How to Spend a Day at the Western North Carolina Farmers Market

There’s nothing quite like the taste of vine-ripe tomatoes, juicy strawberries, and garden-grown cucumbers in the summertime. But if you want to enjoy fresh produce year-round, you need to visit the Western North Carolina Farmers Market! Conveniently located near downtown Asheville, this giant market sits on a 36-acre site with a panoramic view of the mountains. It’s open seven days a week and offers a range of vendors with plenty of seasonal bounty. And the best part is, admission is free! Here are some of the things you’ll see at the WNC Farmers Market.

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Explore the Western North Carolina Farmers Market

MARKET & RETAIL AREA

The Western North Carolina Farmers Market is famous for its unparalleled selection and reasonable prices. Five open-air truck sheds provide 194 spaces for farmers to display their fruits and veggies, and two large wholesale buildings offer produce to grocery stores, restaurants, institutions, and roadside markets. This area is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For items like jams, jellies, fresh-baked bread, and cookies, head to the market’s retail area. You’ll find dozens of goodies as well as a deli that sells sandwiches and ice cream. These buildings are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April through October and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through March.

EVENTS

Want to plan a fun day out with the family? Attend an event at the market! From BBQ’s and live music concerts to the Annual Spring Herb Festival, the WNC Farmers Market has something for everyone. Check their events page to see what’s coming up.

GARDEN & NURSERY CENTER

Jesse Israel & Sons Garden is another great place to explore during your trip to the market. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of top-quality trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and herbs. They also have gardening supplies and accessories like fountains and birdbaths. If you need help starting your garden, the nursery’s friendly staff is happy to answer all of your questions.

THE MOOSE CAFE

When it’s time for lunch, head to The Moose Cafe located south of the main market entrance. This family-owned eatery serves up delicious farm-to-table meals and beautiful views. Popular dishes like the homemade ‘Cathead’ biscuits, fresh apple butter, and meatloaf have even been featured in publications like Southern Living and Our State Magazine. Feel free to stop in and enjoy these Southern classics for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE ESMERALDA INN & RESTAURANT

Now that you know all about the Western North Carolina Farmers Market, it’s time to start planning your trip to North Carolina! Our Chimney Rock bed and breakfast is just a short drive from Asheville and is the perfect place to unwind this summer. Rest up in one of our comfortable rooms or cabins, then join us for dinner at our incredible onsite restaurant. We even offer a delicious homemade breakfast each morning! Rooms are filling up so don’t wait – check our availability or call us at (888) 897-2999 to book today.

Find out how you can save on your trip with our vacation specials and packages!