By Lindsay Richards
If you’re like me, you love supporting local businesses whenever possible. It’s a good vibe – that feeling I get when I offer my hard-earned dollars to a fellow hard-working neighbor.
The same rings true for supporting local farms — and subsequently, farmers.
However, sometimes it’s not feasible to make the trek to the actual farms (although there are a lot of Hampton Roads farms that are worth the commute!). Luckily, we have access to an abundance of farmers markets where the goods are brought to a more convenient and central location. Farmers markets are a great alternative (or supplement) to your regular grocery store trips, and most have a variety of goodies in addition to produce.
Check out the guide below for a list of some of the farm markets in Hampton Roads, their locations and the types of products they offer.
Please note; this is not an exhaustive list. Any additions are warmly welcomed via comments below.
Old Beach Farmers Market
620 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Hours: Saturdays 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. (see dates below)
2017 Dates:
- June: 3, 10, 17, 24
- July: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- August: 5, 12, 19, 26
- September: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- October: 7, 14, 21, 28
- November: 18
- December: 16
The Old Beach Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of Croc’s 19th Street Bistro. Nestled centrally in the Virginia Beach oceanfront resort area, this market is a favorite for both locals and out-of-town guests.
The Virginia Beach oceanfront is a bike and pedestrian friendly area, making it easy to bike or walk to the market. If you prefer to drive, there is plenty of free parking across the street from Croc’s!
Goods you’ll find at Old Beach Farmers Market:
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Soaps
- Meats
- Flowers
- Teas
Shore Drive Farmers Market
2947 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Hours: Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
(855) 974-4787
I recently moved away from the Shore Drive area and this quaint little market is definitely something I miss — although, big ups to the Virginia Beach Farmers Market (details below) that is now right down the street from my new house!
The Shore Drive Farmers Market offers a variety of vendors including local farmers, bakers, craftsmen, creperies and more! There were even flash mob of belly dancers at the market in May. Don’t believe me? Peep the video.
Goods you’ll find at the Shore Drive Farmers Market:
- Fruits
- Veggies
- Herbs
- Dips and spreads
- Cheeses
- Crepes
- Antiques
- Handmade jewelry and accessories
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
3640 Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
(757) 385-4388
The Virginia Beach Farmers Market is truly a mecca. This market is home to a big list of local farmers who have shops for their goods.
Goods you’ll find at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market:
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Veggies
- Meats
- Jams
- Dairy products
Aside from these goodies, the Virginia Beach Farmers Market is known for hosting a variety of events all year long — events like festivals, craft shows and more! The market also offers educational programs about local farming such as tutorials and tours.
Two of the most popular events include weekly Hoedowns every Friday from 7-10:00 p.m. (April-October) and the Food Truck Rodeos every second and fourth Wednesday from 5-7:00 p.m. (May-October).
Chesapeake Farmers Markets
(757) 382-6348
Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.:
900 City Park Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320
120 Reservation Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Hours: Saturday only, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
4437 Portsmouth Boulevard, Chesapeake, VA 23321
The Chesapeake Farmers Markets dish out an abundance of locally grown goods. As a Chesapeake resident, you’ve got three different locations to choose from! Note, the Portsmouth Boulevard market is only open on Saturdays.
Goods you’ll find at the Chesapeake Farmers Markets:
- Fruits
- Veggies
- Meats
- Cheeses
- Flowers
- Artisan crafts
- Dips and spreads
Five Points Community Farm Market
2500 Church Street, Norfolk, VA 23504
Hours: Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
(757) 640-0300
More than just a market, the Five Points Community Farm Market is an extension of the Five Points Partnership which is a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Their mission: to make healthy food — and thus a healthier diet and eating habits — more accessible to members of the Norfolk community and surrounding areas. I love it.
While you’re there, make sure to snag a snack or meal from the Get Fresh Cafe for seasonal, field-to-fork yummies.
Goods you can find at the Five Points Community Farm Market (as told by their website):
- Route 11 Potato Chips
- J & W Farm: gluten-free cake mixes
- Eastern Shore Coastal Roasting Company coffees
- Rogue Elephant coffees
- Newsome Peanuts
- The Pet Way: Naturally Holistic pet foods
- Local Honey
- J & L Green Farm grass-fed beef
- Variety of local craft beers
- Big Ugly Brewing on tap
- Selection of Virginia wines
- Asorbas Salsa (formerly Sabrosa Salsa)
Dean and Don’s Farm Market
12601 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23606
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
(757) 930-2707
600 LaSalle Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
(757) 722-3161
Dean and Don’s Farm Market has been a Hampton Roads favorite for 50 years! This market first planted its roots in 1967 as a roadside stand in Hampton on Aberdeen Road. To this day, Dean and Don’s is still owned and operated by family and provide the community with freshest produce available through two markets in Hampton and Newport News.
Goods you’ll find at Dean and Don’s Farm Market:
- Fruits
- Veggies
- Local eggs
- Local honey
- Homemade breads
- NC BBQ
- Jams and jellies
- Juices
- Salad dressings
- Meats
- Hampton market only:
- Bedding and vegetable plants
- Hanging baskets
- Soils and mulch
- Potting soil
- Cement
Games Farmers Market
503 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23606
Hours; 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
(757) 595-1887
Games Farmers Market is known for having a wide array of products and stellar customer service. This market has been in the Newport News community for over 40 years, with a team of friendly faces and locally-grown produce, meats and a recently added bulk, Amish-style section of products.
