Farmers Fare Farm Market At East Beach

I visited this weekend with my boyfriend and it was a really nice market for it’s size. They had a wide variety of vendors and most of them were very welcoming and were eager to impress with their products. My Vegan Sweet Tooth and Twisted Sisters were so helpful and awesome. Pennacook Peppers booth was terrific as well — I walked away with two jars of the best pepper jelly I’ve ever tasted and a jar of their salsa, too! I really enjoy learning about the products I buy (whether new to me or not!) and these individuals provided a great experience.
The only booth I didn’t have a great experience at was the actual Farmer’s Fare section. While the service was okay when we wanted samples, the cashier caused some confusion. An earlier customer’s transaction had not gone through and someone else from the booth was asked to track them down and the customer returned during my transaction. The cashier abruptly stopped talking to me and did not confirm my transaction was done. Since they use Square, I was able to check on my phone, but due to the confusion and the fact that it seemed like a common occurrence, I don’t think I’ll be back to that booth in the future.
I really wish there was a spot like this in Norfolk year-​round that allowed businesses from other cities to gather to sell their wares. It’s so nice to not have to drive all over the area and make stops just for one or two items.
I definitely won’t be skipping this farm market next year!

Great time for the kids with a great playground and today they happened to have a bounce house, always a hit. A wide selection of vendors from goat cheese, to meats, baked goods, pasta sauce and more. Only 2 veggie vendors there today, one of them being organic. They had live music playing which was awesome, too.

Great farmers’ markets have always been lacking in Hampton Roads, so I couldn’t be more excited about the East Beach Farmers’ Market. Now, if you are used to some big shindig farmers markets like they have in Cali, Charleston, Atlanta, all over Florida… then you may be disappointed, but this is huge step up from anything else. My favorite farmers’ markets are not just about beautiful lush produce, but also about fresh baked goods, homemade cheeses and sausages, local dairy fair, treats from local restaurants, special sauces, olive oils and vinegars, and maybe even arts & crafts. East Beach has all the makings of a great farmers market.
For starters, Mannino’s is always a popular tent with some of their best italian sauces, homemade mozzarella, and their award-​winning, champion-​of-​them-​all she-​crab soup. They do sell out of the mozzarella and she-​crap pretty quickly, so this morning I just felt lucky to snag the vodka sauce. So, now I vodka sauce, so… now I need bread to go with my italian feast. The Artisan Bakery rocked my world today with the rosemary flatbread and the olive loaf, each perfect for dipping in your favorite olive oil. Then, looksy in the back and I see a guy all set up to sharpen your knives – right on! Note to self – next time, bring knives. Next to him, my excitement is spurring as I see coolers packed with cheese! Homemade cheese! Ooh, and they are sampling! Well, yes, I will try that chocolate goat cheese! Just like yummy chocolate mousse – SOLD! Along the way, there is a seafood guy with good prices, and fresh meat and eggs, oh and a sausage stand – all homemade. I can’t wait to try his «Saturday night» which is made with sriracha! He didn’t have any today but he made it sound tempting enough that I will have to come back again to get it. And, of course, they have produce too.
This farmers market is just a baby and I know it is going to just grow and grow. And, East Beach is the most adorable area to drive through, so that makes the experience sweeter. Most of the vendors do take credit cards, thank goodness. And, everyone was so friendly. You have to go check it out!

We found our way to this park in the middle of east beach development. A little tricky to find. We bought: fresh mozzarella, tortellini, bread, fresh sausage, homemade apple spice cake, Virginia maple syrup and buckwheat milled pack cake mix. It was a little pricey but where else can find fresh home made mozzarella, tortellini or sausage? We for one don’t mind paying more for quality products– not to mention we are huge supporters of buying local. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables-​but we have a garden so didn’t need anything. There is room for more vendors. But I am guessing they need our support to expand. We plan to visit often as a matter of fact we will be keeping coolers in our car just for the occasion. Extremely family friendly. Nice to see such an interactive neighborhood ! Yeah to East Beach!!! Wish every neighborhood could do this including mine!

Way too expensive and not that much selection. Save your $$$$ and go to Stoneys or Five Points.

We used to love coming here last summer, but this summer it seems the vendors have caught on that they are surrounded by expensive houses, so they think they should up their prices accordingly. One vendor actually raised their prices by 3 dollars for a particular item since last year.
On a positive note, there is something here for everyone; from breads, cheeses, meats, seafood, produce, potted plants, and baked goods. Just make sure you have extra $$ in your wallet or you may find yourself in shock. My mom got two pounds of broccoli and was charged $ 15.
Some vendors accept credit cards with a minimum purchase, while others do not accept them at all, so bring cash just in case.

I’m a big fan of this market. My wife and I try to go at least every other week and bring our dog too. Lots of good local vendors, covering vegetables, canned/​preserved goods, meat/​eggs, etc. You can preorder (amazing) meats from Full Quiver Farms and have it ready for pickup at their stand as well. We just put a deposit on our Turkey for Thanksgiving as well, cannot wait to see how it turns out!

Farmers Fare East Beach held its debut in May 12 and seems to be wildly successful. Every Saturday this summer, they’ve held a farmers market from 9 to 12 noon, at the Pavillion Park in East Beach. Its really nice to see people with their kids and dogs, browsing the selection. We’ve made regular purchases of berries, tomatos, kale and eggs, and chicken which was pre-​ordered the week prior. There is an ice cream vendor, which is very yummy, but no dairy-​esque items otherwise. East Beach Sandwich has been there from the beginning, and I really appreciate them supporting local events. Make the drive down to East Beach part of your Saturday morning routine — you’ll be glad you did!