May/June 2004

Spring into Action

Regional farmers’ markets are filling up with seasonal bounty

by Patrick Evans-Hylton

Spring is here, and with it a new season of good things from the earth.

Sometimes it is difficult to remember that our region is still largely agricultural, but take a short drive up the Eastern Shore, out to Western Tidewater, or even to the southern parts of Chesapeake or Virginia Beach, and see all the fields of strawberries, corn, soybeans, tomatoes and more—and appreciate how green Hampton Roads really is.

Speaking of green, spring is also time for all the green markets to start gearing up for the busy season. Some farm markets are open year-round, selling winter produce and items shipped in from warmer climates. Some are open for just a few weeks a year, selling only what is regionally grown.

It’s hard to estimate the number of produce stands that set up shop. Many farmers sell their goods impromptu from the back of their pickup trucks right in the edge of the field. Other stands are annual fixtures, and have become part of our tradition—going to market and getting the freshest seasonal ingredients year after year.

For the rest of this story, you can order the May/June 2004 issue of Hampton Roads Magazine.