South of the James Market — Local services in Richmond

Not enough people know that the South of the James Farmer's Market is open year round every Saturday. (They don't open until 9:00 from January through March). This is fine with me, because around October - March I can enjoy it without the heat and the crowds. Unfortunately, during the most crowded months they also have the the greatest selection of vendors and food trucks. Don't eat breakfast before you go or you will be very sorry. The food trucks change somewhat, but Goatcado, Alchemy, & Mrs. Yoder's doughnuts are always there, and the trucks with fantsastic crepes, Vietnamese sandwiches, & many others visit often. Some of the vendors like Tater Dave (who sells delicious bread, rolls and crumpets, not potatoes) and Adam with his varieties of Reginald's peanut butter are there all the time, and have been for years. A new favorite is Two and a Half Irishmen with a variety of fresh baked breads. The proprieter is so nice and he never seems to tire of people telling him about their ancestral connections to Ireland, which happens almost every time I'm there. (A lot) Others, like the many fresh fruit, veggie and flower vendors are there seasonally, and if you go regularly you will develop favorites. The tiny potatoes from Cassalmonte are only around for about a month or so, but they are so worth the trip. Fresh peaches from Drumheller's are a treat and sell out quickly. Most vendors offer samples of their products, and all of them are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. You buy from the person who baked the bread, or owns the farm and developed the recipes, so they listen to you and know about every ingredient and when the produce was picked. (Often the day before). They are also open to suggestions for new products, and most will offer to set aside something that sells out quickly for you if you ask nicely and cannot get to the market early. I got to sub for one of the vendors once, and got to experience first hand the cooperation and friendliness that exists among the vendors. A visit to the South of the James market is like a delightful and delicious encounter with some very friendly gypsies who keep...

A large Farmers market with a big variety of food (BBQ, empanadas, arepas, popsicles, fruit, veggies, donuts, and more), groceries of all types, fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs, teas, coffee, kombucha, flowers, crafts, and much more! The market gets crowded which means parking can be a nightmare, so find off-street parking in the nearby neighborhood or be prepared for frustration. The crowded market is still easy to navigate, but you'll find lines for coffee, tea, kombucha, and a HUGE line for donuts (seriously!). Come early if you want donuts.

The big problem is that there is not much shade. On hot, sunny days, you will suffer in the heat and wear your sweat proudly. There are two covered picnic areas but they will be full. There are a few grassy areas under trees, but that's about it. There are a couple of bathrooms that you would probably rather not use. Worth hitting for the huge selection of goods and crafts, but...

South of the James Market is only open Saturday mornings until noon (which they enforce using a bell they ring right at noon) in a public park across the James River from downtown Richmond. Because of the limited hours, it's a very popular market.

Coming from D.C., this market is HUGE! There's nothing like it in D.C. when it comes to size. Dozens and dozens of vendors come selling all sorts of products from local honey to vegetables to coffee. If you go to the very end, you'll find several food trucks selling breakfast (the bagel truck is great!) and lunch (try the quinoa truck).

The secret is there's a truck at the way way back that sells the best sourdough donuts you'll ever have fresh. The line is always long, but it moves really fast. It's called Mrs. Yoder's Donuts and it's worth getting a dozen. It will...