Lexington offers some of the most vibrant and authentic farmers markets in the region. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting this historic college town, exploring the farmers markets in Lexington and surrounding Rockbridge County provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with local agriculture, support small businesses, and discover the freshest seasonal produce Virginia has to offer. These markets represent more than just shopping destinations. They’re community gathering places where tradition meets sustainability, and where you can truly experience the best of Virginia’s agricultural heritage.
Farmers Markets in Rockbridge County, VA
Lexington Farmers Market: The Heart of Local Commerce
The crown jewel among farmers markets in Lexington is undoubtedly the Lexington Farmers Market, operating every Wednesday year-round on North Jefferson Street in Downtown Lexington. This market adapts to Virginia’s seasons, running from 8am to 12:30pm during the abundant growing months of April through December, and adjusting to 10am to 12:30pm during the quieter winter months of January through March.
What sets this market apart is its incredible diversity of offerings. From farm-fresh produce and leafy greens to handcrafted items and specialty foods, the Lexington Farmers Market showcases the very best of what local producers have to offer. The market serves as a perfect example of where to shop local in Lexington, connecting consumers directly with the people who grow and create their products.
The vendor lineup reads like a who’s who of regional agriculture and artisanal crafts. This is a small sample of vendors that frequent the Lexington Farmers Market:
- Paradox Farm brings crowd-pleasing favorites including some of the freshest produce you’ll find anywhere, featuring leafy greens, root vegetables, homemade granola, herbal teas, and natural herbal remedies.
- Kelly’s Persian Foods adds an international flair with authentic Persian dishes that have become a beloved market staple.
- Pet owners can treat their furry friends to all-natural, farm-to-table handcrafted treats from Whistle Creek Pet Nutrition, which also offers raw pet food options.
- Little Hat Creek Farm represents the growing ecological farming movement, bringing small-batch vegetables from their sustainable operation in Nelson County.
- West Farm contributes specialty cut flowers that brighten any home, along with culinary herbs, fresh produce, seasonal strawberries, and locally-raised lamb.
- Dickie Bros Orchard showcases Virginia’s fruit-growing heritage with approximately 100 acres of diverse apple varieties and seasonal stone fruits including peaches, nectarines, and plums.
- Finally, Just Bee Apiary sweetens the market with local honey, honeycomb, beeswax candles, lip balms, and body butters.
Other Rockbridge County Markets
The farmers market tradition extends throughout Rockbridge County, offering multiple opportunities each week to shop local in Virginia. The Buena Vista Farmers Market operates every Thursday from 3pm to 6pm at the corner of 21st and Magnolia Avenue, providing an afternoon market option for those who can’t make the Wednesday Lexington market.
For Saturday shoppers, the Natural Bridge Farmers Market runs from 9am to 1pm. It is held April through October at the scenic Virginia Gold Orchard. This seasonal market takes full advantage of the growing season, offering peak freshness during Virginia’s most productive agricultural months.
Friday afternoon brings the Glasgow Farmers Market to life from 12pm to 4pm. It operates May through October at the corner of 10th Street and Kanawha Street. This market provides an excellent end-of-week shopping opportunity for weekend meal planning.
The Fairfield Farmers Market offers a unique twice-monthly schedule, operating on the first and third Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, May through October, at 5631 N Lee Highway. This schedule allows vendors to participate in multiple markets while giving customers a more exclusive, intimate shopping experience.
Want to visit all the markets in a single week? Book the Blue Ridge Cottage at the Inn at Brierley Hill. The Cottage features an efficiency kitchen so you can enjoy some of your finds while on vacation.
Local Produce Shops and Stands
Beyond the scheduled farmers markets, Rockbridge County offers year-round access to fresh, local produce through dedicated shops and stands. Herman’s Produce stands out as a comprehensive destination, offering a diverse selection of garden center essentials, fresh produce, landscape supplies, mulch, vibrant flowers, local honey, and an array of baked goods. Their year-round operation ensures consistent access to local products regardless of season.
For those seeking the ultimate farm-fresh experience, Possum Run Produce Stand provides products grown and harvested entirely on-site. This small, dedicated operation embodies the farm-to-table philosophy, though visitors should check their website for current offerings as availability depends on growing conditions and harvest schedules.
Seasonal Offerings at Lexington Area Farmers Markets
Understanding what to expect during each season enhances your farmers market experience and helps you make the most of Virginia’s agricultural calendar. Spring markets burst with early greens, asparagus, radishes, and the first tender herbs. Local apiaries begin offering fresh honey, while flower vendors provide colorful blooms perfect for celebrating the season’s renewal.
Summer represents the peak season for where to get fresh produce in Virginia. Markets overflow with tomatoes, corn, peppers, squash, cucumbers, berries, and stone fruits. This is when local orchards shine with their diverse apple varieties and seasonal peaches. Herb vendors offer the fullest selection, while flower stands display the most vibrant and diverse blooms.
Fall brings the harvest season’s grand finale, with winter squash, pumpkins, late-season apples, root vegetables, and preserved goods taking center stage. Many vendors offer canned goods, pickled vegetables, and other preserved items perfect for extending summer’s bounty through the winter months.
Winter markets focus on storage crops, greenhouse-grown greens, preserved goods, and artisanal products. While produce selection may be smaller, this season highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of local producers who continue providing fresh options year-round.
Tips for Visiting Farmers Markets
Maximize your farmers market experience with these practical tips. Arrive early for the best selection, especially for popular items and specialty products. Bring cash, as many vendors prefer cash transactions, though some now accept cards or mobile payments. Don’t forget reusable bags – it’s environmentally friendly and often appreciated by vendors.
Take time to talk with vendors about their products, growing methods, and recipe suggestions. These conversations often lead to discovering new favorites and learning valuable cooking tips. Consider bringing a cooler for longer shopping trips, especially during summer months when produce needs protection from heat.
Finally, approach your market visit with curiosity and openness to trying new things. Whether it’s an unfamiliar vegetable, a new variety of apple, or an artisanal product you’ve never seen before, farmers markets provide opportunities to expand your culinary horizons while supporting local agriculture.