Farmers Markets: The Freshest Tastes in the Valley

Farmers Markets and farm stands are wonderful places to find fruit and produce that’s been harvested at the peak of its season. The open-air shopping experience also gives customers access to field-raised meat, baked goods just out of the oven, and other locally made products. You’ll also have the chance to connect with the community and learn how the products you buy were grown or produced. Farmers markets are family friendly and many often boast live music and other entertainment. The money you spend goes back into the community and helps to support sustainable farming practices, and many farmers markets accept credit cards and SNAP benefits. Here are some of the farmers markets you should stop at while exploring the Shenandoah Valley.

Rockbridge County

Kerr’s Creek Community Market / 2766 West Midland Trail, Lexington

Though Kerr’s Creek Community Market is small, it has something for everyone. Customers will find eggs, fruit, berries, goat cheese, Painted Horse Ranch grass-fed beef, Rickety Barn Farm poultry, PBJ Bakes and The Abundant Life Kitchen baked goods. Vendors also sell honey, olive oil blends, vinegars, vegetables, dog treats, flowers and live plants, soap, and antiques, all in a beautiful farm location in the countryside. Kids will enjoy a slide and merry-go-round and petting some of the farm animals.

• Saturday: 9 – noon

Herman’s Produce / 14 Quarry Lane, Lexington

Herman’s Produce provides fruits and vegetables, plants, baked goods, specialty meats, canned goods and more. If you’re stocking your herb garden, you can buy potted herbs from the green house. Holiday shoppers can order cooked boneless hams and oysters and decorate their homes with fragrant Christmas trees and wreaths from Herman’s.

• Monday-Saturday: 9 – 5:30, Sunday: noon – 5

Virginia Gold Asian Pear Orchard / 100 Asian Pear Way Natural Bridge

Both the flavors of the tasty Asian pears and the mountain view from Virginia Gold Asian Pear Orchard are worth the trip. The harvest of 16 tree-ripened varieties of this hard-to-find fruit begins in August. The family-run orchard also sells peaches, apples, persimmons, chestnuts, Chinese dates, black raspberries, blackberries, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, Asian pear marmalade and syrup, produce, and other local products. The orchard uses a self-checkout system, and customers can pay the cash box or by credit card.

• Monday – Sunday: 10 – 6

Augusta County 

North Augusta Farmers Market / 406 Lee Hwy, Verona

The weekly North Augusta Farmers Market sets up across from Verona United Methodist Church. Many regulars make the trip each week to shop the large selection of fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, baked goods, honey, and more. Grab some cinnamon rolls and other goodies from Roller’s Bakery, produce from Poplar Ridge Farms and Calixto Farm, mixed bouquets, and meat from 1Tribe Farm. The market “supports a thriving local food system by connecting local farmers and producers to families and individuals in our community.” In order to make fresh food an option for everyone, the market accepts WIC and Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program Vouchers and doubles SNAP-EBT and P-EBT benefits.

• Wednesday: 11 – 1, May – September

Stuarts Draft Farm Market / 2964 Stuarts Draft Highway, Stuarts Draft

You’ll love the selection of produce, eggs, meat, honey, jam and more at Stuarts Draft Farm Market. This open-air market has been at its current location since 1998 and also offers beautiful hanging baskets as well as plants and lawn ornaments for your beds. You’ll find Hobes sugar-cured hams, Papa Weaver pork, and ground meat from Polyface Farm. Stock up on Wades Mill Flour, Amish wedding products, and catnip, of course! Don’t forget a few jars of “Bone Suckin’ Sauce,” a barbecue sauce lauded by Newsweek, Food and Wine, Health Magazine, and more.

• Monday – Saturday: 9 – 6; Sunday: noon – 5 from April 1 to December 23. Eggs, raw honey, and jar goods are always available

Waynesboro Farmer’s Market / Constitution Park Pavilion, Waynesboro

Saturday mornings are lovely and usually full of live music at the Waynesboro Farmer’s Market! First, chat with the producers and browse the fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, honey, and baked goods that have all been produced within 60 miles of the market. Project GROWS manages the market and is devoted to providing a “vibrant and innovative market that supports local farmers while extending the benefits of local food to the greater community.” In order to increase healthy food access, the market “accepts and DOUBLES SNAP-EBT and P-EBT benefits and accepts WIC and Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program Vouchers (FMNP).” The market also has a Buy One, Give One Fresh Food Donation program to help fight food insecurity in the community. The market is located in Constitution Park, so there’s plenty of room to find a place to relax and enjoy the breakfast you just bought. The park also has plenty of parking as well as access to the South River and the walkable South River Greenway

• Saturdays: 9 – noon, May-October

Staunton Farmers’ Market / Wharf parking lot in downtown Staunton at the intersection of Johnson St. and Central Ave.

