Earth also carries locally made shelf-stable syrups, bone broth seasoning blends, and pre-packaged gift sets (both at North Asheville Tailgate Market)! For the more creative cook, Shanti Elixirs is selling DIY brewing kits for anyone interested in the art of at-home jun fermentation (North and Asheville City markets). A set of culinary tools or servingware would also make an excellent gift for any kitchen-dwellers. Robinson Exfiles Knives has a variety of handcrafted and upcycled cutlery and culinary tools are sold at the North Asheville Tailgate Market. Honey Creek Pottery also offers beautiful, functional pottery for the kitchen, including mugs, bowls, egg trays, salt jars, and much more at West Asheville Tailgate Market!
Holiday gift shopping at markets is not just limited to presents meant for the kitchen! Craft vendors like Faerie Made (North Asheville Tailgate Market) and Bonny Bath (West, North, and Asheville City markets) offer a variety of natural handmade soaps, body care products, and botanical perfumes. Gorgeous handcrafted jewelry and home decor can also be found from vendors like Gaia Rising and Feather & Flora at the West Asheville Tailgate Market.
At farmers markets now you’ll also find carrots, broccoli, beets, cabbage, radishes, turnips, winter greens, apples, sweet potatoes, potatoes, mushrooms, garlic, and much more. Markets are stocked with a variety of meats, cheese, rice, pasta, bread, drinks, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.