Although Patrick County is famous for their peaches (they even host the Virginia Peach Festival in August), the numerous farms and orchards in the area around Fairy Stone State Park provide a great variety of nature’s bounty.
Pakssi Foley with her produce and baked goods
Baked goods by Mary Fox
Janice Joyce with Kester Clark Farm
Market Mondays at Fairy Stone began in June, and will continue each Monday t
So far we have had: Squash, celery, onions, kale, collards, mixed lettuce, cabbage, cucumbers, popcorn, black walnuts, honey, baked breads and cookies, green beans, plants, beeswax candles, birdhouse gourds...coming soon... eggs, tomatoes and sweet corn. Local residents are encouraged to take advantage of Market Mondays as well. Come for a day of swimming and swing by the market when the beach closes at 6:00 p.m.
We have farmer's markets at other Patrick County locations but not in the Fairy Stone area. I just thought it would be convenient for our overnight guests to not have to go out of the park to buy fresh/local and for local residents who may not be able to raise a garden but like the fresh produce. It will also help to sustain our local farms. Attendance has been excellent and I'm encouraged that as the corn and tomatoes ripen, the attendance will increase.
Enjoy your shopping in a beautiful, green setting. Hale Creek meanders by the shelter area, and there is plenty of parking. Not all vendors accept credit cards or checks, so bring plenty of cash.
For local shoppers, a market pass is available for free, just tell the gate attendant you want to go to Monday Market. It is not too late for vendors to join; however, the market is limited to mainly agricultural products, baked goods, fruit jams/jellies, and honey. For more information, call 276-930-2424 or email fairystone@dcr.virginia.gov. Market hours are 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at shelters #3 and #4.
Fairy Stone State Park offers camping and cabins, as well as a life guarded swimming beach, paddle boat and canoe rentals, and much more! For reservations call 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or click here.
