Farmers market season kicks off for spring in the Hampton Roads region

Rekaya Gibson, The Virginian-Pilot
·5 min read

Warmer temperatures mean more outdoor activities including the opening of local farmers markets. People can get fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other goods directly from area farmers and small businesses. Here are our picks for markets in the Hampton Roads region.

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Norfolk

Ghent Farmers Market kicks off Friday with more than 50 vendors including the Virginia Pie Shop, Black Garlic Shire and 8 Veteran Farms. Live music from Bennett Walker Wales. Join the fun.

4 to 7 p.m. 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. April 5 through October. 730 Spotswood Ave., Norfolk. bit.ly/GhentMarket

East Beach/EOV Farmers Market will have playgrounds, picnic tables and empty bike racks waiting for those who peddle in. It will have more than 60 vendors, several are new. Some include Family Springs which will have artesian, alkaline bottled spring water on hand; Coastal Pickling Company will bring three flavors: classic dill, jalapeno and habanero; and Wharton Leather will be selling handcrafted goods such as wallets, belts and totes.

9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays, May 4 through Nov. 23. Bay Oaks Park, 2413 E. Ocean View Ave., Norfolk. 757-636-7922. bit.ly/EBEOVMKT

Summer Market at Afterglow Brewing is returning with more than 40 vendors, 15 are new. Enjoy grass-fed bison meat from Riffle Farms; frozen pierogies from Angie’s Pierogies; fresh herbs, jams or pickled vegetables from Duckin Big Dill Farm and items from other merchants. Yummy.

3 to 6 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. May 8 through October. 2330 Bowdens Ferry Road, Norfolk. 757-636-7922. bit.ly/MKTAfterglow

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Isle of Wight

Smithfield Farmers Market returns for its 22nd season, “Rooted in Community.” It will offer produce and meats, baked goods, honey and other products. Look for specialty markets throughout the year such as Ham-o-ween at the Market, Veterans Day Market and Holiday Craft Food Market.

9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. April 6 through December. 115 Main St., Smithfield. 757-357-2214. bit.ly/SmithfieldMkt

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Yorktown

Yorktown Market Days launch with a Go Green Market. Exhibitors include the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District, Master Gardeners of York County and Poquoson and the Colonial Beekeepers. Protect the environment by bringing reusable bags. Free ones will be given away while supplies last.

8 a.m. to noon. Saturdays. April 13 to Oct. 26 (except May 4 and Oct. 5). Riverwalk Landing, 331 Water St., Yorktown. 757-890-5900. bit.ly/MarketsYork

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Hampton

Harvest Market at Oozlefinch will happen weekly in Fort Monroe. It features vendors such as Bradley Family Farm, Up in Smoke cheeses and Tidewater Mushroom Co.

Noon to 3 p.m. Sundays. April 14 through Nov. 17. Oozlefinch Beers & Blending, 81 Patch Road, Hampton. 757-224-7042. bit.ly/HarvestMktO

Buckroe Beach Farmers Market is starting earlier than last year. Look for vendors by the gazebo selling items from produce to seafood to baked goods. Some markets will remain open two hours longer including Artisan Craft & Vintage on June 15 and the Pet Market on Sept. 28.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. April 20 through Sept. 28. 100 S. 1st. St., Hampton. 757-877-2933. bit.ly/BuckroeMKT

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Southhampton

Head to Franklin’s Market on Main Farmer’s Market for opening day. It’s only about 30 minutes from Suffolk. The market will have produce, meats, crafts and other goodies.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20; 9 a.m. to noon. Saturdays. April 27 through Nov. 16. 210 S. Main St., Franklin. 757-562-8506. bit.ly/FranklinMKT

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Virginia Beach

Kings Grant Farmers Market has been around since 2015. Spend the evenings supporting more than 50 businesses, including Klassic Doughnuts, Suburban Farm Lady and Bull Dog Brew Bites. Also grab dinner from The Coop, Claytons and Luva Bowls on opening day.

4 to 7 p.m. 1st and 3rd Saturday. May 2 through September. Kings Grant Baptist Church, 873 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach. 757-340-0902. bit.ly/KGFarmersMKT

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Gloucester

Gloucester Farmers Market will have dozens of vendors. Gas up the car and discover something new. Food trucks will keep you nourished and live entertainment will keep a pep in your steps.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2nd Saturday of the month. May 11 through October. Ware Episcopal Church, 7825 John Clayton Memorial Highway, Gloucester. 804-693-3821. bit.ly/GloFarmersMKT

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Suffolk

No plans for Mother’s Day? Head to the Farmers Market at Bridgeport for “Mother’s and Mimosas.” The season opens with shopping, sipping and smiles.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. May 12 through August. 3832 Bridge Road, Suffolk. bit.ly/BSMKT

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Other markets to explore:

Weekly Wednesday Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Starts today. Chesapeake Health Department, 748 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake. 757-382-8600. bit.ly/FarmersCVA

Bennetts Pasture Farmers Market: 3 to 6 p.m. Thursdays. April 4 through Oct. 24. Embroidery & Print House Gift Shop, 5501 Bennetts Pasture Road, Suffolk. 757-636-1676. bit.ly/EPHMarkets

Historic Greenbrier Farms opening day: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 225 Sign Pine Road, Chesapeake. 757-421-4550. bit.ly/GreenbrierFarms

Pungo Roots Regenerative Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. First Saturday of the month. Pungo Roots Farm Regenerative Farm, 1801 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. 757-204-5915. bit.ly/PungoRoots

Virginia Beach Farmers Market (year-round): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 3640 Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach. 757-385-4388. bit.ly/VBMKT

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on X, @gibsonrekaya