The North Asheville Tailgate Market, a Saturday morning tradition for those who love fresh produce, baked goods and flowers, will reopen for its 32nd season on Saturday, April 14, on the UNC Asheville campus. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday and offers plenty of convenient parking.


The area's oldest producer-only farmer's market will have nearly 50 local food producers this year. They'll be offering organic fruits, vegetables and herbs; artisan breads and cheeses; local honey; fresh baked goods and gourmet deserts; free-range meat and eggs; fresh seafood; homemade jams and ice cream; plants and flowers; and locally roasted coffee.

To accommodate UNC Asheville's May 5 commencement ceremony, the market will be held that Saturday in the parking lot of MAHEC's Family Health Center at 188 W.T. Weaver Blvd. The market will return to its usual spot at UNC Asheville on May 12 and will feature a special Spring Fling and Mother's Day Celebration.

The market welcomes a new market director this week, Shay Amber, a North Carolina native who grew up on a prolific farm, and who brings with her a deep appreciation for the benefits of tailgate markets to both farmers and communities.

To visit the North Asheville Tailgate Market, enter the UNC Asheville campus at the traffic circle on W.T. Weaver Blvd. Travel up the main drive and take the first right at Parking Lot C. A campus map is available online at: http://www2.unca.edu/campusmap/