A Guide to Farmer’s Markets in Hampton Roads
| By SCOTT EASTON | 0 Comments
Summer is the season when fresh produce is in abundance, and what’s better than right off-the-vine veggies and fruit, homemade jams, jellies, breads, local honey, and seafood? Farmer’s markets create stronger, close-knit communities that support local farmers, encourage healthy lifestyles and serve as a gathering place to connect with neighbors. Here in Hampton Roads there is a thriving community of farm markets with a wide variety of goods for every taste, from pasture-raised meats, free-range eggs and poultry, crabs and fish to heirloom produce, and regional specialties. Hungry yet? Skip the grocery store and check out some of these great farmer’s markets in Hampton Roads for some farm-to-table deliciousness.
Chesapeake
Chesapeake Farmers Market
Local producers offer fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, plants, eggs, honey, meats, and value-added products made from things grown on the farm.
Open: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm, beginning June 10, 2017. Western Branch location is Saturday only.
Locations:
Battlefield Park
120 Reservation Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(Wednesdays & Saturdays)
Chesapeake City Park
900 Greenbrier Parkway
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(Wednesdays & Saturdays)
Western Branch Community Center
4437 Portsmouth Boulevard
Chesapeake, VA 23321
(Saturday Only)
http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Government/City-Departments/Departments/agriculture-virginia-cooperative-extension/farmers-market.htm
Hickory Ridge Farm
This family owned farm, offers u-pick strawberries and u-pick pumpkins each spring and fall, as well as plenty of fresh, locally grown vegetables, local honey, homemade jams and breads, eggs, flowers and more. They also have friendly farm animals for the kids to feed and pet, play houses, pony rides, a sand pit, picnic tables, and hay rides.
Open: Daily from 9am – 6pm (check Facebook for current updates)
Location:
2928 Battlefield Blvd S
Chesapeake, VA 23322
https://www.facebook.com/hickoryridgefarm1/
http://jrpx28.wixsite.com/hickoryridgefarm
Skipper Farms
Another family owner farm, Skipper Farms has two locations – in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake and at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market. They offer home-grown fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, corn on the cob, peaches, green beans, cantaloupes, watermelons, and much more. They also have apple butter and apple cider. Check their website or Facebook for current offerings.
Open: Daily from 9am – 6pm (check Facebook for current updates)
Locations:
1305 Kempsville Rd.
Chesapeake, VA 23320
3640 Dam Neck Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
http://www.skipperfarms.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Skipperfarmschesapeake/
https://www.facebook.com/SkipperFarms/
Virginia Beach
King’s Grant Farmer’s Market
A pet friendly farmer’s market that hosts a large variety of vendors including food trucks. Visitors will find goodies such as seafood, fresh meats and produce, honey, milk, sweets, coffee, soaps, gifts and much more. Check their Facebook page for updates.
Open: Thursdays – June 8 & 22, July 6 & 20, August 3 & 17, 2017. From 4-7pm rain or shine.
Location:
873 Little Neck Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
https://www.facebook.com/kingsgrantfarmersmarket/
McDonald Garden Center’s Farmer’s Market
This is the first season for this new farmer’s market. Stop by to check out fresh herbs, veggies, jams/jellies and much more.
Open: Every Thursday 3-6pm and Saturday 8am-12pm through August 31
Location:
1144 Independence Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
https://www.mcdonaldgardencenter.com/events/mgc-farmers-market-partnership-flanagan-farm
Old Beach Farmers Market
Find this farmer’s market just 6 blocks back from the oceanfront in Virginia Beach. Featuring seasonal fresh fruits and veggies, meats, eggs seafood, cheeses, baked goods, salsas, pasta, as well as soaps, flowers, gifts, and more. Be sure to bring your own bags!
Open: Saturdays, May through October 9am-noon. Third Saturdays from 9am-noon, November thru May.
Location:
19th Street and Cypress Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
http://www.oldbeachfarmersmarket.com/
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
The Farmers Market, located at the corner of Dam Neck and Princess Anne Roads, is a year-round open-air market featuring fresh local and regional produce, a butcher shop, a dairy store, organic grocery, wild bird store, seafood, florist, candy and bakery, specialty garden shops, restaurant and more. The market is family and pet friendly.
Open: Open daily and year-round, 8:30am-5pm, plus there are live music events on Friday nights from April-October from 7pm-10pm.
Location:
3640 Dam Neck Road,
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/agriculture/farmers-market/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/VBFarmersMarket
Shore Drive Farm Market
In its second year, the Shore Drive Farmers Market has been filling a gap in the Virginia Beach area offering everything from local, ethically raised meats, seafood, honey, fresh fruits and veggies to coffee, baked goods, crafts and even antiques. Shoppers will find a wide variety of delicious, quality local fare.
Open: Open Saturdays from 9am – 12pm.
Location:
2947 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
https://www.facebook.com/Shoredrivefarmarket/
http://www.coastalvirginiamag.com/Bay-Bites/June-2015/Shore-Drive-Farm-Market/
Norfolk
Farmers’ Fare at East Beach
Located in a beautiful park setting by the Chesapeake Bay, the Farmers’ Fare Market at East Beach offers S.M.A.R.T. fare: Sustainable, Measurable, Affordable, Responsible, and Trackable. Bring your re-useable market bags, and come out for lots of fresh food and live music. Visit the website for a current list of produce and products.
Open: Saturdays from 9am to 12pm, starting May 6, 2017
Location:
Pavilion Park
4630 Hammock Lane
Norfolk, VA 23518
http://www.farmersfaremarket.com/
Five Points Community Farm Market
This indoor farmer’s market in the heart of Norfolk Virginia is a community run non-profit that works to bring the city of Norfolk and surrounding cities fresh produce grown by local small farms.
