A Farmers Market Guide for Shopping Fresh and Local in Henderson County

Shop Fresh and Local in Henderson County: A 2023 Farmers Market Guide

The weather is warming, summer is just around the corner and that means in the next few weeks farmers markets will start popping up around Henderson County.

Why shop at the farmers market? There is simply no better place to find fresh, local food than at a producer-only market where you can purchase directly from a grower. Shopping at farmers markets is a way to support small businesses and the local economy. Furthermore, a trip to the farmers market can be fun and family friendly. Several of the markets in Henderson County incorporate live music, kids’ activities, chef demos, giveaways, and special events to keep things educational and exciting.

What’s healthier than local food? Farmer’s Markets provide a unique opportunity for community members to purchase fresh, nutrient-dense, produce from local growers.  With a shorter timeframe between picking and selling, produce maintains more of its nutrients and flavor.  Antioxidants and polyphenols found in fruits and vegetables are particularly beneficial for health, especially when eating a mix of fruits and vegetables.

Markets are great for you, too! According to Community Health Improvement Specialist Rachel Garner with the Henderson County Health Department “In addition to the physical health benefits of eating fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods, markets bring the community together, fostering connections and relationships that benefit mental health and community cohesion. These benefits even extend to the entire family since attending markets can help inspire healthy habits in children starting at a young age by including their kids in picking out healthy foods and meal planning.”

So, whether you’re a list-shopper or a spontaneous browser, there are plenty of reasons to grab your reusable shopping bag and visit any of Henderson County’s farmers markets this season.

Saturday Markets

Hendersonville Farmers Market

Opening Day: May 6, 2023

Hours/Location: Saturdays through Oct. 28, 8am-1pm at the Historic Train Depot on 650 Maple Street (rain or shine)

Website: hendersonvillefarmersmarket.com

SNAP/EBT Retailer with Double SNAP Program

Hendersonville Farmers Market aims to be a world-class market that contributes to the success of local producers and growers, expands access to farm-fresh foods and creates a vibrant community gathering space. With produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, coffee, crafts, food trucks, live music, kids' activities and more, Hendersonville Farmers Market is a weekly outing with something for everybody. Hendersonville Farmers Market is presented by Pardee UNC Health Care

Mills River Farmers Market

Opening Day: May 6, 2023

Hours/Location: Saturdays through Oct. 28, 8am-noon at Mills River Elementary School on 94 Schoolhouse Road

Website: facebook.com/MillsRiverFarmersMarket

SNAP/EBT Retailer with Double SNAP Program

If you are looking for a vibrant, friendly market, the Mills River Farm Market is the place for you. This market is a producer-only market, selling only products raised or produced within 50 miles of the market. Listen to local musicians as you shop the wide variety of vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and high-quality crafts. Educating the entire family is a major push for the market with a fun-filled Kid’s Zone and a Demonstration Kitchen for adults. Come help us celebrate our 15th season!

Henderson County Tailgate Market

Opening Day: April 22, 2023

Hours/Location: Saturdays through Oct. 28, 8am-noon at 100 North King St. Hendersonville, NC

Website: https://www.facebook.com/hendersoncountytailgatemarket/

They say you should eat a rainbow of color every day. The Henderson County Tailgate Market has been bringing that rainbow for 44 years. Join local farmers and crafters rain or shine for Henderson county’s finest seasonal fruits, fresh mushrooms, vegetables, local honey, meat, eggs, garden plant starts, perennials and much more.

Weekday Markets

Flat Rock Farmers Market

Opening Day: May 4, 2023

Hours/Location: Thursdays through Oct. 26, 3pm-6pm at Pinecrest ARP Church on 1790 Greenville Hwy

Website: flatrockfarmersmarket.com

The Flat Rock Farmers Market is in its 17th season, bringing farm-fresh, locally-produced fruits and vegetables to the Flat Rock community. The market is made up of a diverse group of local produce and fruit farmers, craft-food makers, bread bakers, wild crafters, art-crafters, and merrymakers. 

Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market

Opening Day: May 3, 2023

Hours/Location: Wednesdays through October 25, 3pm-6pm at Etowah Lions Clubhouse on 447 Etowah School Road

Website: Etowah Lions Farmers Market (Facebook) 

In its third year the Etowah Lions Farmers Market is pleased to bring the market once again to our community and beyond. We will have loads of fresh produce, honey, sweets, flowers, plant starts and locally crafted wares. Please stop by to chat with our vendors and Lions and enjoy the fruits of their labors.