Take home some delicious local and/or organic food from an Asheville Farmer's Market. Also see our Guide to Farms to Visit in Western North Carolina near Asheville.
Biggest Farmers Market
During your visit, don't miss the Western North Carolina Farmer's Market. The market is conveniently near downtown Asheville, and between two major Interstate highways (I-40 & I-26 on Brevard Road). They are on a thirty-six-acre site with a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains and the Biltmore Estate. The market was first opened in 1977, and is now open all year round, and seven days a week. The public is invited to come here and enjoy the atmosphere and character of the mountains. Admission is free. The retail area features displays of high quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, and dozens of other farm fresh items. Inside you will also find a deli that offers sandwiches and ice cream. These buildings are open daily 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., April-October; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., November-March. See our Western NC Farmers Market Guide & Event Calendar.
Tailgate Markets (most open in late April)
See opening times for these markets for 2013
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
Where: 130 Montreat Rd. (behind the First Baptist Church), turn on First St off Montreat Road, Black Mountain
What: This market is a seasonal Saturday morning community event. They have an array of vendors, including mostly organic and sustainable growers, of produce, plants, herbs, pasture-raised meats and cut flowers They have local bakers and other food preparation artisans, with hot coffee and other drinks available. They have several artisans, including pottery and jewelry, and handmade soaps, lotions, candles, and such. Pets are welcome if on a leash, as required by town ordinance. Saturday mornings, rain or shine.
When: Sat 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
French Broad Food Coop Tailgate Downtown Market
Where: 76 Biltmore Ave. next to the French Broad Food Co-op. Asheville, NC
What: Asheville's original all organic tailgate market, serving Asheville and surrounding communities on Saturday mornings since 1990. You will find freshly picked organic vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs and flower bouquets plus garden, herb and landscaping plants. Local honey, freshly baked breads from a wood fired brick oven, vegan and non-vegan baked treats, eggs, pies, goat cheeses, jams, mushrooms, and locally raised meats. Voted Asheville's Best Tailgate Market for over five years.
When: Sat 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Wed 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Greenlife Tailgate Markets
Where: Greenlife Grocery, 70 Merrimon Avenue, just north of the I-240 connector. Located just 1/4 mile north of downtown Asheville. Under the locust trees, next to the parking lot.
What: We offer a wide variety of sustainably grown vegetables, fruits, berries and plants. You will also find freshly baked treats, goat cheeses, herb and flower bouquets, and fresh fruit preserves. All the produce is local and freshly picked.
When: Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
North Asheville Tailgate Market
Where: University of NC at Asheville: Enter the UNC Asheville campus at the traffic circle on W.T. Weaver Boulevard. Travel up the main drive and take the first right at the blue sign that reads Commuter/Faculty-Staff Parking Lot C.
What: The area's oldest market, we have over 30 members who offer a wide range of products, from the latest in gourmet organic vegetables to old-timey favorites like half runner beans and fried apple pies. We offer an abundance of fresh cut flowers, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, baked goods, brick oven baked breads, bedding and native plants, honey, farm fresh eggs as well as locally raised natural meats.
When: Sat 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Riceville Community Tailgate Market
Where: in the parking lot of the Riceville Community Center, next door to the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department, Asheville, NC
What: Enjoy the community atmosphere and beautiful setting of our market, which features local products. We offer sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables, as well as, eggs, herbs, cut flowers, potted plants, honey, chocolate, fresh baked goods and handmade crafts and products. The market opens late May and runs through late August.
When: Sat 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
West Asheville Tailgate Market
Where: Market is located on the grassy area at the rear of parking lot for West End Bakery. West Asheville, NC
What: West Asheville is the place to shop on a Wednesday afternoon. Vendor's tables are abundant with an array of vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs and cheeses. Other spaces display plant starts for gardens and landscapes, baskets overflowing with soaps, salves, and lotions. Shelves are stocked with jams/jellies, herb vinegars/oils and baked goods. And if we do not have what you need, you can surely find it somewhere on the block. The West Asheville Tailgate Market is within short walking distance of bakeries/deli's, a coffee roaster, a food co-op, restaurants.
When: Wed 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Asheville City Market
Where: Buncombe County Cooperative Extension and the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project have organized a market in the parking lot of the Asheville Public Works building on South Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville.
When: Sat 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Asheville City Market South
Where: Biltmore Park, Town Square Boulevard, sponsored by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.
When: Wed 1-5 PM
Hendersonville County Tailgate Market
Where: 100 North King Street in downtown Hendersonville
When: Sat 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Haywood's Historic Farmers Market
Where: At HART Theatre, Pigeon Street
When: Wed & Sat 8 AM - 1:00 PM, Starts mid May
Madison Co. Farmers & Artisans Market
Where: Mars Hill College, off Dormitory Drive, near Pittman Dining Hall
When: Sat 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
More Asheville Local Food Info
The Local Food Guide for the Asheville area is bigger (85 pages) with more farms (nearly 200), numerous sections (farm tourism, roadside stands, wineries, apples, organic growers, CSAs), festival and events listing, over three dozen tailgate markets, and better than ever! You can find the printed version throughout western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina and at visitors centers and libraries throughout the region.
The Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR), unites the independent restaurant community committed to local people, food and businesses with a promise to preserve the authenticity of their mountain home through genuine food and signature hospitality.
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) is a non-profit organization that supports farmers and rural communities in the mountains of western North Carolina and the southern Appalachians by providing education, mentoring, promotion, web resources, and community and policy development. Our mission is to create and expand regional community-based and integrated food systems that are locally owned and controlled, environmentally sound, economically viable and health-promoting. Our vision is a future food system throughout the mountains of North Carolina and the southern Appalachians that provides a safe and nutritious food supply for all segments of society; that is produced, marketed and distributed in a manner that enhances human and environmental health; and that adds economic and social value to rural and urban communities.
Slow Food Asheville is part of the rapidly growing international movement. Food is part of our cultural identity, from rare animal breeds to heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables... from handcrafted wine and beer to farmhouse cheeses and other artisanal products. Slow Food works to preserve this identity, and to keep the connection between the food we eat and the land it comes from. Slow Food is an educational organization dedicated to preserving food traditions, celebrating the pleasures of the table, and embracing a slower, more harmonious rhythm of life.
Three grocery stores near downtown Asheville carry a large organic food selection: EarthFare in the Westgate Shopping Center near the Patton Avenue/I-240 merge. Greenlife is on Merrimon Avenue near I-240. French Broad Food Co-op is a member-owned grocery open to the public at 90 Biltmore Avenue.
See Farms near Asheville to Visit.
