By Steve Cook :
A visit to a bustling local farmers’ market offers a fantastic multi-sensory experience. It’s a virtual feast for the eyes, the ears, the nose, and most vividly, the taste. From the moment you arrive, you are bombarded with a dazzling array of colorful fruits and vegetables, accompanied by the sounds of, perhaps, local buskers, children’s laughter, and vendors hawking their fresh, flavorful wares. Approach each vendor’s stand, and delight in the aroma of fresh produce, baked goods, and other delectables, which waft seductively through the market. And just wait until your taste buds get hold of a rich, ripe apple or a juicy strawberry. Plus, we haven’t even mentioned the satisfaction of knowing that you’re supporting your local farmers and other businesses. Yes, the joys of shopping at the farmers’ markets are innumerable.
Where can one find such joy? Here are a few local favorites:
Chester, VA Farmer’s Market – 11700 Chester Village Drive Facebook.com/ChesterVAFarmersMarket
Market manager Abigail Hester says this market, which operates right in the heart of the village, has been providing fruits, vegetables, and “lots of bakery goods” to local shoppers for about a quarter of a century. She adds that you can also find such hand-crafted items as decorative cups and cards.
The market is open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Saturday from May through December. And on the third Saturday of each month, there’s entertainment provided by a local DJ. Abigail describes the Chester Market as “family oriented,” adding, “Everyone gets along well. It’s a great atmosphere.”
Colonial Heights Farmers Market – 2600 Boulevard Facebook.com/ColonialHeightsFarmersMarket
If you’re looking for a genuine meat market, this year-round non-profit venue can show you the beef. You can buy a whole cow if you wish. There’s also pork, chicken, and fish – both fresh and saltwater. But there’s more than meat that meets the eye when you visit. Market manager Kerry Giannotti says there are also lots of vegetables, baked goods, and crafts offered every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
This farmers-owned market, which features up to 30 vendors, donates any profits to local charities, including AWARE, a non-profit group of wildlife rehabilitators and educators. As part of their fundraising efforts this year, the market is sponsoring a drawing for a half of a Wagyu cow, along with a freezer to store it in. Kerry says you can purchase your tickets for the lottery at the market. The drawing will be held on July 5.
Worth the Drive
South of the James Market (Forest Hill Park)
GrowRVA.com
Owned and operated by Karen and Doug Grisevich of Grow RVA, The South of the James Market is perhaps more reminiscent of an old-timey carnival with local entertainment, food trucks, farmers, bakers, craftspeople, and a host of other vendors. Many of the vendors accept SNAP/EBT.
During the warmer months, the market operates from 8 a.m. until noon every Saturday. To learn more, check out the weekly lineup on their Facebook page.
