Farmers tailgate markets are getting ready for a new season with a few shifts in operating hours coming up over the next few weeks. Below is a rundown for what to look for at Buncombe County markets, but you can also find opening dates for markets across the region at asapconnections.org/farmersmarkets.
At these early spring markets, you will find much of the produce we’ve seen through the winter, like cold-hardy greens, salad mixes, turnips, and radishes. But you can also start to look for spring alliums like garlic scapes, ramps and leeks, as well as more root veggies coming in. As always, you can also get mushrooms, eggs, meat, cheese, bread, and prepared foods. Look out for a wide variety of plant starts at farmers markets within the coming weeks as well!
This Saturday, April 1, Asheville City Market will return to its regular season hours of 9 a.m. to noon at the same location on N. Market St. Free parking for customers is available at the HomeTrust Bank lot and at the Family Justice Center lot across from the YMCA at 35 Woodfin Street. Expect more than 40 vendors each week, including many from the winter market as well the return and new arrival of several more produce farms, including Bear Necessities Farm, Wild Goods, Second Flora Microgreens, and Mystic Roots Farm.
Weaverville Tailgate Market will continue its regular season will continue at the same address and time on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. The market will move outside at the Weaverville Community Center at Lake Louise, 60 Lakeshore Dr. In addition to many of the winter season vendors, several regular season farms, like Ivy Creek Family Farm and Lyda and Sons Family Orchard, will return.
River Arts District Farmers Market will also continue its regular season in the same location starting Wednesday, April 5, with slightly longer hours, from 3 to 6 p.m. You can find this market indoors and outdoors at the Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr.
East Asheville Tailgate Market reopens next Friday, April 7, from 3 to 6 p.m., at 954 Tunnel Rd. This market continues to grow, with about 30 vendors each week all season. Look for familiar faces, like Smallholding Farm, Encompass Farm, and Bright Branch Farm, as well as several new vendors, like Wild East Farm.
North Asheville Tailgate Market will return to its regular season hours at the UNC Asheville campus this Saturday, April 1, from 8 a.m. to noon., with a full lineup of returning vendors and a few new faces. Stay tuned to the market’s newsletter and social media for more information.
West Asheville Tailgate Market will reopen at 718 Haywood Rd. on Tuesday, April 4, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Expect more than 30 farmers and makers each week, including newcomers like Tiny Bridge Farm and Terra Farmstead Kombucha!
In May, look for openings from Enka-Candler Tailgate Market on Thursday, May 4, from 3 to 6 p.m.; Black Mountain Tailgate Market on Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m. to noon; and Southside Community Farmers Market on Sunday, May 7, at noon.
WNC Farmers Market operates daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 570 Brevard Road. Farmers Truck Shed #1 is designated for farmers who sell only what they grow.
There are more than 100 markets throughout the Appalachian Grown region, which includes Western North Carolina as well as surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. Find a full list at asapconnections.org/farmersmarkets or use ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.