All the producers at the Staunton Farmers’ Market grow, raise, bake, or craft their own goods. Everything sold at the market comes from a 75-mile radius of Staunton and the market is “founded on the concepts of local food production, promotion of family farming and direct marketing of farm products while providing the community access to the best our producers have to offer in a family-friendly atmosphere.” Shop for ripe fruits and vegetables, plants, cut flowers, and herbs. You can also find meat, baked goods, and pickled items. Look for honey, honey butter, and wax from Thorny Bottom Bees, as well as cheese from Ballerino Creamery. The Staunton Farmers’ Market is located in Staunton’s historic Wharf district, steps away from dining, shopping, and entertainment.

• Saturdays in April – September: 7 – noon; October thru week before Thanksgiving: 8 – noon; December: 10 – 2

Zak Suhar Photography

Rockingham County

Shenandoah Valley Produce Auction / 2838 Lumber Mill Rd., Dayton

Head to the 20,000 square-foot Shenandoah Valley Produce Auction to experience the excitement and atmosphere of an auction that sells wholesale produce, plants, flowers, trees and shrubs, and fall decor to farm stands, restaurants, and stores. While the produce is sold in bulk by box, pallet, and bin lots, visitors are welcome to taste and buy. Most of the auction’s stock is produced by the Mennonite and Amish community and comes from within a six-mile radius. 

• Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30, April-October; Thursday: 9:30 until Thanksgiving

Overlook Produce and Farm Adventure / 609 Friedens Church Rd. Mt. Crawford

Looking for a way to keep the family busy? Head to Overlook Produce and Farm Adventure to enjoy the Shenandoah Valley scenery and buy nutritious fruits, veggies, meats, eggs, and seafood in the farm market. Bond with the crew while enjoying the pick-your-own strawberry and pumpkin fields and working together to escape the five-acre corn maze (opens September 14). 

• Monday – Friday: 9 – 6, Saturday: 9 – 5, April 16 – October 31

Broadway Farmers Market / lot on S Main St. & Rock St in Broadway

Broadway citizens have been shopping fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, and specialty goods at the Broadway Farmers Market since 2002. Each Saturday, from May to November, area producers set up their booths in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Wall. While the selection varies, recent items have included blueberries, chicken and duck eggs, knitwear, cut flowers, and honey. You’ll also find cookies, sweet rolls, keto crackers and other baked goods, as well as veggies like peppers, sweet corn, eggplant, and tomatoes. The market hosts a plant swap on the fourth Friday of every month.

• Saturday: 8 – noon, May – September; Saturday 9 – 1, September – October.

Harrisonburg Farmers Market / Turner Pavilion – 228 South Liberty St., Harrisonburg

Start your Saturday in downtown Harrisonburg with a trip to the Harrisonburg Farmers Market, the Friendly City’s go-to spot for produce, crafts, and more. Since 1979, this producers-only market has championed local farming and showcased prepared food and artisan items. You’ll find produce, flowers, meats, dairy, baked goods, chocolate, kettle corn, and Crazy Fox coffee. Art, and hand crafted items like jewelry and wooden furniture make wonderful gifts and souvenirs. Pick up some wine from Bluestone Vineyard or shitake mushrooms from Hawk Nest Farm. The market is held in the open-air Turner Pavilion, which provides shelter from the elements, plenty of parking, and is close to a Virginia LOVEworks sculpture. There’s often live music, and the TomatoFest celebration marks the first Saturday in August.

• Saturdays: 8 – 1, all year
• Tuesday: 8 – 1, April – Thanksgiving

Photo by Bailey Black

Page County 

Willow Grove Farm /  571 Virginia Avenue, Luray

After Covid-19 forced them to change their business model after 11 years, Willow Grove Farm Market is now a grocery pick-up service. Though they no longer have in-store shopping, they will post their products on Wednesday evening. Customers messaged them to order. Look for fresh cuts of hormone-free Hereford beef, pasture raised chicken, seafood, Homestead Creamery ice cream, vegetables, and many Virginia-made products that are additive and preservative free. 

Hawksbill Trading Company / 139 Virginia Avenue, Luray

More than 40 vendors have come together at the Hawksbill Trading Company. Shoppers will find produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, apple butter, salsa and many more Virginia food items. Spice up your next cookout with treats from Bubbe’s Pantry like bacon ketchup and smoky chipotle mustard. Artists and crafters display photography, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and clothing. You’ll also find home goods, antiques, and gifts including soaps and candles and reclaimed and refurbished furniture. Don’t leave without a beautiful and sustainable floral arrangement from Indigo Page Flower Farm.

