Charlottesville: Meet City Market

The “eat local” trend that has hit several cities throughout the U.S. is in full force in Charlottesville. This is one of my favorite things about living here. Many restaurants get most of their ingredients – produce, meat, dairy – from local farms, and it’s not at all difficult to find a grocery store with locally grown fare.

With the “eat local’” trend comes farmers markets. While there are a number of them in and around Charlottesville, none of them quite compare to City Market.

City Market takes place in Downtown Charlottesville every Saturday from 7 am-noon, April through October. An unassuming parking lot the rest of the week, the site comes alive with sights, sounds and colors on Saturday mornings, rain or shine. And as far as I’m concerned, a perfect Charlottesville Saturday includes drinking a latte from Mudhouse while strolling through the Market.

Booth after booth of locally grown produce lines the market. Whether you’re looking for berries (like me!), tomatoes, peppers, corn, herbs, whatever, you can find it at a City Market booth. Bring a big bag – it makes hauling your purchases around much easier! And be sure to meet the sweet woman who sells beautiful bouquets for a mere $8!

Besides the obvious produce that one would expect at a farmer’s market, there is a wide variety of food made to order. One booth serves vegetarian burgers – and gives out samples! – while another makes a mean breakfast platter. Several catering companies set up shop and offer either samples or MTO plates – a great marketing technique!

Browse the eclectic artisan booths City Market for beautiful jewelry, homemade soaps and lotions, wind chimes, and clothing. City Market is a great place to find a unique gift idea or even a great conversation piece for your home! And you can’t forget the live music. Bluegrass on a Saturday morning? Yes, please!

Do you frequent your local farmer’s market? What are your favorite buys?

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