Open: Thursdays 11am – 7pm, Fridays from 11am-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays from 10am-5pm
Location:
2500 Church St
Norfolk, VA 23504
http://5ptsfarmmarket.org/
Portsmouth
Olde Towne Farmers Market
Offering a variety of farm goods and crafts including baked items, cheeses, honey, coffee, meats, fruit, veggies, and seafood all under the shade of 200-year-old oak trees in Portsmouth’s historic district.
Open: Saturdays from 9am-1pm (check website/Facebook for winter hours)
Location:
Northwest corner of High Street and Court Street (opposite the Visual Arts Center)
https://www.facebook.com/Portsmouth-Olde-Towne-Farmers-Market-106639089426039/
https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/portsmouth-olde-towne-farmers-market-covers-most-bases-and-offers/article_37d23d2e-180b-5b23-989b-9640385b0a64.html
Suffolk
Suffolk Farmers Market
The Suffolk Farmers’ Market is a popular outlet for locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, organically raised poultry, fresh eggs and milk, honey and a variety of artisan-crafted goods
Open: Saturdays from 9am-1pm. May 6- November 18, 2017.
Location:
524 North Main Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
http://www.suffolk-fun.com/shop/suffolk-farmers-market
Bennett’ Creek Farm Market and Deli
From honey and vine-ripened tomatoes to blue crabs, they offer a wide variety of seasonal, local products as well as serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at the deli.
Open: Monday – Saturday, 7:30 am – 7pm and Sunday 10am – 6pm
Location:
3881 Bridge Road
Suffolk VA 23435
http://peanutsandpork.com/
Farmer Frank’s
Family owned and operated, Farmer Franks offers homegrown peanuts by the pound or bushel as well as plenty of fresh produce, jams, pickles, preserves, meats, candies, nuts, boiled peanuts, crafts and more.
Open: Daily 8am – 7pm. After Labor Day, closes at 6pm.
Location:
6001 Holland Rd
Suffolk VA 23437
http://www.farmerfranksfarmmarket.com/
Hampton
Dean and Don’s Farm Market
Fresh fruit, produce, and more are available daily (except Sundays) from April through October with loads of fruit, veggies, eggs, honey, jams and jellies, NC BBQ, homemade breads, garden plants and much more. They are also open in November/December for fresh cut Christmas trees and hand-made wreaths. This family owner farmers market has two locations – in Hampton and in Newport News. Check their website and Facebook for current offerings.
Open: Hampton Location, Monday – Saturday, 9am -6pm; Newport News Location, 8am – 7pm
Locations:
600 LaSalle Ave.
Hampton, VA 23669
12601 Warwick Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23606
http://deananddons.com/
Newport News
Game’s Farmers Market
This large indoor grocery and farm market has been in business since 1967 and offers a large variety of produce, meats and Amish style goods.
Open: Everyday, 7am – 9pm
Location:
503 Harpersville Rd.
Newport News, VA 23606
http://www.gamesfarmersmarket.com/
Williamsburg
Williamsburg Farmer’s Market
Located in Merchants Square in historic Williamsburg, this farm market offers fresh, seasonal food from local farms. Featuring approximately 40 vendors, shoppers will find a wide variety of pasture-raised meats, cheeses, produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, herbal and goat’s milk soap, cut flowers, seafood and more.
Open: Saturdays, 8am – 12pm
Location:
Merchants Square
402 W. Duke of Gloucester Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
http://williamsburgfarmersmarket.com/
Franklin
Farmers Market on Main
Visitors will find a wide selection of seafood, honey, jellies and jams, fresh eggs, salad mixes, vinegars, dry rubs, fresh tomatoes & vegetables in season, homemade soaps, baskets, and more. There are also food trucks, and on special dates – pony rides, a petting zoo, the bookmobile and live music. Check the website for details.
Open: Wednesdays, 4pm-7pm and Saturdays,9am -1pm
Location:
120 South Main Street
Franklin, VA 23851
http://www.downtownfranklinva.org/page/franklin-farmers-market/
Smithfield
Smithfield Farmers Market
You’ll find this large open market in the heart of historic downtown Smithfield, in the parking lot behind Bank of Southside Virginia. In addition to produce, there are baked goods, cheeses, fresh flowers, clothing, soaps, crafts and plenty of fun for the whole family.
Open: Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. until noon
Location:
115 Main Street
Smithfield VA 23430
https://www.facebook.com/smithfieldfarmersmarket/
http://www.smithfieldfarmersmarket.org/
Yorktown
Yorktown Market Days
The market hosts more than 35 farmers, producers, vendors and artists including a variety of homegrown favorites and local art.
Open: Saturdays from 8am to 12pm, from April 29 – October 28, 2017 (excludes May 6 & October 7). Extended days and hours on Oct 14, Nov 11 & 18; and Dec 9 until 3 pm.
Location:
Located on the Yorktown waterfront between Buckner and Ballard Streets.
http://www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism/Events/MarketDays.aspx
It’s always a good idea to check the market website or Facebook page before heading out to be sure of the current hours and product availability. Many markets also do not have bags for your purchases so be sure to bring some reusable shopping bags just in case. Supporting your local farmer’s market is beneficial in so many ways, from getting the freshest, best tasting food available and eating healthier, to supporting your local family farmers and protecting the environment by reducing shipping costs. While this list is not comprehensive of all farmers markets in Hampton Roads, we hope you’ll find one here close to you and discover the joy of connecting with your community and enjoying new seasonal, local fare.
