So, you picked up your holiday decorations at area farmers tailgate markets last week. If you didn’t, don’t fret; trees and trimmings still abound! This week, get all the gifts on your list. After all, what present could be better than one that’s locally grown, made, or crafted?
For your favorite local foodie, think artisan meats and cheeses. At the 9th Annual Holiday Bazaar, which kicked off last Saturday at the site of the Montford Farmers Market, follow your nose to the free sausage samples from Foothills Family Farms. In addition to sausage, they’ve got their famous salami, a perfect hors d’oeuvre for your holiday celebrations—especially when paired with local cheese. Keep an eye out for cave-aged cheeses made by Victor Chiarizia and his Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery from the milk of grassfed Jersey cows. You can also find Victor’s cheeses at Asheville City Market, along with his handmade glassware ornaments in both locations.
Locally grown popcorn is another fantastic local food gift. Full Sun Farm is offering theirs packaged pretty in mason jars at the Holiday Bazaar. They’ve got sorghum syrup perfect for holiday recipes, too. Sorghum is a delicious milder molasses-like sweetener pressed from locally grown canes.
But the unique food items don’t end there. Find vegetarian mincemeat, strawberry port wine jam, and more at the Jackson County Winter Farmers Market’s Holiday Bazaar in Sylva. Their final Bazaar is this Saturday, December 10, however the market will continue through Christmas and into the New Year.
When it comes to unique locally made and crafted items, find hand-knitted bedroom shoes and even handcrafted knives at the Historic Marion Tailgate Fall Craft Market. Their special craft markets continue every Tuesday until December 20. At nearly all holiday tailgates, you can also find locally made pottery, jewelry, winter items like gloves and scarves, soaps, and candles.
And don’t forget gifts from the markets themselves! Asheville City Market is now selling ceramic travel mugs for just $10, along with market tote bags made of organic cotton for $20. Both items can be purchased at the market’s information table.
For a more complete list of holiday tailgates, along with their locations and hours, visit our market post HERE.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