• Monday – Friday: 10 – 6, Saturday: 9 – 6, Sunday: 11 – 5 

Massanutten Country Corner / 3546 US Hwy 211 West Luray

Formerly a roadside gift shop from the 60s, Massanutten Country Corner has been transformed into a year-round farm market that selling produce as well as farm-raised dairy, beef, lamb, and honey. You’ll also find bakery items, including homemade pasta, candies and fudge, as well as coffee, tea, and other drinks. If you’re interested in gardening, you can stock up on supplies, hand-crafted metal decor, native plants, custom planters, and terrarium kits. There’s also an Artisan’s Gallery that features art, jewelry, garden-themed gifts, and a fine selection of products made from recycled wine barrels, bottles, and corks. This shop is part of Virginia’s Artisan Trail Network.

• Monday – Thursday: 10 – 6, Friday – Saturday: 9 – 7, Sunday: 10 – 5 

Home Grown Luray / 10 Carillon Dr Luray

Home Grown Luray is a small Saturday market in downtown Luray that has produce and lots more. You’ll regularly find baked goods by Undertaking Baking, raw honey from Honeysuckle Apiary, live plants, and lots more. There’s an honor system stand set up all week that displays heirloom tomatoes, squash, zucchini, and whatever else is in season. Take what you need and pay what you can.

• Saturday: 8 – 1

Warren County

Heard’s Cedar Hill Farm Market / 855 Stonewall Jackson Highway, Bentonville

Heard’s Cedar Hill Farm Market brings Shenandoah Valley products to your table. This family-operated farm market opened in 2020 and features meats, produce, desserts, dairy, jams, jellies, fishing supplies, and works by area artists. Heard’s is a good place to shop if you’re planning to host a brunch: you’ll find bacon, scrapple, sausage, farm-raised eggs, fresh and juicy fruit, and syrups to top it all off. The market often hosts live music on Saturdays as well as food trucks that prepare yummy take out foods.

• Wednesday – Sunday: 10 – 6, April-November

The Giving Tree / 13485 John Marshall Hwy, Linden

The Giving Tree is another spot to enjoy the bounty of the Valley. Not only can you find vegetables, organic fruits and berries, eggs, non gmo Homestead Creamery dairy, pasture-raised meat, freshly baked bread and desserts, you can also find holiday decorations like pumpkins, Christmas trees, and wreaths. Planning a wine-tasting get together? This family-run business sells gourmet groceries, fancy cheeses and meats for your charcuterie board, and a nice selection of wine. You can even buy firewood for the firepit. If you’re looking for a weekend away, the private Airbnb attached to the market can’t be beat! 

• Monday – Friday: noon – 7, Saturday:10 – 7., Sunday: 10 – 5

Shenandoah County

South Street Barn Market / 411 S. Muhlenberg, Woodstock

You can find everything from AlpacaSpirit alpaca wool to Olive Oil Soap Company shaving soap to Thanksgiving turkeys and goat meat from Fairview Oaks Farm at the South Street Barn Market. You’ll also be able to buy all the fruits and veggies you can carry. Check out the handy harvest calendar to see what’s in season! Browse high-quality works from Carolyn G. Findler Art Studio, Small Town Clay, and other artists, which make wonderful gifts and additions to your home decor.The market supports non-profit agricultural and arts education groups and accepts SNAP to help lower-income families access healthy food.

• Open 9 – 1 all year

Frederick County

Richard’s Fruit Market

Since 1963, family-run Richard’s Fruit Market has been raising fruit, veggies, and beef and selling them to the community in its rustic, open-air market. Stop by for fresh-picked veggies like tomatoes, squash, and spinach, grab some apples and pears, then make time for the kids to make new friends at the farm petting zoo. Finish it all with a frosty strawberry or peach milkshake, and you’ll have a summer memory that will last a lifetime. Check the calendar for fun festivals celebrating agricultural bounty and supporting good causes.

• Monday – Friday: 9 – 5, Saturday – Sunday: 10 – 4.

Marker-Miller Orchards

If your family loves the pick-your-own experience, take them to Marker-Miller Orchards to pick peaches and apples this year. This large farm has acres of orchards, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. It’s great for youngsters because they can ride barrels on the moving “cow train” and there’s a kid’s play area to explore while adults shop at the market for veggies. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a serving of apple cider donuts or fudge before you leave! Visit their calendar for upcoming fall festivals!    

