With spring markets in full flush, there are plenty of options to honor and spoil the mother figure in your life. No matter who you’d like to honor this week (on Mother’s Day or any other day), Buncombe County farmers tailgate markets are stocked with flowers, treats, and plenty of gift ideas for the special person in your life.
April showers really did bring the flowers! Getting flowers from farmers markets means they will stay fresh longer and they support local farms in our region—something mom’s certainly enjoy. Look for one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day arrangements as well as single bloom bouquets from Carolina Flowers (Asheville City Market), Blazing Star Flowers (River Arts District Farmers Market), Sari’s Garden Flowers (East Asheville Tailgate Market), Full Sun Farm, Ivy Creek Family Farm, and more. If your mother would prefer a houseplant to last for years to come, or perennial herbs for the garden, check out Kindland Farm (Asheville City and River Arts District markets) and Hog Back Ridge Herb Farm (North Asheville Tailgate Market) along with many others. If your mom is a gardener, pick up some high-quality worm castings to sprinkle around her plants from Phat Ninja at East Asheville Tailgate Market.
Of course, we all deserve a treat, but moms especially do! Find adorably-shaped macarons with gluten-free and dairy-free options from Beeswax and Butter (North Asheville, West Asheville, and River Arts District Markets), many types of croissants and pastries from French Broad Pantry (Asheville City, North Asheville, Black Mountain, and Weaverville markets), and of course, chocolate! If your mother prefers a savory type of treat or a specialty item to cook with, find infused salts and vinegars, compound butters, and more from Wild Goods.
As mom’s spend some much of our lives taking care of us, treat her to a special self care day. Imagine a warm tea with local honey, relaxing herbal medicines, and a local-beeswax candle to boot. Asheville Tea Company is back at North Asheville Tailgate Market along with Well Seasoned Table with a variety of tea and culinary spices, too. Add some infused honey to her hot tea made by Sister of Mother Earth (Weaverville Tailgate Market). If your mom is into herbal medicine, check out Iris Folk Medicinals for herbal tinctures and body care items made with locally sourced herbs. Find gorgeous beeswax candles from North Star Candle Co that are sure to match that special feeling your mom gives you. If your mother has unfortunately passed on, snag some of these items to honor her and give yourself some of that nurturing motherly love she gave you.
Still stumped for ideas? Support your mother figure’s favorite market by picking up a tote bag, t-shirt, or other market merch so she can sport it in style and feel good about supporting the market. Fill that tote back with produce and market goods for an added thoughtful boost.
Please note that North Asheville Tailgate Market will be relocating to the YMCA in Woodfin for May 10 only due to UNC Asheville’s commencement ceremony. See the market's Instagram for more information. Additionally, catch a resurging farmers market in Leicester now open on Wednesdays, 3-6:30 p.m.
At markets now you’ll also find strawberries, rhubarb, kohlrabi, cabbages, asparagus, turnips, beets, radishes, carrots, the first cucumbers, mushrooms, microgreens, spring alliums like green onions, leeks, and green garlic, a wide variety of tender and hearty greens, and more. Markets offer an abundance of farm-fresh eggs and meats, including chicken, pork, beef, and lamb. You can also get bread, cheese, pastries, fermented products, drinks, and prepared foods. During springtime, find annual and perennial plant starts for your gardens along with fresh flowers. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.
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ASAP's mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food.
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Photo by Camilla Calnan Photography
Following Hurricane Helene, ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) began monitoring the impacts of the storm on small-scale farms in Western North Carolina. Through surveys, phone calls, and farmer-to-farmer facilitated meetings, ASAP researchers have estimated the scope and immediate cost of the hurricane on the farming community and local food economy.
The analysis focuses on ASAP’s Appalachian Grown certified farms—a group of nearly 900 small-scale, family-owned farms growing food for local market outlets. The report explores the physical and financial impacts of the storm—both in terms of cleanup and recovery costs as well as lost sales due to product loss and closed or reduced market outlets.
Read the whole report at asapconnections.org/local-food-research-center.
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