Our weekly tailgate reports serve to provide a simple answer to the question “What’s fresh at farmers markets this week?” But when it comes to area holiday markets, the answer is delightfully complicated: you never know! You truly have to see for yourself.
For example, we hear a lightsaber fight broke out at Asheville City Market’s (ACM) first holiday tailgate last weekend thanks to fun plush felt creations from Heart and Home! They’ll be at the Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market (indoors at Fiddlestix in Mars Hill) on December 14 and back at ACM on December 21.
And, Jackson County Farmers Market reports their two special holiday bazaars (December 7 and 14) will be as festive as they come, with vendors offering snowflake-shaped soaps and more, plus the chance for kids to make their own Christmas ornaments. In other words, one-of-a-kind handmade items abound at holiday markets.
Looking for foodie-friendly finds? Many farm and artisan food vendors offer special gift baskets now. Already spotted: salsa and hot sauce baskets from Smoking J’s Fiery Foods and Farm (Asheville City Market, Holiday Bazaar at North Asheville Tailgate Market) and you-choose chocolate boxes from The Chocolate Lab (Asheville City Market).
Markets still offer farm-fresh food for right now, as well. Look for produce from apples to greens and radishes to sweet potatoes. Also keep your eyes out for sorghum syrup, a delicious milder molasses-like sweetener pressed from locally grown canes. Corners Knob Farm should have it at Asheville City Market along with others. Speaking of sweet, find local honey now, too.
Of course, you can find locally grown Christmas trees as well as wreaths and greenery to add holiday flair to your home.
New holiday markets beginning this week include the Holiday Bazaar at the site of North Asheville Tailgate Market on UNC Asheville campus (hours shift to noon-4 pm). Also mark your calendars for the Holiday Marketplace at Blue Ridge Food Ventures on Wednesday, December 11, 9 am-1 pm and 4-7 pm.
Click here for a full list of holiday markets. And, check out our lists of closing dates and 2013-2014 winter tailgates.
To learn about market events/find a market schedule, visit our farmers market calendar or browse our online Local Food Guide.
Fresh at (Holiday) Farmers Markets This Week
