IX Art Park Farmers Market now open
For many years, Charlottesville has had the privilege of having a local farmers market. Located at the Water Street outdoor parking lot, the market became a local favorite each spring. Each week the farmers market would be packed to the brim with customers and vendors. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in spring 2020 the market had to be briefly shut down. After a short hiatus, the market switched locations to Pen Park and was changed to a order ahead and pick up system, which lasted the rest of the season. This year, the organization that runs the market, Market Central, moved the farmers market back near the downtown mall in IX park. Market Central’s goals, according to their website, are to “support local farms, farmers markets, and entrepreneurs and connects them to the community to benefit our health, the environment, the local economy, and to promote social and cultural diversity,” The Market and the organization survives off of donations that can be made on their website.
The new location is behind Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery in IX Art Park. The market runs from 8 a.m to noon every Saturday this spring. When I went to the market, I knew I wanted to try as many things as possible. The market was a bit crowded, but none of the lines were too long of a wait. Everyone was also wearing masks and trying their best to social distance. The market offered food from all different types of backgrounds like local farm goods, sweets, coffee, and hand-crafted products. I decided to get a JBird dark roast coffee and a mini chocolate pie from Family Ties & Pies and more. Previously, I had never heard of either company, but I thought both the coffee and pie were a delicious combination.
My brother purchased a pound of Appalachian yak from Nature’s Bridge Farm. We made burgers out of the meat for our first yak experience and it didn’t disappoint.
Most of the vendors accepted cards, and all of them accepted cash. SNAP and SNAP Match can also be used at certain vendors in the market; the list is updated weekly on their Facebook page.
The farmers market is a great event that supports local farmers, vendors, and the community. It’s great for all ages and the market has something for everyone. Go check it out for yourself, I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Address-IX Art Park – 522 2nd St. SE, Charlottesville
When: Saturdays 8 a.m. to Noon
