101 Unique Things to Do in Asheville NC & Western NC
Take home some delicious local and/or organic food from one of our many farmers' markets located throughout western North Carolina. Also, see our Guide to Farms to Visit in Western North Carolina near Asheville.
The biggest one is the Western North Carolina Farmer's Market, open every day! This 36-acre complex is conveniently and between two major Interstate highways (I-40 & I-26 on Brevard Road). Come 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. Many special events.
Top 15 Tailgate & Farmers' Markets
Asheville City Market - Downtown
Saturdays, 9 AM-12 PM, April-December
This very popular downtown market on North Market Street is between Woodfin Street and East Walnut Street. This "producer-only" market features goods from local farmers, craftspeople, bakers, and other vendors. Free parking for Asheville City Market is available at the HomeTrust Bank lot and the lot across from the YMCA at 35 Woodfin Street. Street parking is usually easy on Saturday mornings. Held outside through the 3rd Saturday in December, with special holiday hours before it moves indoors at the Asheville Masonic Temple for the winter.
French Broad Food Coop
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM-8 PM.
Asheville's original organic tailgate market since 1990. Now offering curbside pick-up!
Location: 90 Biltmore Avenue, next to the French Broad Food Co-op, Asheville
North Asheville Tailgate Market
Saturdays, 8 AM-12 PM, April-November
The area's oldest market with 40+ of the best farmers, bakers, growers, chefs and artists who offer a wide range of products.
Location: UNC Asheville (UNCA) Campus Commuter Lot #C. Enter UNCA from the WT Weaver Blvd. traffic circle onto University Heights. The market is the first lot on the right. Follow yellow signs for additional parking. Only a couple miles north of downtown.
West Asheville Tailgate Market
Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 PM, April-November
Location: 718 Haywood Road, Asheville
East Asheville Tailgate Market
Fridays, 3-6 PM, April-October
Location: 954 Tunnel Road, Asheville
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
Saturdays, 9 AM-12 PM, May-November
Location: 130 Montreat Rd. (behind the First Baptist Church), turn on First St off Montreat Road, Black Mountain
Henderson County Tailgate Market
Saturdays, 8 AM-12 PM, April-October
One of the oldest open-air markets in Western North Carolina, this unique market has a festival feel, with local growers who operate small family farms in Henderson County.
Location: 100 North King Street in downtown Hendersonville
Henderson County Curb Market
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 8 AM-2 PM
Indoor co-op market since 1924 with 100 vendors.
Location: 221 North Church Street in downtown Hendersonville
Haywood's Historic Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 AM-12 PM, Late April-December
Location: At HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon Street in Waynesville
Madison Co. Farmers & Artisans Market
Saturdays, 10 AM-1 PM, April-October
Location: Mars Hill College, at the intersection of Highway 213 and Athletic Street
Morganton Farmers Markets
Saturdays, 8 AM-12 PM, May-October
Location: 300 Beach Street, downtown Morganton
Wednesdays 11-2 PM, May-October
Location: 111 N. Green Street, downtown Morganton
River Arts District Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 3-6 PM, May-October
A producer-only market that provides an array of local, hand-crafted products. Offers sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, wood-fired breads, an amazing selection of meats, goat cheese, and handmade soaps.
Location: 289 Lyman St., Asheville River Arts District
Transylvania Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 AM-12 PM, May-November
50 vendors offering fresh, locally-grown produce, meat, poultry, eggs, honey, cheese, coffee, plants, herbs, cut flowers, baked goods, jams, jellies, relishes, prepared foods, and handcrafted items.
Location: 200 East Main Street, Brevard
Yancey County Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM, April-November
A group of farmers, artisans, bakers, musicians, and craftsmen gathers every Saturday near the town square in Burnsville, NC, for this incredible farmers' market.
Location: 8 Town Square, Burnsville
Western North Carolina Farmers Market
Come and enjoy the atmosphere and bounty of the mountains. The retail area features displays of high-quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, and… read more
Come and enjoy the atmosphere and bounty of the mountains. 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. The market is open year-round, seven days a week.
More Asheville Local Food Info
The Local Food Guide for the Southern Appalachians is the best resource for the local food scene. Use the comprehensive online version or pick up a free printed copy throughout western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina and at visitors centers and restaurant 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. Their 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. Their 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.
See Farms near Asheville to Visit. Take the WNC Cheese Trail.
