Independence Farmers Market

Virginia Fresh Match shapes the weekly shop here: SNAP purchases can be matched up to $30 for fresh fruits and vegetables, adding real buying power to a Friday market that already centers local producers. Independence Farmers Market runs in Independence Town Park at the intersection of US 21 and US 58, with a seasonal Friday market and an online market offered year-round. The regular market features local meats, vegetables, herbs, plant starts, preserves, baked goods, crafts, special events, and cooking days, giving this small-town stop a notably broad mix within one park setting.

Why it matters locally

The market identifies itself as a local producers market, and that focus shows up in both its weekly format and its programming. Alongside farm products and baked goods, the schedule includes recurring Cooking Days with Chef Jen, crop-themed festival days such as Tomato Festival, Apple Festival, Pepper Day, and Garlic Festival, plus Kids Day and monthly 4th Friday Evening Markets at Town Park.

Its partnerships also stay close to everyday food access. Virginia Fresh Match funds the $30 SNAP match for fresh fruits and vegetables, while Cooking Days are described as combining Healthy Kids Bucks with educational information from WIC partners through support from Twin County Community Foundation. That makes the market more than a sales stop: it is a place where food buying, cooking education, and seasonal crop events are intentionally linked.

What you'll find there

The vendor roster stretches well beyond produce stands. Independence Farmers Market mixes farms, plant growers, bakers, prepared-food sellers, wineries, fiber and craft makers, and school or service partners, all named as part of the market lineup.

• -Find Wagon Wheel Farm in the vendor lineup, with Rick and Jen listed alongside the farm.
• -Look for Windy Hill Farm, the farm connected with market manager Michelle Pridgen.
• -Browse native plants from Woodbine Native Plants.
• -Pick up mushrooms from Hillcrest Mushrooms.
• -Shop honey from Double F Apiary.
• -Add hot sauce from Dr Tom’s Hot Sauce.
• -Grab baked goods from Annette’s Famous Pound Cakes.
• -Stop by Blue Bird Hill Bakery for bakery items.
• -Find bread from Bea’s Bread.
• -Choose desserts from The Cheesecake Fella.
• -Start with coffee from Big Dog Coffee.
• -Eat at Burke’s Hotdog Cart.
• -Sample wine from Mineola Vinyards.
• -Visit Woods Acre Winery for winery offerings.
• -Browse wood products from Don’s Woodcrafts.
• -Look over jewelry and gifts from Lilike – jewelry & gifts.
• -See barn-quilt work from Appalachian Barn Quilts.
• -Check out brooms from Alexanders Brooms.
• -Explore fiber-focused vendors including Fiber and Kai Mohair.

Events are part of the draw here, not an add-on. The calendar includes First Friday Cooking Days with Chef Jen, monthly 4th Friday Evening Markets that replace the regular 9am–1pm market with a 3–7pm evening format, and seasonal days such as Kids Day, Potato Festival, Garlic Festival, Tomato Festival, Apple Festival, Pepper Day, and Christmas in August and Fiber Day.

Know before you go

The biggest planning detail is location and format: the market is held in Independence Town Park at the intersection of Highways 21 and 58, and once a month on the 4th Friday the usual 9am–1pm market is replaced by an evening market from 3–7pm. Dogs are not allowed, and restrooms are not listed on-site, so that may affect longer visits or family routines.

The market also notes an online market offered year-round, separate from the Friday in-person season. If you are timing a visit around a special program, the calendar regularly adds named event days such as Cooking Days, crop festivals, winter markets, and craft-focused dates.

Payments & SNAP

SNAP/EBT is accepted at Independence Farmers Market. The market also participates in Virginia Fresh Match, which provides up to a $30 match on SNAP purchases for fresh fruits and vegetables. For some family-focused events, the market also promotes Kids Bucks or Healthy Kids Bucks tied to booths such as the WIC tent or managers booth.