Asheville Farmers Markets - Food to Table Foodtopia
AMERICA'S BEST FOODIE CITIES
Named one of the “Top Seven Places to Live in the U.S." by Frommers, we believe a health centered lifestyle is the driving force. Surrounded by incredible natural beauty, Ashevillians have an ample supply of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore. The French Broad River meanders through the city and provides quite a challenge to the most seasoned kayakers. This beautiful mountain town is one of the best places to live in North Carolina because it is a mecca of both physical and spiritual health, a perfect combination for Asheville retirement. Vegan restaurants, herb shops and health food stores line the streets of Asheville.
Now that it is summer, more than 15 Asheville Farmers Markets have kicked into high gear. Health-conscious foodies are all aflutter as the locally grown markets flourish with colorful flowers, fruits, vegetables and other organic produce. Recently, Tailgate Food Markets have taken leadership over in the area and it’s easy to see why. Tailgate Markets are Asheville Farmers Markets with very specific rules that require that the food sold there be grown by the farmer/vendor selling it.
For people who just don’t eat meals, but who thoroughly enjoy each one, having this much freshly grown food around is a dream come true. That’s especially true for people who moved for Asheville retirement to improve their health and quality of life. The abundance of Asheville’s Farmers Markets has made consuming locally grown food a way of life.
There are too many area Asheville Farmers Markets to list because many pop up without notice and can be found along popular streets and byways. But here’s a few consistent ones worth noting. Every Wednesday afternoon, the esplanade at the Biltmore Park Town Square is home to City Market’s South for their annual outdoor farmer’s market. Customers will find fresh and seasonal produce, dairy, a variety of meats, vegetarian options, locally-made snacks, body care products and much more.
The East Asheville Tailgate Market runs Fridays from 3pm-6pm. It offers customers an array of fresh locally grown produce, plant starts, fresh eggs, pastured meats, delicious honey, jams and baked goods, as well as handmade crafts and jewelry. The market is located in the Grace Methodist Church parking lot on Tunnel Road in East Asheville.
Another popular Asheville Farmers Market occurs on Wednesdays from 2pm-6pm. The River Arts District Farmers Market takes place at 175 Clingman Avenue in Downtown Asheville. An array of local hand-crafted products is for sale. Locally-grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, wood-fired breads, and a selection of meats, goat cheese, and handmade soaps can also be purchased.
The West Asheville Farmers Market takes place on Tuesdays from 3:30om-6:30pm. Rows of vendors have tables bursting with fresh produce including vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses, milk, butter, meats, breads, honey, oil and vinegars, spices, fish and baked goods. There are natural soaps and locally-made arts and crafts.
Asheville’s food scene is so vibrant that it has its own name – Foodtopia. The area has received countless accolades for its restaurants offering an amazing cornucopia of dining options. There’s so much more to the area to draw people in and that makes Asheville retirement so appealing.
Many people are attracted to the area’s rustic mountain homes and spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are a number of North Carolina mountain communities near the Blue Ridge Parkway we find of interest.
At the end of the day, nothing brings family and friends together like preparing and eating a healthy meal. Asheville not only has delicious dishes, but delicious scenery, art and places to explore. But don’t take our word for it. Come experience Foodtopia for yourself and see why it is one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