• Monday – Friday 9 – 6, Saturday: 9 – 5

West Oaks Farm Market 

West Oaks Farm Market is another large farm with pick-your-own options and a year-round market stocked fresh every day with fruit and veggies at their peak ripeness. After picking or shopping, sit down for a homestyle breakfast or lunch at the café. This farm is great for families and big groups. Kids will love the constantly expanding kid’s play area and everyone will want to hang out and catch one of the regularly occurring concerts and performances. Join West Oaks Farm during its festivals, too, for live music, food trucks, local craft beer and wine, bounce houses, hayrides, and more.

• Monday – Wednesday: 8:30 – 6, Thursday and Saturday: 6 – 6, Friday: 6 – 10:30, Sunday: noon – 6

The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard

The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard has been in the same family for over a century. It grows organic vegetables and berries as well as outstanding pies, cobblers, and other baked goods. You won’t want to miss a stroll through the sunflower fields in the fall. Just explore and take photos or pick your own for $1 a stem. Stop by on Thursday nights for a free bluegrass concert and a delicious meal of a home-cooked dinner, drink, and dessert. 

Wednesday: 10 – 5, Thursday: 10 – 9, Friday – Saturday: 10 – 5, Sunday: noon – 4

Rinker Orchards / 1156 Marlboro Road, Stephens City

Dreaming of a wonderful family outing where you can bond with your family and absorb all that Valley air and sunshine? One of the oldest pick-your-own farms in the area, family run Rinker Orchards showcases many kinds of apples, including Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Gala, York, and more. They also sell their own Rinker’s Apple Cider, guaranteed to be some of the best cider you’ve ever tasted. This cider is made with a top-secret blend of apples and includes no added sugar or preservatives. This orchard is open September – October

• Friday – Monday: 10 – 5

Virginia Farm Market / 1881 North Frederick Pike, Winchester

Just look for a big red barn with a giant apple on top! Virginia Farm Market is a popular stop along US-522 that offers a wide variety of regional produce picked at its peak on area farms. You probably know them for their quality baked goods and their enormous autumn pumpkin display! You’ll find Virginia wine, sweet peaches, cherries, apples, and more. You can also expect to find lots of Virginia is for Lovers merchandise, puzzles, toys for kids, hand-woven baskets, and gourmet dog treats. This open-air market has plenty of parking, a picnic area, a place to walk your dog, and a playground.

• Monday – Thursday: 8 – 7, Friday: 8 – 7:30, Saturday: 7 – 7:30, Sunday: 7 – 7, April – beginning of December

The Pumpkin Patch at Hill High Farm

The Pumpkin Patch at Hill High Farm is a working farm that opens to the public for pumpkin season each fall. This is a super popular spot for families and features a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, farm animals to pet, tractors to examine, a corn maze, and daylight and moonlight hayrides. If you’re up for some scares, you’ll want to visit the “Haunted Nightmares” house for a chilling good time.

• Saturday and Sunday: 10 – 5, September 25 thru October 31

Clarke County

Clarke County Farmers’ Market / 317 W. Main St. Berryville

The community-wide Clarke County Farmers’ Market brings locally grown produce and products from the farm to your table. Venders from Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania bring fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, eggs, and cheese to the market. You’ll also find herbs, bedding plants, flowers, wreaths, honey, cider, preserves, teas, soap, herbal medicines, and artisan crafts. The market is a gathering place for the community and each Saturday it hosts a food truck and a musician or entertainer. Grab breakfast or lunch and listen to some live music. Next, pick up some seedless raspberry jam and duck eggs from Sweet Liberty Farm and a bouquet for the table from Walking Wind Farm & Florist. 

• Saturday: 8 – noon, May thru October 

Oak Hart Farm / 822 Shepherd’s Mill Rd., Berryville

You’ll learn a lot during a morning at the family-run Oak Hart Farm market. Not only will you be able to purchase delicious and sustainably grown produce, but you’ll be able to chat with the farmers and ask questions about what processes went into raising the food and how you could do it on your own property. Unsure how to prepare that kohlrabi you bought? The farm can also help with recipe inspiration. In addition to food from the field, you’ll find cheeses, snacks, bulk food items, potted plants and cut flowers, and a drink case stocked with Blue Ridge Buccha, Gold Thread plant-based tonics, and Rise Brewing Co.’s nitro cold-brewed coffee with oat milk. The store also sells pickling kits and canning supplies, fertilizer, pest-management supplies,  Looking for a healthy and memorable gift? Ask Oak Hart Farm to help you put together a gift basket. 

• Wednesday – Friday: 10 – 6, Saturday 8 – noon