Friday Five: Favorite Farmers Markets

With this latest spate of rainy days, things are really greening up around town and it seems spring is officially in full swing. Which also means that a lot of local farmers markets are opening for the season! We are big fans of buying local produce whenever we can, and so this time of year is a little like Christmas for our family. Below are some of our favorite markets in the area but we're always looking to add new ones. What are your favorite #HRVA farm markets? And what do you buy there?

1. New Earth Farm: Out Pungo way in Virginia Beach, this organic farm sells some amazing fruits and vegetables in season, some of which you would be hard pressed to find even on a Whole Foods shelf! In years past, we visited New Earth Farm for heaps of watermelon radishes, sunchokes, and tatsoi, fresh eggs, and even seedlings and seeds to start our own garden. It helps that the people are so nice, too. Thats New Earth Farm in the header photo -- look at that Baby A., so happy at the thought of eating some New Earth veggies. Open: Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

2. Tidewater Community College Greens on the Green: I love this market because it's right smack dab in the middle of downtown Norfolk on the TCC campus. It's a smaller market but so convenient! Open: First and third Thursdays, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 

3. Suffolk Farmers Market: The Suffolk Farmers Market is having its grand opening for the season this Saturday and everybody will be out to help celebrate, from the Suffolk Art League to the Teeny Tiny Petting Zoo. In addition to eatables, this market also features local handmade crafts, well worth the drive if you're farther away. Open: Wednesdays from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 

4.  Five Points Farm Market: Five Points feels more like a general store than a traditional farmers market, but I'm including it on the list because it really is a gem. In addition to local meats and produce, honey, breads, and desserts, there's a great little library with books on all sorts of healthy-living topics and there's also the Get Fresh Cafe, one of our favorite places to grab a quick lunch. Open: Thursday and Friday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (year round!)

5. Williamsburg Farmer's Market: The Williamsburg Farmers Market is truly a CW attraction in its own right with an impressive list of vendors. There's often local music and bonus! offerings from local vineyards, too. This Saturday, they are hosting their Children's Day. Open: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 

Over at Fun and Free Hampton Roads, I also wrote about the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival coming up at the Oceanfront this weekend. It's perfect kite-flying weather, so click on over. Have a great weekend, everybody!