Farmers Markets, Virginia
Farmers’ markets are an enjoyable way to stock up on local fresh produce while also getting the flavour of the Capital Region and its culinary riches. Shopping at a local market is a great way to put together a picnic to enjoy in a park or during a day’s sightseeing. Many of the markets are held in interesting and historic locations off the main tourist route and you’ll also get to meet the locals who are passionate about producing good food. Here are examples of the dozens of markets run throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC.
The Flower Man, Roanoke City Market Alexandria’s Old Town Farmers’ Market
George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold at this market, which is one of America’s oldest continually operating markets. Farmers and artists have been selling their products on Alexandria’s Market Square since 1753 and today it’s a favourite way for locals and visitors to begin the weekend. Early birds can start shopping at 5.30am but later risers will be pleased to know the market stays open until 10.30am every Saturday.
www.alexandriava.govCharlottesville City Market
The Charlottesville City Market offers some of Central Virginia’s finest and freshest produce from herbs, plants, grass-feed meats, crafts, baked goods and more. Area farmers and other vendors gather from 7:00 a.m. until 12 Noon every Saturday from April to October in the heart of Downtown’s open air parking lot between Water Street and South Street just a block off the Historic Downtown pedestrian mall.
www.charlottesville.orgDanville Community Market
Gardening advice comes free of charge at the Danville Farmers’ Market, which combines shopping with entertainment and other events. Each week local master gardeners are on hand to answer questions at the market, which sells a wide range of farm fresh produce, baked goods, jams, preserves and quality arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, from the beginning of May to the end of October.
www.danville-va.govDayton Farmers’ Market
Pick up seasonal local produce and much more at the Dayton Farmers’ Market, the longest established market in the area. The indoor market features more than 20 small shops selling local seasonal produce, kitchenware, books, toys and more. It’s an excellent place to grab a bite to eat and the folk art, Amish collectibles and crafts are particularly good to take home as gifts and souvenirs. The market is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 6pm.
www.daytonfarmersmarket.comMathews Farmers’ Market (known as Court Green Farmers Market)
There’s a real community flavour at the Court Green Farmers’ Market in Mathews. Located on the historic court green where the debtors’ jail, sheriff’s office and county administration offices have been in operation since 1795 (although the uses have changed through the years), you can find tasty locally-grown produce, homemade baked goods, crafts, plants, herbs and flowers. The market is open every Saturday, from 9am to 1pm, from April to October.
www.visitmathews.comMiddleburg Farmers’ Market
Middleburg is one of the seven markets run by The Loudoun Valley HomeGrown Markets Association. It’s another producer only market and the people selling you the food are the people who grew and produced it. Many items are picked and brought to market within 24 hours, so you can’t get fresher than that if you want to put together a perfect picnic. The market is open Saturday, 8am to noon, from the beginning of May to November.
www.loudounfarmersmarkets.org17th Street Farmers’ Market
The site of Richmond’s 17th Street Farmers’ Market has been a public gathering place since 1737 and it’s another of America’s oldest public markets. Each Thursday, from 8.30am to 2pm, is the day to stock up on fresh local produce whilst Saturday heralds the Bohemian market, combining farm produce and an eclectic mix of crafts. Sunday’s vintage market brings retro items, collectibles and jewellery to the fore. The Bohemian and vintage markets both open from 9am to 4pm.
www.richmondgov.comRoanoke City Market
Buy a slice of history at Roanoke City Market, also called the Farmers’ Market due to the profusion of plants, fresh fruits, and vegetables on sale. Virginia’s oldest continuously operating open-air market began in 1882 when 25 licenses were issued to hucksters, or vendors. The original market building now forms the core of the vibrant market district. The market is open 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, with some shops and restaurants open evenings and Sundays.
www.visitroanokeva.comStaunton Augusta Farmers’ Market
There’s always been a strong tradition of farmers’ markets in Staunton, which continues to this present day. Shoppers are guaranteed local fruit, vegetables, herbs, plants, flowers and more, as it’s a producer only market, meaning that every item on sale must have been produced by the vendor and originate within a 50-mile radius. The market is open every Saturday from April to Thanksgiving, at the end of the harvest season, from 7am to 12 noon. There is also a Wednesday market from April 1 – October 28, from noon to 5pm.
www.safarmersmarket.comVirginia Beach Farmers’ Market
For over 30 years fresh, local produce has been sold at the Virginia Beach Farmers’ Market. The colourful market includes a sweet shop, home and garden gifts and a restaurant. Visitors are welcome to join the toe-tapping live country and bluegrass music nights held every Friday evening from May to Mid-October. Hoedowns start at 7pm and admission is free. The market is open year-round from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and noon to 4pm on Sunday.
www.vbgov.comWilliamsburg Farmers’ Market
Sited in the aptly named Merchants Square in the heart of Williamsburg, the farmers’ market sells a mouth-watering range of local specialities, including clams and oysters, along with freshly baked breads and muffins, local honey, fruit and vegetables. Also look out for bath products and other items that are good to take home. The market is open every Saturday, from 8am to noon, May to October, and there are also special winter and holiday markets.
www.williamsburgfarmersmarket.com
