Donna Alley
Our two local homegrown/homemade markets support community farmers, and they, in turn, support us with baskets full of Western Carolina’s healthiest, finest produce at very reasonable prices.
This season Don Deal, manager of the Highlands Market, has a few spring and summer surprises.
He says, “I am happy to have a full-time mushroom vendor, a honey vendor, and two meat vendors, one with chicken, beef and pork. We also have four produce vendors, three-to-four bakery vendors, and flower vendors.
In June, we will have strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, and more.”
Another feature at Highlands Market is Donna Alley’s homemade fresh jams and preserves.
Her products are farm-fresh finds. The most-popular is a co-mingle of five local berries: blue-, straw-, rasp-, black-, and cran-, blended together with jalapeño pepper. The result: lip-smacking, pepper-berry spreads which can be slathered or daubed on companionable foods like brie, pimento cheese, PB & J (J for jalapeño berry jam).
It is a complement for the charcuterie board, not to mention a basting/infusion for pork and chicken grilling. Think ahead for a fall special: cranberry-jalapeño condiment for turkey and dressing. You can contact her by email: twoalleys@gmail.com.
Locally Grown at Village Green opens every Wednesday, now through October, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Many of your favorite vendors are back this year. Look for their fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, honey, jams, and so much more.
Besides edibles, explore the markets’ crafted-goods and other handwork. Find unique gift items for celebrations, treats, and parties.
The Highlands Market is open 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. each Saturday now through October. Note three dates they are closed: Craft shows June 28 and August 23 and the Highlands Motoring Festival, Saturday, June 14. Call Don Deal if you’d like to be a vendor: (828) 342-8239.
Meet at the markets where tradition joins freshness.
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