Market report: Regional tailgate markets’ winter plans

CLOSING TIME: With winter near, many local markets are winding down. Photo courtesy of of ASAP

It’s that time of year when many weekly regional tailgate markets suspend operations for several months of winter hibernation. A few stalwarts, though, continue to offer winter produce, proteins, baked goods, prepared foods and plenty of seasonal décor and gifts during the cold months.

“As demand has grown, some farmers have gotten really innovative at producing all winter long,” says Sarah Hart, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project communications coordinator.  “Other farmers welcome the break from the markets. There will be fewer vendors January through spring, but a lot more product than we used to see years ago.”

The North Asheville Tailgate Market Holiday Bazaar hosts its 2020 grand finale Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 3300 University Heights Drive on the UNC Asheville campus.

The West Asheville Tailgate Market will pack its tents for the year after one last hurrah on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Grace Baptist Church parking lot, 718 Haywood Road.

The Weaverville Tailgate Winter Market bids farewell for the season on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2-5 p.m. at Reems Creek Nursery, 70 Monticello Road.

Two markets will bundle up and carry on through the winter. The River Arts District Farmers Market, held 3-5:30 p.m. every Wednesday, will hold their final 2020 market Dec. 16, take a break the next two weeks, then continue to welcome vendors and shoppers in 2021 inside and outside  Pleb Urban Winery, 289 Lyman St.

The ASAP Farmers Market will close out 2020 on Saturday, Dec 19, 9 a.m.-noon, take a two-week break, then return to the same location (16 Fernihurst Drive on the A-B Tech campus) on Jan. 9, 2021, with new hours — 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Kay West
Kay West began her writing career in NYC, then was a freelance journalist in Nashville for more than 30 years, including contributing writer for the Nashville Scene, Nashville correspondent for People magazine, author of five books and mother of two happily launched grown-up kids. In 2019 she moved to Asheville and continued writing (minus Red Carpet coverage) with a focus on food, farming and hospitality. She is a die-hard NY Yankees fan.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.