“Fresh and local” is a lifestyle and Shenandoah Valley growers are proud to share their wares. Head to one of these great farmer’s markets, shake a farmer’s hand, and be proud to know the family that grew your food.
Marker-Mill Orchards
Visit Marker Miller Orchards and Farm Market in Winchester, a farm with an on-site market for straight-from-the-garden delights, fruits, and baked goods, including their famous apple cider donuts. If you find joy in picking your own produce, peaches, raspberries, blackberries, and tomatoes are available all summer. Apple season begins in August, which will be the perfect time to enjoy hand-dipped ice cream or a slushie. Marker Miller is open Monday through Saturday June through October, and noon on Sunday September and October.
Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse is a must for apple lovers. This family run operation is located in Timberville; they grow an impressive 26 varieties of apples on 40 acres. They press and bottle traditional and hard apple cider on the premises. You’ll also find a wide selection of vegetable plants, bedding plants, patio planters and perennials in the Showalter greenhouse.
Get a taste of the country at The Shops at Dayton Farmers Market. With about 20 shops and restaurants enclosed in a single building, plan a little time to explore the wide range of local purveyors selling handmade and/or specialty niche goods. The Dayton Market offers a little something for everyone – from homemade food to crafts.
The South Street Barn Market in downtown Woodstock is a year ‘round market occurring Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Peruse the vendors, which include farmers with hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, vegetables, and fruits. You’ll also find herbs, honey, eggs, sweets, plants, fibers, pottery, soaps, textiles, and a great deal more.
Willow Grove Farm Market in Luray is another farm with an on-site market. A Virginia Century Farm and working Hereford cattle farm, Willow Grove offers 100% grass fed as well as grass-and-grain-finished beef. Three gardens supply the market with a yield of beans, corn, potatoes, broccoli, greens, okra, strawberries, melons, and more. Other area producers stock the market with honey, eggs, chicken, pork, goat, butter, cheese, milk, and even ice cream. Willow Grove Farm Market is open Wednesday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Turner Pavilion is the home of Harrisonburg Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a mecca for locals and visitors alike, thanks to the diversity and number of vendors. Here you’ll find the usual market staples as well as Highland County maple syrup, wine, locally-roasted coffee, fresh ground flours, herbal remedies, mushrooms, lavender, wood turnings, and even a food truck dedicated to serving delicious fresh meat while you shop.
South of Harrisonburg, check out the Shenandoah Heritage Market. A great spot for browsing, this heritage market offers unique shops all under one roof, everything from from cooking to candy to antiques to toys, even Amish furniture. Outside the market, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of water gardens and park benches. Indoors, wander through 20+ locally owned and operated shops.
Located in the Wharf District in downtown Staunton is the Staunton Farmers’ Market, open Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7 a.m. It’s a producer-only market with said producers raising, growing, or creating their wares within 75 miles of Staunton. Pick up your favorite jams, flowers, pies, honey, sausage, lamb, cheese, garlic, and more while musicians entertain.
Walk the cute little alley from Main Street to Jefferson Street in Lexington and you’ll land in a large parking lot, home of the Lexington Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Its central location in the heart of downtown makes it a key mid-week destination for those seeking something farm-fresh and tasty. You never know when a surprise vendor may show up, like a masseuse offering free massages. Take your chances.
You’re going to love the fresh goodness of the Shenandoah Valley.