Richmond, Virginia, has steadily become one of the most desirable places to live on the East Coast, and it's easy to see why. With its perfect blend of urban sophistication and small-town charm, the region offers an exceptional quality of life that draws newcomers from across the country. At Keel Custom Homes, we're proud to build custom dream homes in this vibrant region and believe in helping our clients discover all that makes Central Virginia unique.

As we launch our new series highlighting the amenities and cultural touchstones that define life in the Greater Richmond area, we're starting with one of the region's most beloved traditions: farmers markets. As spring unfolds across Virginia's rolling landscapes, these markets burst into life, offering a window into the agricultural bounty, artisanal craftsmanship, and community spirit that make this area special.

Why Richmond Is Becoming a Top Destination

For those considering a move to Central Virginia, the region offers a compelling combination of advantages that are increasingly hard to find elsewhere. Unlike the congested corridors of Northern Virginia or the soaring costs of other East Coast metropolitan areas, Richmond provides a refreshing balance of accessibility, affordability, and amenities.

The area's distinctive character comes from its ability to honor its rich historical legacy while embracing innovation and growth. Cobblestone streets and Civil War monuments share the landscape with cutting-edge restaurants, modern art galleries, and vibrant creative districts. This blending of old and new creates a uniquely textured community that feels both established and evolving.

Outdoor enthusiasts find paradise in Richmond's extensive park system, the winding James River with its world-class rapids, and hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails. Meanwhile, culture seekers enjoy a surprisingly robust arts scene, award-winning theaters, and museums that punch well above their weight for a mid-sized city.

Perhaps most striking to newcomers is the genuine sense of community that pervades Richmond neighborhoods. The farmers markets we'll explore exemplify this communal spirit—places where neighbors connect, local food traditions are celebrated, and the distance between producer and consumer shrinks to a handshake. These markets aren't just shopping; they're a social institution and a window into Richmond's values.

The Rise of Farmers Markets in Central Virginia

Virginia's rich agricultural heritage stretches back centuries, but the modern farmers market renaissance represents something new: a conscious return to local food systems in an age of global supply chains. With its fertile soil and favorable growing climate, Central Virginia stands at the forefront of this movement.

The region's markets serve multiple purposes beyond simple commerce. They function as incubators for small businesses, with many successful Richmond restaurants and food products starting at market stalls. They preserve culinary traditions with heirloom varieties and heritage methods that might otherwise be lost. Perhaps most importantly, they create economic resilience by keeping dollars circulating in the local economy.

For Richmond residents, the rhythm of the markets follows the seasons. Spring brings tender greens, strawberries, and plant starts for home gardens. Summer explodes with tomatoes, peaches, corn, and peppers. Fall offers apples, squash, and hearty root vegetables, while winter markets—increasingly year-round in the Richmond area—feature greenhouse produce, preserved goods, meats, and crafts.

This seasonal cycle connects residents to the agricultural heritage that still thrives in the counties surrounding Richmond, creating a farm-to-table pipeline that spans just a few miles rather than continents.

Featured Richmond Area Farmers Markets

Richmond Area Farmers Markets

Downtown & East End

17th Street Market
100 N 17th St, Richmond
Varied Hours (April-December)
Richmond's historic public market dates to 1737, making it one of the oldest in America. Located in the city’s famed Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, the venue hosts festivals, music, art, vendors, educational programming, and a weekly farmers market with fresh produce and seasonal varieties. Look for special events throughout the year, including holiday markets and festivals.

Birdhouse Farmers Market
1507 Grayland Ave, Richmond
Tuesday, 3 pm-6:30 pm (May-November)
Online only (December-April)
This weekday market serves the Randolph neighborhood and focuses on food access and education. Its innovative "Market Match" program doubles SNAP benefits, making fresh, local food more accessible to all community members. The market is particularly known for its community atmosphere and family activities.

Dorey Park Farmers Market
2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico
Saturday, 9 am-12 pm (June-October)
This east-end market creates a welcoming atmosphere in the scenic surroundings of Dorey Park. The market is adjacent to the park's walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities, allowing visitors to combine shopping with recreation. Focusing on accessibility, the market offers a diverse selection of seasonal produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods from producers throughout Henrico County and beyond. The market also hosts the Second Saturdays Summer Evening Concert Series, featuring popular local RVA bands. Admission is free.

Dorey Park Farmers Market has a lot to offer Eastern Henrico!
Posted by Virginia Farmers Market Association

Carytown Farmers Market
3201 Maplewood Ave., Richmond
Sunday, 9 am-1 pm (May-October)
The Carytown Farmers Market at City Stadium brings together local farmers and artisans, offering visitors direct access to fresh produce and handcrafted goods. Beyond just shopping, the market creates a welcoming space where patrons can learn about local agriculture while supporting small businesses.

West End & Goochland

West End Farmers Market
13000 Gayton Rd, Richmond
Saturday, 9 am-12 pm (Year-round)
Established in 2009, this producer-only market serves Richmond's western suburbs. Over 60 vendors offer everything from organic produce to artisanal cheese and pastured meats. The spacious location at Discovery United Methodist Church provides ample parking.

