Tomorrow is your last chance to shop local farmers tailgate markets this year! The final two markets of the season are tomorrow (Saturday): Asheville City Market (downtown from 9 a.m. to noon) and The Holiday Bazaar (on the UNCA campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). All markets will take an hiatus through the end of the year. Indoor winter markets, including in Buncombe County Asheville City Market (Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon in the Masonic Temple) and River Arts District Winter Market (Wednesdays 3 to 6 p.m. at Plēb Urban Winery) will return beginning January 4. A full list of holiday and winter markets throughout the region can be found at asapconnections.org.
Do you plan to ring in the new year with a traditional good luck dish of black-eyed peas and collard greens? Go ahead and pick up those greens tomorrow (and if collards aren’t available, you can substitute kale, spinach, mustard greens, or any other dark leafy green to represent money). These hardy greens, stored in a the crisper, should last up to two weeks. Cooking your greens with a bit of bacon? You’ll find vendors with pork products at both markets.
Farmers have notably continued to have ample produce at markets late into the season this year, assisted by the relatively mild weather through December. In addition to winter greens, expect to find lots of lettuce and cabbage; root vegetables like carrots, radishes, turnips, and beets; potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, apples, microgreens, and much more. Fish, eggs, cheese, and bread will be available from several vendors.
Value-added items like chocolate, CBD products, ferments, honey, tea, nut oils, and much more make great last-minute gifts or snacks for powering you through the end-of-the-year rush. A wide range of artisan crafts like holiday wreaths, wooden cutting boards, ironwork, fiber goods, art prints, pottery, and candles will also be on hand.
Need one last gift idea that’s sure to appeal? Market tokens or gift certificates are a great bet!
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.