Vinny Bonanno is the Executive Director of the West Asheville Tailgate Market (WATM) since 2022, owner operator of Stretching in Public, a Make it Happen coach, and the lead on various creative projects and performances around the Asheville area. After Helene made landfall, Vinny opted to open WATM only days later. The West Asheville Tailgate … Read more
While this time of year is usually brimming with late season crops, warm fall-inspired soups shared with friends and family, and farmers market filled charcuterie excursions on the Blue Ridge Parkway, we are grappling with a very different reality for ourselves, our communities, and especially in our kitchens. Nearly everyone in this area has been … Read more
Photo in honor of the River Art’s District Farmers Market lost to the flooding of the French Broad River during Hurricane Helene. As we slowly regain connection and emerge from devastation, heartbreak, and the weaving of our communities and homes back together, one thing is still certain – farmers markets have been and always will … Read more
Head to this weekend’s Farm Tour, Sept. 21 – 22 from noon to 5 p.m., and get a behind the scenes look and early taste of what’s to come — heirloom rice grown right here in Western North Carolina. Lee’s One Fortune Farm has been weaving their Hmong food and farming traditions into the foothills … Read more
Late summer and the turn of the season brings delicious offerings like muscadines, the last of the pawpaws, and finally — the awaited return of fall greens like kale, collards, romaine, and more. While summer crops are still in abundance, head to Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets to see and taste the changing of the … Read more
It’s officially pear season in North Carolina! Asian pears are coming in at farmers markets, so be sure to grab some while they’re here. Their sweet, refreshing flavor and crisp texture make for the perfect late-summer snack. Unlike other common pears like barletts, Asian pears should be firm to the touch and crunchy like a … Read more
As the start of the school year approaches and it begins to feel more and more like late summer, preserving the flavors of peak summer is prime for the picking — or the pickling! There are many ways to preserve the bounty of produce from Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets including pickling, fermenting, freezing, canning, … Read more
With abundant tables of produce at tailgate markets, pair those summer meals with fresh herbs and take a dish to the next level. Not only do herbs bring bursts of flavor, but depth and aroma to brighten your senses. Of course, dry herbs can work too if you’re in a pinch, but with a plethora … Read more
As we turn the seasonal page into August, peppers of nearly endless varieties are taking their stride for the next couple of months. Head to one of the many farmers markets in Buncombe County and find all your favorites like sweet bell peppers, jalapenos, wax peppers and even types of peppers you may have never … Read more
As summer crops continue to thrive, an array of eggplant is reaching its peak season! While raw, eggplant can be rubbery and somewhat bitter, when cooked, this veggie takes on a creamy texture and easily absorbs or compliments any flavors that it’s paired with! You can find Italian globe, Japanese and fairy tale eggplant varieties … Read more