Along with the weather, trees, and wildlife, area farmers tailgate markets are in transition this time of year. Some markets are still operating under winter schedules, while others are opening outside for the first time this year. Be sure to check the dates and hours of your favorite markets before heading out.
Availability of produce will be fairly similar to that of the winter markets for the first few weeks of spring. That means there will be a range of greens — overwintered spinach from Jake’s Farm, baby spring greens from Second Spring Market Garden, braising mix from Meadow Cove Farm, and collard greens from New Moon Herbs Farm. All of these vendors will be at Asheville City Market’s opening outside, Saturday April 4. Additionally, you can find such things as stored root vegetables, hydroponic/aquaponic herbs, microgreens, and other late winter/early spring produce.
Also find staples like bread, jams, cheese, meats, eggs, and grits, and treats such as chocolate, baked goods, coffee and more!
Some notable schedules of Asheville-area markets include: YMCA Indoor Winter Tailgate Market wrapped up for the season this past Saturday, March 28. North Asheville Tailgate Market opens April 11. Asheville City Market opens this Saturday April 4, and Asheville City Market South opened this past Wednesday, April 1. West Asheville Tailgate Market will open Tuesday, April 7. Leicester Farmers Market, Jackson County Farmers Market, Bakersville Farmers Market, and Madison County Farmers Market open this Saturday April 4.
Asheville City Market will open with 35 vendors including 15 farms. Some new vendors include, Mountain Juicery, Jewel Hill Farm (honey), The French Chef (baked goods), Smiling Hara Tempeh (a returning vendor!), Bella & Oliver Soap Co., Meadow Cove Farm (produce), and Sleight Family Farm (microgreens). There will also be live music by singer-songwriter, Laura Thurston.
West Asheville Tailgate Market will open with popular returning vendors as well as some new farms including Dry Ridge Farm (meat, eggs, and more) and Meadow Cove Farm. There will be new baked good vendors, Herban Baker (gluten-free goods) and The Cricket Girl (baked goods made from cricket flour), and craft vendor, Nice Threads Fiber Studio, offering hand-dyed and natural hand-spun yarns using local fiber. There will be free Growing Minds @ Market kid’s activities at this first market day, which will continue throughout the season.
For more information about spring opening dates for farmers tailgate markets in our region, visit our full list of market opening dates. See our seasonality chart to know which fruits and vegetables are likely to be available at markets right now. For a complete list of Appalachian Grown™ certified tailgate markets browse our online Local Food Guide or online farmers market calendar.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This week
