There's nothing like a farmers market. You get to buy produce fresh from the farm and get to know small local merchants from around the area you might not otherwise see. Here are four farmers markets to visit around Chesapeake, Virginia.
The Chesapeake Farmers Market
The Chesapeake Farmers Market is open during the summer and stays open all the way through the fall. However, it's only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., so going to it requires a bit of planning. But this small market is well worth the effort. It usually has 8-10 vendors at any one time. There's also plenty of parking. You'll find everything from fresh produce to pastries, flowers, eggs, chicken, and lamb here.
Visitors appreciate the depth and breadth of the products offered. The prices are reasonable and there's a communal atmosphere, making it a change of pace from the traditional grocery store.
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
If you're looking for a farmers market open on more days and for longer hours, the Virginia Beach Farmers Market is it. It has a mix of produce and grocery vendors, as well as gift shops. There's a creamery on site that sells fresh milk. Eggs are available at a few other vendors, and you'll also find a variety of meat, produce, and organic foods for sale. There's also a nursery on site where plants are available for sale.
Since the market is open every day all year-round, it often pairs with events held on the grounds like a hoedown. Locals appreciate having a dedicated place to get unique gifts, fresh foods, and produce.
Olde Towne Farmers Market Portsmouth
The Olde Towne Farmers Market in Portsmouth, Virginia, has both spring/summer and winter hours. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May to October. Like the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, Olde Towne has vendors offering many different things including fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, crab soup, fresh meatballs, fresh mozzarella and other delectable items.
Fresh seafood is available, too, along with fresh meat. Some vendors also sell homemade crafts and beauty products. There are even homemade dog treats. Not all vendors take credit cards, so make sure to have cash on hand, too. A list of vendors is available online. They may vary week-to-week.
Hickory Ridge Farm
Hickory Ridge Farm holds its own farmers market daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May to October in Chesapeake. They sell produce grown on the farm and surrounding farms throughout the season. Fresh eggs are also available. Starting in mid-May and lasting through early August, the farm puts together produce boxes with items in season every week. The boxes come in different sizes and are available for pick up at the farm on Fridays and Saturdays. It's a good option if you don't have time to shop every week in the summer.
Chesapeake and the surrounding areas have many farmers market options. It's nice to eat fresh during the summer and as this list illustrates, you can keep up eating good foods in the fall and winter, too. Consider stopping by one of the markets on your next visit to town.
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