Area farmers tailgate markets are a Mother’s Day must! Find everything you need for the freshest brunch possible, as well as great gifts—locally grown and handmade.
Thinking omelets? Nearly every market has vendors offering farm-fresh eggs, including duck and quail eggs. For fillings, look for local bacon, cheeses, and herbs, which are arriving by the bundle now. You may still find asparagus; McConnell Farms brought stalks to the outdoor opening of Asheville City Market South last week (also find McConnell at Asheville City Market downtown and North Asheville Tailgate Market). We hear, particularly from the West Asheville Tailgate Market manager, that there may even be some broccoli this week!
Don’t forget that area markets also offer fresh seafood brought in from the coast. Catch (pun intended) a wide variety from vendors like Carolina Wild Seafood (French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market, Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market) and Cape Fear Seafood (Weaverville Tailgate Market). Of course, strawberries are still available for dessert. Expect them for likely three more weeks; freeze strawberries for use well beyond Sunday’s brunch. Or, buy pre-made desserts from one of many market baked goods vendors. You can even find gluten-free goodies.
Luckily, local lilies have arrived just in time. This past week, Flying Cloud Farm brought theirs to the opening of the Montford Farmers Market and to North Asheville Tailgate Market, and they’re sure to have them again. But they aren’t the only seasonal blooms available now. Look for lupine and Baptisia to add height and splashes of color to a Mother’s Day bouquet—find both from vendors like Ivy Creek Family Farm (Weaverville Tailgate Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market), as well as pre-potted and starts of nasturtiums and more.
Speaking of, help Mom get her garden started with a variety of veggie, fruit, and flower starts. You can even find medicinal herb starts. Gladheart Farm brought beautiful milk thistle to Asheville City Market South last week. You can also find Gladheart Farm at East Asheville Tailgate Market, formerly Riceville Tailgate Market, which opens for their season next Friday, May 18. Most markets also offer handmade artisan items, like jewelry, soaps, and other home goods.
Also opening soon are Historic Marion Tailgate Market (May 15) and Waynesville Tailgate Market (May 16). In addition to new markets, expect new vendors at those tailgates already open. As the growing season heats up, more vendors will join with more offerings, especially produce.
To learn about more markets already open and opening, as well as market events, visit our online farmers market calendar and browse our online Local Food Guide (look for ‘What’s Fresh’).
Fresh at Farmers Markets This Week
