Spring 2011 Market Openings!

The first weekend in May means local veggies, fresh roasted coffee, tacos in the AM, jewelers, bakers, socializing, strollers, dogs, and sunshine. I’m excited just writing about it. It’s MARKET TIME!

May 6, 2011; 12:00 PM • by Holly Gordon

The first weekend in May means local veggies, fresh roasted coffee, tacos in the AM, jewelers, bakers, socializing, strollers, dogs, and sunshine. I’m excited just writing about it. It’s MARKET TIME!

Richmond has a surprising number of farmers’ markets in the metro area (11 and counting). While a few markets opened in April, the rest all open this Saturday. Kicking it off tonight is the regular Market at First Fridays Artwalk, from 7-10 pm, next to Quirk Gallery.

Six more open this Saturday: The Farmers Market at St. Stephen’s, Ashland Market, the newest addition: My Manakin Market (formerly Goochland), 17th Street Farmers’ Market, Monument Market, and the most well-known, South of the James Market (SOTJ).

Already open and running is the Souther of the James Market, set up, somewhat haphazardly, though lovingly, in the field next to the now-closed Blockbuster on Forest Hill Avenue at Westover Hills Blvd. One of the few to operate year round, the current schedule is Wednesdays from 3-8pm. Wear flat shoes and don’t park in the deceptively rocky grass field next door (if you value your car tires).

Arguably the most popular market of them all, the SOTJ has become the go-to place for quality, affordable, local products, and a great social atmosphere. New this year, all vendors must sell only handmade, homemade, or homegrown products that they themselves made in Virginia. Another unique addition is their ability to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) EBT cards (commonly known as food stamps). The Virginia Farmers Market Electronic Benefit Transfer Program will offer SOTJ a wireless point-of-sale device that will process the cards. Market organizers hope the service will help make local produce and products more accessible to low-income families.

Also new this year to the Northside is “Lakeside Farmers’ Market too,” an indoor option next door to the existing outdoor pavilion. And at one of America’s longest running markets, the 17th Street Farmer’s Market downtown, Mayor Dwight C Jones will appear at 10am for the official Saturday market opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with a free community exercise class.

Most markets are still taking vendors. Full list below.

Byrd House Market

• S. Linden St & Idlewood Ave, behind the William Byrd Community House
• Tuesdays, 3:30-7pm
• more »

The Farmers Market at St. Stephen’s

• 6000 Grove Avenue
• Saturdays, 8am-noon
• more »

Market at First Fridays

• Next to Quirk Gallery-311 W. Broad Street
• 1st Friday of each month (except January) 7-10pm
• more »

South of the James Market

• Forest Hill Ave & 42nd Street (Forest Hill Park)
• Saturdays, 8am-noon
• more »

Monument Market

• First Baptist Church, Corner of Monument Avenue & North Robinson Street
• Saturdays, 8am-12pm
• more »

Ashland Farmers’ Market

• 101 Thompson St, Ashland (on Duncan Street behind Town Hall)
• Saturdays, 9am-noon
• more »

My Manakin Market

• 68 Broad Street, Manakin-Sabot (behind the Bank of Essex)
• Saturdays, 8am-noon
• more »

Souther of the James Market

• 4910 Forest Hill Ave (next to old Blockbuster)
• Wednesdays, 3-8pm
• more »

Lakeside Farmers’ Market and Lakeside Too

• 6110 Lakeside Ave
• Wednesdays, 8am-noon and 3-7pm and Saturdays, 8am-noon
• more »

West End Market

• 12450 Gayton Road at the intersection of Ridgefield Parkway and Gayton Road
• Wednesdays, 3-6:30pm and Saturdays 8am-noon
• more »

17th Street Farmers’ Market

• 100 N 17th Street
• Thursday Growers’ Market, 10am-7pm
• Friday Red, White, & Brew Market, 5-9pm
• Saturday Growers’ Market, 10am-4pm
• Sunday Vintage Market, 9am-4pm
• more »

May 6, 2011 12:00 PM 0