Celebrate the season and shop sustainably at holiday farmers markets. They offer goods for special meals, including meats, cheeses, cookies and cakes, as well as traditional trimmings, such as Christmas trees and wreaths. You’ll also find preserves, honey, molasses, soaps, lotions, pottery, candles, wood, fiber and other crafts that make meaningful gifts.
In Asheville, choose from Asheville City Market, French Broad Food Co-op, North Asheville Tailgate Market, West Asheville Tailgate Market and the state-owned WNC Farmers Market. Outside the city, visit Haywood Historic Farmers Holiday Market in Waynesville, Madison County Farmers and Artisans Market in Mars Hill or the Yancey County Farmers Market in Burnsville.
Jennifer Lapidus describes her inspiration for organizing the first French Broad Food Co-op Holiday Bazaar almost seven years ago: “I envisioned roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, a fire in a barrel and knitted scarfs.” She invited vendors from various markets, as well as crafters and artisans. Now Jane Anne Tager patronizes the Bazaar every year. Tager says, “I enjoy shopping among friends in a community-supported environment rather than a big-box store where I don’t know the people around me and my purchases are wrapped in too much packaging. It’s meaningful to hand my money to the friendly face who is the person who created my purchase.” For information on dates, times and locations, visit www.asapconnections.org or call 236-1282. Holiday schedules vary from regular market hours.
