Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers tailgate markets. Several markets in Buncombe County will offer holiday markets or extended seasons in November and December.
In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and bread, these markets feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.
Buncombe County farmers markets with weekly market dates through November and December are:
- ASAP Farmers Market, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Saturdays through Dec. 19, 9 a.m.–noon; Jan. 9–March 27, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- North Asheville Tailgate Market/The Holiday Bazaar, 3300 University Heights Dr., Saturdays through Nov. 21, 8 a.m.–noon; Nov. 28–Dec. 19, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- River Arts District Farmers Market, 289 Lyman St., Wednesdays, year-round, 3–5:30 p.m.
- Weaverville Tailgate Market, 76 Monticello Road, Wednesdays through Dec. 23, 2–5 p.m.
- West Asheville Tailgate Market, 718 Haywood Rd., Tuesdays through Dec. 22, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
In addition to the weekly holiday market schedule above, several special events will take place this weekend. At the ASAP Farmers Market Wellness Fair (Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon), local health and wellness professionals will join regular market vendors to share resources about how you can stay healthy for the holidays. Special guests include Planting Roots Nutrition, Niki Kordus RMT (Reiki Practitioner), GetBack Foundation, Pisgah Legal Services, AlignLife Chiropractic & Natural Health Center, and Bountiful Cities.
Enka-Candler Tailgate Market, which ended its regular Thursday market season in October, will present a weekend holiday market Nov. 14-15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The holiday market, featuring more than 40 artisan and food vendors, is outdoors at the A-B Tech Small Business Center on Enka campus. Find more details on the market’s Facebook page.
ASAP’s Double SNAP initiative will continue through the end of the year at ASAP Farmers Market, North Asheville Tailgate Market, and West Asheville Tailgate Market. Double SNAP is a one-to-one match on dollars spent through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at farmers markets. For every dollar spent using SNAP/EBT, customers get twice that amount to buy fresh, healthy food.
Outside of Buncombe County, there are more than a dozen additional winter and holiday markets. Find a full list at asapconnections.org/find-local-food/farmers-markets.