Goochland Farmers Market
1889 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland
Tuesday, 4 pm-6:30 pm (May-September)
This boutique weekday market offers fresh seasonal produce, grass-fed meats, honey, baked goods, and artisan crafts in a convenient park setting. Visitors can enjoy food trucks and live music while shopping for local products. Operated by the Goochland County Parks & Recreation Department, the market is across from the Sports Complex Field, just south of Fairground Road on Route 522.

Southside & Chesterfield

South of the James Market/Forest Hill Park
4021 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond
Sunday, 10 am-1 pm (Year-round)
The crown jewel of Richmond's market scene, this massive gathering features over 100 vendors and draws thousands of visitors each weekend. In addition to fresh produce, you'll find an array of prepared foods and crafts, a festival-like atmosphere with live music, and children's activities. In the winter months, it moves indoors to Forest Hill Presbyterian Church.

Brandermill Green Market
4900 Market Square Ln, Midlothian
Saturday, 9 am-12 pm (May-October)
This family-friendly market offers an impressive selection of local goods, including fresh produce, plants, flowers, artisanal cheeses, handcrafted soaps, baked goods, and various meat options such as grass-fed beef and hormone-free chicken. Visitors can also find specialty items like homemade pasta and gluten-free products. Sponsored by the Brandermill Community Association, this market prides itself on its welcoming village atmosphere with ample parking and a pet-friendly environment.

North Side & Hanover

Lakeside Farmers Market
6110 Lakeside Ave, Henrico
Wednesday, 9 am-1 pm, Saturday, 9 am-3 pm, and Sunday, 11 am-3 pm
(Year-round, heated pavilion in winter)
Lakeside offers consistency for shoppers seeking local goods regardless of season. The covered pavilion hosts annual special events, including a popular holiday market series.

Ashland Farmers Market
121 Thompson St, Ashland
Saturday, 9 am-12 pm (May-October)
Located in charming downtown Ashland, this producer-only market features farms throughout Hanover County, known for its agricultural heritage. The market coincides with other town events, making it part of a vibrant Saturday morning community gathering.

Beyond Produce: What Makes These Markets Special

While fresh fruits and vegetables might be the initial draw, Richmond's farmers markets have evolved into comprehensive showcases for the region's culinary and artistic talents. Nearly every market features bakers offering artisanal breads and pastries that rival any European patisserie. Local honey producers, often managing hives within city limits, bring hyperlocal sweetness. Cheesemakers, chocolate crafters, and specialty food producers transform local ingredients into memorable delicacies.

The markets also serve as launchpads for local food entrepreneurs testing concepts before investing in brick-and-mortar locations. Many of Richmond's most beloved restaurants and food brands—from Bombolini Pasta to Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches—trace their origins to humble market stalls.

Beyond food, many markets incorporate Virginia craftsmanship through pottery, woodworking, jewelry, and textiles. Live music, cooking demonstrations, and seasonal celebrations transform routine shopping into community events that neighbors look forward to all week.

Living the Farmers Market Lifestyle

For many Richmond residents, visiting their local farmers market becomes a cherished ritual—a way to connect with the changing seasons, support local agriculture, and gather with the community. This lifestyle has influenced home design throughout the region, with increased emphasis on kitchens that accommodate fresh cooking, pantries for preserving seasonal bounty, and indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces for sharing farm-to-table meals with friends and family.

At Keel Custom Homes, this cultural shift is reflected in our clients' priorities. Many homeowners now request garden spaces for growing supplemental produce, outdoor kitchen facilities for summer entertaining, and pantry designs that accommodate bulk seasonal purchasing from local farms. Some even incorporate root cellars, extended refrigeration, or specialized storage areas to participate in community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs year-round.

These design considerations reflect a deeper truth: in Central Virginia, connection to local food isn't just a trend but a return to agricultural roots that have defined the region for generations. By designing homes that facilitate this connection, we help our clients fully embrace the distinctive lifestyle that makes Richmond unique.

The Market as a Reflection of Richmond's Character

The farmers markets of Central Virginia offer more than just shopping opportunities. They serve as weekly gatherings highlighting the region's values: sustainability, community, craftsmanship, and reverence for tradition and innovation. Each market reflects the distinct character of its neighborhood while participating in the broader tapestry of Richmond culture.

Whether you're a longtime resident or considering a move to the area, these markets provide an authentic glimpse into what makes Richmond unique. They exemplify the city's perfect balance of sophistication and approachability, combining world-class culinary traditions with genuine Southern hospitality.

At Keel Custom Homes, we believe that building your dream home means more than just constructing four walls—it means helping you establish roots in a community that enhances your quality of life. The vibrant farmers market scene represents just one facet of what makes Central Virginia an exceptional place to call home.

We invite you to explore these markets for yourself and discover the distinctive charm of Richmond living. Also, watch for the next installment in our series highlighting the region's unique amenities, where we'll explore the outdoor recreational opportunities that make Central Virginia a paradise for active lifestyles.

Keel Custom Homes is Richmond's premier custom home builder. We specialize in creating personalized dream homes throughout Central Virginia. Contact us today to learn more about building a custom home that complements your ideal lifestyle.

Taste of Richmond: 10 Farmers Markets That Showcase Central Virginia's Best

Why Richmond Is Becoming a Top Destination

The Rise of Farmers Markets in Central Virginia