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Local Farmers Markets Starting Up Again; Where to Go for Your Fresh Produce, Crafts and More This Year

by Madison V. Fisler

April 7, 2014. Spring is now in full swing (even if it is a little chilly) and that means that soon enough the local farmers’ markets will be gearing up for the 2014 season. 

The markets provide a rare chance to see where your food and other items are coming from, and meet all of the people in person who make it happen. So grab the family and your reusuable shopping bags and head down to your local market to see what your community has to offer. 

Check out our listing of local farmers’ markets and go visit one for yourself!

Watauga County

DownloadedFile18The Watauga County Farmers’ Market will celebrate its opening day on May 3. The Watauga County Farmers’ Market, located at the Horn in the West parking lot in Boone, has been providing a venue for customers to explore what their local farmers and producers have to offer since 1974. You can find the market bustling with eager customers each Saturday morning between May and November from 8 a.m. until noon. The Watauga Farmers’ Market boasts more than just fresh local fare. You can also find live music, free cooking demonstrations, art demonstrations and even a special market for the kids on select weekends. For more information on the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, click here

The Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market, located in beautiful downtown Blowing Rock, is a great small market to buy your favorite local fare. Open on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. starting on May 22, the Blowing Rock Farmers’ Market is located on Park Avenue just off of Main Street. For more information, contact the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851.

Avery County

The Avery County Farmers’ Market has two locations to better serve the community. The Thursday market, which is located by Lees-McRae College, is open from 5-7 p.m. on Tate’s Lawn. The Friday market, which will begin in late June, will run from 5-7 p.m. in Newland Town Park. At both markets you can find fresh produce and baked goods, as well as flowers, poultry, jams and jellies and much more.  For more information, call 828-791-1061.

Ashe County

Running April 12 – Oct. 25, the Ashe County Farmers’ Market is located in West Jefferson and runs on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here, you can sample produce, home-grown nursery items, and other local fare. The market also features specific days for quilting, fibers, cooking demonstrations, berry pie contests, grilling demonstrations, a barbeque fundraiser, Christmas in July and much more. For more information, visit their website here

Caldwell County

The Lenoir Downtown Farmers’ Market located at 912 West Avenue in downtown Lenior takes place Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Working to sustain a local food economy, the market features fresh produce, baked goods and other items all from local sources. The market also offers memberships to help expand its efforts. For more information on the markets, please visit their website here