More and more folks are going local these days, which includes the desire to buy locally grown produce and handmade goods from local residents. If that option isn’t available, most people are looking to do good by purchasing goods that are fairly traded and/or help the less-fortunate. Lucky for us, Harrisonburg has a variety of farmers markets and produce barns in the area where we can buy such items!
We’ve put together a map of farmers markets and produce barns in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County to help you find your way to each of these fabulous places, but below is a short description of each. This will assist you in determining where you like to go and when.
Photo courtesy of vis-a-v on Flickr
Harrisonburg Farmers Market: This farmers market has recently been revamped and hosts a wide variety of vendors each week. When the Harrisonburg Farmers Market is open, it is always buzzing with folks perusing through table after table of fresh locally grown produce and handmade goods. A sampling of items sold: sweet potatoes, pears, apples, corn, melons, tomatoes, berries, potatoes, baked goods, locally roasted coffees, jams and jellies, and crafts. You can sip on freshly brewed hot coffee while you shop, too! Days and hours of operation change throughout the year, so be sure to check out the market’s website frequently. The Harrisonburg Farmers Market is located at The Turner Pavilion on the municipal parking lot on South Liberty Street in Downtown Harrisonburg.
Dayton Farmers Market: If you are looking for bulk foods (like spices, mixes, pastas, grains, and cheeses), home decor, fair trade goods, delicious coffee, kitchen items, sweet treats, fresh meats, toys and books, then this is the market for you! During the Summer months, there is also fresh locally grown produce on a trailer in the front parking lot. This is the most popular farmers market in the area, and is open Thursdays through Saturdays, but between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is open daily except for Sundays. The Dayton Farmers Market is located on Route 42 in Dayton, between Harrisonburg and Bridgewater.
Shenandoah Heritage Market: This market is open daily (except Sundays) and allows shoppers a plethora of options — kitchen items, antique furniture and home decor, art, books, quilts, jams and jellies, bulk foods, and freshly baked goods. In the parking lot is a kettle korn stand that provides a nice aroma when entering the market. Kids will enjoy the pond and covered bridge at the entrance. Also in this shopping center is a greenhouse and a produce barn.
Dunham’s Produce Market: This produce market is located in the parking lot of the Shenandoah Heritage Market, and offers delicious locally grown fresh seasonal produce — berries, corn, peppers, apples, pears, peaches, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, the list goes on. Great prices, too! Check in regularly to get a variety of produce options.
Fat Boys Produce: This is a popular location for buying farm fresh produce and ocean fresh seafood. Not only do they provide delicious produce, like berries, cabbage, melons, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, beans, onions, and tomatoes, but they also now have bulk spices, nuts, and herbs available! These are produced from their own fields. One of the only places to purchase fresh seafood in Harrisonburg, Fat Boys sells crab (of all kinds), shrimp, oysters, scallops, clams, lobster tails, octopus, and a variety of fish. Fat Boys Produce has two locations. The larger of the two (and the main location) is on Route 33 East of Harrisonburg. The second location is on Route 42 in North Harrisonburg. (This second location does not carry seafood.)