Many farmers are making their long-awaited return as farmers tailgate markets are preparing to open for a new season with a few shifts in operating hours 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 appalachiangrown.org.
At these early spring markets, you’ll begin to find some new and exciting seasonal produce over the next few weeks, including strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, alliums, ramps, and more! You’ll also be able to source much of the produce we’ve seen through the winter, like cold-hardy greens, salad mixes, turnips, and radishes. As always, you can also get mushrooms, eggs, meat, cheese, bread, and prepared foods. Look out for a wide variety of plant starts for your gardens in the coming weeks as well!
River Arts District Farmers Market will continue its regular season in the same location at New Belgium Brewing (21 Craven St.), starting Wednesday, April 1, with slightly longer hours, from 3 to 6 p.m. Find continuing vendors like Wilderkin Honey, Lee’s One Fortune Farm, and J4 Cattle Company.
Weaverville Tailgate Market will continue its regular season at the same address and time on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m as they officially start their regular season this Wednesday. The market will move partially outside after being inside all winter, at the Weaverville Community Center at Lake Louise, 60 Lakeshore Dr. In addition to many of the winter season vendors, several regular season favorites return including Ivy Creek Family Farm.
East Asheville Tailgate Market reopens next Friday, April 3, 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 this year like Encompass Farm, Smallholding Farm, and Wild Goods Foraging.
Next Saturday, April 4, 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 dozens of vendors each week including Dry Ridge Farm, Olivette Farm, as well as some new additions.
North Asheville Tailgate Market will return to its regular season hours in its current location, parking lot P34, on the UNC Asheville campus next Saturday, April 4, from 8 a.m. to noon. Look for a full lineup of returning vendors like New Roots Market Garden, Sleight Family Farm, and Hickory Nut Gap along with a few new faces. Note that the market will return to its summer location in parking lot P28 during UNC Asheville’s summer break.
Black Mountain Tailgate Market will continue its Spring Market at its current locations in downtown Black Mountain from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April. Beginning May 2, the market will return to its regular location, 130 Montread Rd., with shifted main season hours of 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find regular vendors like Four Sisters Bakery, Lee’s One Fortune Farm, and more.
West Asheville Tailgate Market will reopen at 718 Haywood Rd. on Tuesday, April 7, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Expect more than 40 farmers and makers each week, including vendors like Bear Necessities, Tiny Bridge Farm, Root Bottom Farm.
The Enka-Candler Farmers’ Market will open for the season in a few weeks from now on Thursday, April 30, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Find them outside the A-B Tech Enka Campus at 1465 Sand Hill Rd. Check their social media for vendor updates!
Beginning Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Swannanoa Farmer’s Market will start its second season at 216 Whitson Avenue. Supporting this newly established market helps the Swannanoa community make fresh food available and continue its recovery from Helene. Later that week, catch the reopening of Leicester Farmers Market on Wednesdays beginning May 6, 3 to 6:30 p.m., at 2979 New Leicester Hwy.
Biltmore Park Farmers Market will have a shorter season this year opening on Thursday, June 4, 3 to 6 p.m., and running through August 6.
Southside Community BIPOC Farmers Market will be open for select Sundays throughout the year. Check out their website and social media for more information.
At spring markets, find a variety of produce including leeks, collards, spring onion, turnips, radishes, parsnips, and carrots. You’ll also find farm-fresh eggs, cheese, bread, pastries, fermented products, drinks, and prepared foods. 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.