Going to area farmers tailgate markets is more than just “going shopping.” The market can be an event — wonderful music, catching up with old friends, and connecting with folks that grow our food — a festive way to celebrate life, food, and our vibrant communities.
Revel in some locally grown music, alongside your locally grown groceries. Live music is common at most farmers market, throughout the season. Every second Saturday of the month one of Asheville’s local favorites, Chikomo Marimba, plays at Asheville City Market – Downtown.
Farmers markets are wonderful for the whole family. Many markets in our area have a Growing Minds @ Market booth with fun-filled kids’ activities each week. Growing Minds @ Market was created by ASAP’s Growing Minds Farm to School Program as a space set aside for children and families to engage in food- and farm-based activities at the market. The River Arts District Farmers Market has coordinated face-painting, making herbal sun tea, and crafting edible veggie creatures so far this season! Check their website and Facebook page for more information about upcoming events.
Western North Carolina is an outdoor playground for any age. Make a day out of it — combine going to a market with an outdoor adventure near a trail, river, or vista. If you do, be sure to bring a cooler filled with ice to keep your purchases cold while you explore.
Not a morning person? Prepared foods purchased at the market are a great way to start the day. Transylvania Farmers Market has multiple vendors offering breakfast options each week including Wild Indigo Catering and Home Free Bagels.
Finding seasonally-specific produce items or special varieties can feel magical. Knowing that you’ll have the perfect ingredients to make that dish that was passed down from your grandmother, or trying something with a truly unique flavor unlike anything else. Right now, it’s the height of the season and there are so many varieties of produce to discover. Sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, okra, potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, blackberries, peaches, plums, peppers, onions, garlic, Swiss chard, wax beans, and so much more!
No festivity is complete without the people, and tailgate markets are no exception. The people are what make markets feel so celebratory. It’s wonderful to see the same faces each week — to connect with the farmers growing what we eat, to see the smiling faces of our neighbors, to have kids play with one another in the grass, dancing to the music. If you ask a farmer why they farm, there’s a good chance that they’ll tell you it’s because of the people. Farmers cultivate community as much as they cultivate food.
For a complete list of Appalachian Grown™ certified tailgate markets browse ASAP’s online Local Food Guide or the online farmers market calendar.
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
