A shoppers' guide to the 2023 farmers markets in Henderson County
HENDERSON COUNTY - With the final few days of April slipping away, May is just around the corner, which means the opening of several farmers markets in Henderson County.
The markets sell farm-fresh food and also offer a variety of local growers. Spending money at the markets is a way to help promote local, family-owned businesses. Some markets also incorporate live music, kids' activities, chef demonstrations, giveaways and other special events.
Community Health Improvement Specialist Rachel Garner with the Henderson County Health Department said shopping at farmers markets is good for your health.
“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,” Garner said in a news release.
Below is a list of the county's farmers markets.
SATURDAY MARKETS
Hendersonville Farmers Market
Opening Day: May 6
Hours/Location: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 28 at the Historic Train Depot on 650 Maple Street (rain or shine)
Website: hendersonvillefarmersmarket.com
More information: SNAP/EBT Retailer with Double SNAP Program. Hendersonville Farmers Market 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 everyone. Hendersonville Farmers Market is presented by Pardee UNC Health Care.
Mills River Farmers Market
Opening Day: May 6
Hours/Location: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays through Oct. 28 at Mills River Elementary School on 94 Schoolhouse Road
Website: facebook.com/MillsRiverFarmersMarket
More information: SNAP/EBT Retailer with Double SNAP Program. This market is a producer-only market, selling only products raised or produced within 50 miles of the market. Local musicians play while customers 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 Kid’s Zone and a Demonstration Kitchen for adults. This is the market's 15th season.
Henderson County Tailgate Market
Opening Day: April 22
Hours/Location: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays through Oct. 28 at 100 North King Street
Website: https://www.facebook.com/hendersoncountytailgatemarket/
More information: The Henderson County Tailgate Market is now in its 44th year. Join local farmers and crafters rainor 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
Hours/Location: 3-6 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 26 at Pinecrest ARP Church at1790 Greenville Highway
Website: flatrockfarmersmarket.com
More information: The Flat Rock Farmers Market is in its 17th season, bringing farm-fresh, locally-producedfruits 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 3Hours/Location: 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 25 at Etowah Lions Clubhouse at 447 Etowah School Road
Website: Etowah Lions Farmers Market (Facebook)
More information: In its third year, the Etowah Lions Farmers Market has oads of fresh produce, honey,sweets, flowers, plant starts and locally-crafted wares.
Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: A guide to the 2023 Henderson County farmers markets
