April showers not only bring May flowers, but handpicked fruits, locally grown lettuce and Chesapeake Bay bites to farmers markets throughout Coastal Virginia. From the first sign of spring to the Hunter’s Moon in October, our region is flush with outdoor markets showcasing the best local growers, makers and purveyors have to offer. Experience a pirate-themed market along the sparkling York River, the first-ever spring market in downtown Suffolk or explore a sprawling, year-round produce shop in Hampton.
Cape Charles
Pearl Market
 Pearl Market is one of the Eastern Shore’s newest weekend markets dedicated to connecting local farmers and creators to the shore community. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m.–noon, the coastal indoor market invites visitors to shop, eat and groove to live entertainment. Pearl Market lists 18 vendors selling bar accessories from Table & Tonic, fresh picks from Chatham Flower Farm, bagged coffee from Eastern Shore Coastal Roast, sweets from Cape Charles Candy Co. and more.
4198 Latimer Siding Road, Cape Charles
ChesapeakeÂ
Beasley’s Farm Market
When you need a fresh produce fix before the weekend market rolls into town, Beasley’s Farm Market has you covered. The quaint market sells everything from cabbage, sweet onions and potatoes to preserves, local candy and bagged nuts. Visit their Indian River stand seven days a week from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
4001 Indian River Road, Chesapeake
Beasleys-Farm-Market.business.site
Chincoteague
 Whiteraven’s Nest
This seven-year-old farmers market returned early this year with a special Death by Chocolate event in honor of Valentine’s Day. In addition to its themed events, Whiteraven’s Nest brings to the island a smattering of farm-raised eats such as seasonal produce, fruits, salads, and a selection of meats including chicken, turkey, beef, pork and lamb. Get your seafood fix here too. Whiteraven is known for its softshell crabs, clams, oysters and Tangier-style crab cakes. Check online for market hours.
6382 Maddox Blvd., Chincoteague
Gloucester
Ware Neck Produce
A mainstay in Gloucester’s charming Courthouse area, Ware Neck Produce recently celebrated 35 years in business. It’s a go-to for locals looking for everything from fresh-caught fish, crabs and oysters, shelled butter beans, greens, Gloucester’s own Whitley’s Peanuts, jarred sauces, baked goods, gifts and holiday décor galore. They are open seasonally. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates.
6682 Main St., Gloucester
Hampton
Buckroe Beach Farmers Market
This Hampton-based waterside market introduces an array of new vendors for its 2021 season. Shop locally grown offerings, handmade sweets, pet products, seafood, marketplace entertainment and more. Stay tuned for this season’s official schedule and vendor list.
100 S. 1st St., Hampton
Facebook.com/Buckroe-Beach-Farmers-Market-541705386207971
Newport News
Game’s Farmers Market
Open seven days a week all year long, Game’s Farmers Market is your one-stop shop for Virginia-grown produce, regional specialties and more. The market is well known for its meat and produce offerings, as well as its unique collection of Amish goods.
503 Harpersville Road, Newport News
City Center Farmers Market Oyster Point
Pair City Center’s assortment of shops and dining options with its annual al-fresco market. The urban market brings seasonal produce, dairy selections, baked goods, greenery, jams, jellies and other regional picks to the heart of Newport News. Details regarding the 2021 season are soon to come.
703 Mariner Row, Newport News
Facebook.com/City-Center-Farmers-Market-Oyster-Point-236961496486735
Norfolk
Ghent Farmers Market
The new kid on the farm market block, it seems hard to believe Norfolk’s historic Ghent has been without one to call its own, especially since the demise of nearby Five Points Community Farm Market in 2017. Bring on the fresh-grown goodness from Perennial Roots Farm, Fritillary Farm, vendors like Life is Gouda, Honest Pastures, Norfolk Candle, Studio Posey and much more. The large open space in front of Blair Middle School on the Colley Avenue side will be buzzing the first and third Fridays of each month, 4-7 p.m. April through September.
Blair Middle School, 730 Spotswood Ave., Norfolk
Facebook.com/GhentFarmersMarketNorfolkVA
Hampton Blvd Farmers Market
Following the winter season of its sister shop, East Beach Farmers Market, the Hampton Blvd Farmers Market returns in 2021 with new offerings and new hours. Enjoy the market’s usual assortment of local artisanship and from-scratch goods, plus upgraded offerings. Shop the market every Wednesday from 3–7 p.m. from mid-April to September. Stop by on Sunday, November 21 from 2–5 p.m. for a special Thanksgiving Market too.
7400 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk
NorfolkVAFarmersMarket.com/hampton-blvd
Harvest Market at O’Connor Brewing Co.
Come May, the beloved brewery bazaar returns for its bi-weekly Harvest Market. This year’s vendors include Big House Farm, All Good Craft Granola Bars, Empowered Plant Cakes, Honest Pastures, Liliana Produce, NoFo Soaps, Pasta E Pani and much more. Shop artisan spice blends, popsicles, CBD products and fresh oysters all while sipping O’Connor brews. The Harvest Market will be open from noon–3 p.m. on select Sundays June through October.
211 W. 24th St., Norfolk
NorfolkVAFarmersMarket.com/harvest-market
Westside Produce & Provisions
Explore a family-owned market that sources products from local farms, Virginia wineries, regional breweries, Commonwealth cideries and over 50 other food and beverage makers. Westside is a strong supporter of Virginia’s Finest products and partners of Buy Fresh Buy Local. Find a full list of vendors online or visit the shop during business hours.
