Outdoor Tailgate Markets are Back

By Johnnie Grant –

Area farmers markets opening outdoors throughout the region.

Spring is here and the growing season is upon us! Tailgate tents are going up, and area farmers markets are opening outdoors for the season.

Celebrate spring by getting a taste of what Appalachian Grown™ farms are growing. At early spring markets find fresh salad mix, root vegetables, spring greens, mushrooms, apples, spring onions, microgreens, meats, cheeses, eggs, baked goods, and honey, as well as value-added farm products like preserves and a wide selection of plant starts.

Produce offerings will differ from market to market based on the location of vendor farms—microclimates vary greatly in the region. But the season changes quickly, with new offerings sprouting up each week.

Asheville City Market, one of the region’s vibrant farmers markets, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a grand opening on April 7. As part of the celebration, the market is featuring new Asheville City Market merchandise (t-shirts and hats) and special events throughout the outdoor market season.

Molly Nicholie, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s Local Food Campaign Director, is always excited for the opening of markets each year, “Spring markets are not only a great way to celebrate the season, but a chance to connect with community and renew support for Appalachian Grown farms.”

With more than 100 farmers markets across the region, here are some opportunities to explore local food and farm offerings throughout the mountains:

Central Mountains Local & Regional Tailgate Markets

• Asheville City Market: April 7, Saturdays 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Asheville City Market – South: April 4, Wednesdays 12 – 4 p.m.
• Black Mountain Tailgate Market: May 5, Saturdays 9 am – 12 p.m.
• East Asheville Tailgate Market: May 1, Fridays 3 – 6 p.m.
• Hot Springs Homegrown and Handmade Market: April 7, Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Mars Hill Farmers & Artisans Market: April 7, Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• North Asheville Tailgate Market: April 7, Saturdays 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Oakley Farmers Market: May 3, Thursdays 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• River Arts District Farmers Market: May 2, Wednesdays 3 – 6 p.m.
• Marshall: Sundays on the Island, April 1, Sundays 12 p.m.
• Weaverville Tailgate Market: April 18, Wednesdays 2:30 – 6 p.m.
• West Asheville Tailgate Market: April 10, Tuesdays 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• WNC Farmers Market: Jan 1, Open Everyday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Yancey County Farmers Market: April 21, Saturdays 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

For a complete list of the tailgate markets in the region, including their season start dates, visit ASAP’s Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. ASAP’s 2018 print guide hits stands in mid-April.