Winchester’s Thriving Farmers Market Scene
Winchester, Virginia boasts a thriving farmers market scene, providing residents with a fantastic opportunity to connect with local growers, enjoy the freshest seasonal produce, and support the community. Here’s a look at some popular markets and the benefits they offer.
Farmer’s Market Must-Haves: Shop Smart & Stress-Free
Before diving into our list, make sure you’re prepared! Visiting a farmer’s market is a fantastic way to support local growers and enjoy fresh, seasonal produce. To make the most of your trip, here’s a quick checklist of essentials:
1. Reusable Bags: Say no to plastic! Bring sturdy totes, mesh produce bags, and a cooler bag for perishables.
2. Cash (Small Bills): While some vendors take cards, cash—especially small bills—makes transactions smoother.
3. A List & A Plan: Check what’s in season and plan meals ahead. A list helps you stay focused, but stay open to surprises!
4. Comfortable Shoes: Expect lots of walking—wear shoes that keep you comfortable.
5. Basket or Wagon (Optional): If you’re stocking up, a basket or small wagon saves you from heavy lifting.
6. Curiosity & Questions: Chat with vendors! They love sharing tips on cooking, storage, and their farming process.
7. Cooler for Perishables: Keep dairy, meat, and other perishables fresh with a cooler and ice packs.
8. Hand Sanitizer/Wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups, especially when tasting samples.
With these essentials, you’ll be set to fully enjoy the vibrant sights, smells, and flavors of your local farmer’s market!
The Winchester Farmer’s Market
447 Amherst St
Established in 2022, The Winchester Farmer’s Market is a vibrant venue connecting local farms, entrepreneurs, and small businesses with the community. Located at 447 Amherst Street in the parking lot of Freedom AG and Energy, the market operates year-round with the following hours:
April to October: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9 AM to 1 PM
November to March: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 AM to 1 PM
All vendors reside within an hour’s radius of the market, ensuring that products sold are locally grown and produced. By shopping here, you’re supporting local individuals, families, and the economy, as much of the profit is reinvested back into the community. The market fosters a stronger sense of community by bringing people together.
Whether you’re seeking fresh produce, artisan crafts, or simply wish to engage with local vendors, The Winchester Farmer’s Market offers a welcoming and sustainable shopping experience.
Spring Valley Farm Market
2454 Northwestern Turnpike
This market, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (Sundays from 10 pm to 4 pm), isn’t just a market—it’s a Winchester institution. With a stellar 4.8-star rating on Google based on over 200 reviews, it’s clear why visitors keep coming back. Offering an incredible selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods, this market goes beyond the basics. You’ll also find locally sourced jams, honey, salsas, frozen meats, dairy products, and even coffee beans. Their greenhouse overflows with seasonal plants, making it a go-to spot for gardeners as well.
Shoppers rave about the friendly staff, great prices, and well-organized layout. Whether you’re picking up farm-fresh produce, specialty snacks, or homemade treats, stopping here is an experience worth savoring. Many visitors call it a hidden gem—once you visit, you’ll understand why!
Shawnee Springs Market
1488 Senseny Rd.
If you can’t make to the farmers market, head over to Shawnee Springs Market & Cannery! With locations in Winchester and Cross Junction, Virginia, is a local gem offering a diverse range of products. Open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM, this market provides fresh produce, gourmet deli items, baked goods, and homemade canned goods. Visitors can also enjoy craft beers, wines, and made-to-order meals in their dining area. The market’s own cannery produces a variety of jams, jellies, salsas, and pickled products, ensuring high-quality, locally sourced items for customers. Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients or looking for a place to dine, Shawnee Springs Market & Cannery offers a unique and convenient experience for all.
West Oaks Farm Market & Café
4305 Middle Road
West Oaks Farm Market offers a delightful farm-to-table experience in Winchester, Virginia. Open year-round, they provide a wide array of products, including fruits and vegetables grown on their own farm, such as sweet corn, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, apples, peaches, strawberries, and cherries.
Beyond fresh produce, West Oaks offers beef, pork, and lamb raised on-site, along with locally sourced chicken, making it a one-stop shop for quality meats. Their country deli features a variety of meats, cheeses, and homemade sides like macaroni and broccoli salads. The in-house bakery tempts visitors with fresh pies, cookies, muffins, breads, and cakes.
The market also serves as a gift shop, offering flags, candles, apparel, mugs, stickers, wind chimes, and artwork. They stock locally sourced items, including jams, jellies, honey, syrups, chips, fudge, and seasonal candies. For dining, their café provides a farm-to-table experience with breakfast and lunch options. West Oaks Farm Market also hosts various events throughout the year, including live music performances, vendor fairs, and seasonal festivals, enhancing its appeal as a community gathering spot.
With its comprehensive offerings and commitment to local agriculture, West Oaks Farm Market is a must-visit destination for those seeking fresh, locally sourced products and a genuine farm-to-table dining experience.
Virginia Farm Market
1881 North Fredrick Pike
Virginia Farm Market has been a family-run establishment since 1952, now in its fourth generation. Known for its seasonal fruits and vegetables, the market offers a variety of produce, including sweet summer peaches, vine-ripened tomatoes, local sweet corn, and apples. The market’s “Big Red Barn” provides a casual, open-air shopping experience with easy highway access and ample free parking. Amenities include a children’s playground, picnic pavilion, clean restrooms, and a dog walk area, making it a convenient stop for families and travelers.
While the market is closed for the winter season, it is scheduled to reopen on April 15th, 2025. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
In addition to fresh produce, Virginia Farm Market features a renowned bakery offering a variety of desserts, including pies, dumplings, and apple cider doughnuts. The market also provides a selection of gifts such as puzzles, shirts, wreaths, Ghana baskets, as well as local wines from Bluestone Vineyard and mead from Misty Mountains Meadworks. Whether you’re seeking fresh produce, delectable baked goods, or unique local gifts, Virginia Farm Market is a must-visit destination for a genuine farm-to-table experience.
Beyond the fresh produce and artisan goods, Winchester’s farmers’ markets offer a strong sense of community. They often feature live music, creating a lively atmosphere for residents to connect with each other and the producers who nourish them. So, if you’re in Winchester, take advantage of these vibrant markets. You’ll not only be supporting local farms and businesses but also treating yourself to the freshest, most delicious seasonal offerings while becoming part of the wonderful Winchester community.