5015 Colley Ave., Norfolk
WestsideProduceAndProvisions.com
Onancock
The Onancock Market
Specifics about The Onancock Market’s spring season are still under wraps. Until then, market owners encourage you to check out the local shop online. Peruse handcrafted goods, baked treats, produce, meats, eggs and other regionally curated eats on the market’s website. Place your order between Sunday and Wednesday for a Saturday curbside pickup at the shop’s Market Street home between 9 a.m. and noon.
20 Market St., Onancock
Portsmouth
Olde Towne Portsmouth Farmer’s Market
This urban farmer’s market powered through the winter months and continues its support of local vendors by pushing straight into its spring market season. Meander through the stalls of many notable craftsman including Bob’s Peanuts, Coastal Candle, Flower Lady, Kella’s Gourmet Baked Goods, Red Barn Berkshires and more. To accommodate the pandemic, several Olde Towne market vendors allow for pre-orders too. Visit the website for a full list of vendors, locations and hours.
Olde Towne Portsmouth
PortsmouthOldeTowneFarmersMarket.com
Smithfield
Smithfield Farmers Market
The Smithfield Farmers Market is loading its 2021 season with new vendors, musicians and non-profit partners. Both Smithfield and its sister farmers market in Carrollton are dedicated to providing patrons with genuine homegrown, homemade and handcrafted buys. All participating vendors are within 100 miles of the downtown market. In addition to the main Farmers Market, experience Specialty Markets and Pickers Markets that crop up throughout the spring season. Details regarding the 2021 will be shared on the market’s website.
115 Main St, Downtown Smithfield
Suffolk
Suffolk Va Farmers’ Market
Mark your calendars! On May 1, the Suffolk Va Farmers’ Market kicks off its 16th season serving the best in local fruits, vegetables, dairy, poultry and more to downtown Suffolk residents. As a 2021 season precursor, the Suffolk market will host its inaugural Spring Market on March 20 at the Suffolk Visitor Center from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Regular market hours resume in March and will run every Saturday through November from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
524 N. Main St., Suffolk
Facebook.com/SuffolkVaFarmersMarket
Virginia Beach
Shore Drive Farm Market
Rain, sun or snow, you’ll find the tents of Shore Drive Farm Market anchored by local goods every Saturday from 9 a.m.–noon. The market is a carousel for vendors, so you’re sure to discover a new treat or treasure every time you visit. Sip a cup of joe from the nearby Lynnhaven Coffee Company or sample the umami flavors of Capstone Mushrooms.
2947 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach
Facebook.com/ShoreDriveFarmarket
B&L Farm Market
Specifics surrounding B&L’s spring season have yet to emerge, but the family-owned market is excited about its April 2021 return. Market goers can expect the same caliber of local produce, freshly caught seafood, flowers and more.
1065 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
This Dam Neck complex is a Virginia Beach staple. The barn-esque shopping center is outfitted with over 14 merchant spaces allowing for merchants to sell their high-quality goods all year long. In addition to vending fresh meats, dairy, coastal décor, organic eats and baked goods, the Virginia Beach Farmers Market is known to host special events from a Strawberry Jamboree and Honey Festival to an Apple Extravaganza and Harvest Fair.
3640 Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach
Old Beach Farmers Market
Nestled in the ViBe District is the ideal outdoor market for locals and visitors alike. Old Beach Farmers Market is accessible by bike, foot or car from both the resort area and nearby neighborhoods. Wander the stalls and savor aromas of fresh baked breads, sweet and savory crepes, flavored honeys, fresh cut flowers, local coffee and much more. Before its official opening in May, Old Beach Farmers Market will host two pre-season markets on March 20 and April 20. For the remainder of the spring and summer seasons, guests can anticipate dozens of tent-side vendors from 9 a.m.–noon every Saturday through October.
620 19th St., Virginia Beach
King’s Grant Farmers’ Market
The King’s Grant Farmers’ Market continues to tease its spring season with vendor spotlights on the market’s official Facebook page. The annual market pairs its pop-up shops with delicious curbside eats from a host of local food trucks. Join the fun by shopping, dining and soaking up the warm weather in the market’s seasonal home at King’s Grant Baptist Church. The market is open every first and third Thursday from 3–7 p.m. May through September.
873 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach
Facebook.com/KingsGrantFarmersMarket
Williamsburg
Williamsburg Farmers Market
Situated near the brick-paved walkways of Merchants Square, wandering through the Williamsburg Farmers Market is the perfect way to learn about Virginia agriculture, art and its historic roots. Take a break from your Colonial Williamsburg tour and sample some of the newest creations Virginia has to offer like baked goods, fresh fruits, prepared foods, gourmet dog treats, jewelry and much more. The market will make its annual debut on April 3 from 8 a.m.–noon.
410 W. Francis St., Williamsburg
Yorktown
Yorktown Market Days
Yorktown Market Days is often recognized as the region’s leading outdoor market for its breadth of vendors, unique venue, Fifes and Drums of York Town performances and specially themed markets. The return of Yorktown Market Days commences on April 10 with the Earth Day-inspired Go Green Market. Witness other themed happenings like the French Market, Pirate Invasion Market and season closer, Paws at the River Market, on October 30. Take part in the unique experience every Saturday May through October from 8 a.m.–noon.
331 Water St., Yorktown
VisitYorktown.org/225/Market-Days
Arielle Patterson
