Happy New Year from Thomasville Farmers Market!

A new year always invites us to pause for a moment.

It’s a natural checkpoint — a time to look back at what carried us through the last season and to gently imagine what the next one might hold. At Thomasville Farmers Market, the new year feels a little quieter, a little more reflective, and very full of gratitude.

On a personal level, the start of a new year is about intention rather than pressure. It’s about noticing the small rhythms that keep us grounded — shared meals, familiar faces, steady routines, and the simple joy of growing or making something with care. Many of our farmers, vendors, and market regulars spend this time resting, planning, repairing, dreaming, and preparing for what’s ahead. Winter offers space to reset not just our calendars, but our hearts.

For the market itself, the new year marks a season of behind-the-scenes work. While Thomasville Farmers Market is on break and will return in May 2026, the wheels never fully stop turning. Farmers are ordering seeds and mapping out fields. Makers are refining recipes and ideas. Organizers are reflecting on the past season — what worked well, what we learned, and how we can continue to serve our community even better.

The new year also reminds us why the market exists in the first place. It’s not just about produce or products. It’s about connection. It’s about showing up week after week and building trust through consistency, quality, and care. It’s about neighbors meeting neighbors, supporting local livelihoods, and choosing food and goods with a story behind them.

As we step into this new year, we’re holding space for both rest and hope. Rest for the hands that worked hard all season long. Hope for another year of growth — in the soil, in our businesses, and in our community.

We’re so thankful for everyone who made last season special and for everyone who continues to support local agriculture and small businesses, even during the off-season. We can’t wait to gather again, share fresh food, swap stories, and welcome another market season together.

Here’s to a new year filled with intention, patience, and plenty of good things growing. We’ll see you soon.

All the best for the new year,

Your TFM Market Managers

National Cookie Day!

Hey friends! December 4th is National Cookie Day, and even though Thomasville Farmers Market is on its winter break, you can still celebrate with a little taste of last season’s harvest.

Dropping temps means that many of us will be forced into our kitchens to bake (oh, darn). Using your canned goods is such a sweet way to keep the spirit of the market alive all winter long. And we have just the recipe to use some of that apple butter you canned this season (don’t fret if you didn’t get around to canning…other local markets and even grocery store-bought apple butter will work just fine).

Apple butter spiced shortbread sandwich cookies are sure to give you the warm fuzzies in this chilly weather! And the best part is, they can be prepped and baked in under two hours!

Apple Butter Spiced Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

Makes: about 18–22 sandwich cookies
Time: 20 minutes prep, 12–14 minutes bake time

Ingredients

For the shortbread cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• ½–¾ cup apple butter

Instructions

1. Make the dough

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and light. Add the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

2. Chill

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill for 30–45 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and get that classic buttery snap.

3. Roll & cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
Cut into small circles (1½–2 inches works great for sandwiches).
Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake

Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
Let cool completely — they firm up as they cool.

5. Fill

Spread a teaspoon (or more!) of apple butter on the bottom of one cookie, then gently press another on top to make a sandwich.

6. Serve

Enjoy slightly warm, or let them sit for a few hours — the apple butter softens the centers just enough to make them melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

So grab a jar, preheat the oven, and let those summer flavors warm up your December kitchen.

Happy National Cookie Day, y’all — bake something delicious!

November at Thomasville Farmers Market: The Quiet That Grows Next Year’s Magic

Happy Fall, dear shoppers, visitors and vendors!

The tents came down weeks ago, the parking lot is empty on Saturday mornings, and the only thing echoing under the water tower right now is the wind rattling dry leaves. November has officially arrived, and with it, the deep breath before the growing season exhales again.

This is the month our farmers trade sunburns for seed catalogs.

While you’re pulling out sweaters, farmers are circling tomato varieties in thick seed catalogs, coffee-stained and dog-eared by December. They’re sharpening hoes, ordering next year’s seeds and starts, and pondering whether Purple Haze carrots will actually sell better than Cosmic Purple.

Out in the fields, the work is invisible but loud if you know how to listen:

• Winter rye is already ankle-high, turning frost into future fertilizer.

• Cover-crop radishes are drilling three feet deep, cracking clay so next year’s okra roots can slide through like butter.

• The hoop houses are buttoned up tight, preparing the way for winter growing.

Mark your calendar: Saturday, May 2, 2026 is opening day for Thomasville Farmers Market! Until then, eat local every chance you get.

Counting frost nights and seed packets,

Your Thomasville Farmers Market Crew 🧡

Cozy Fall Goodness

Fall brings the best comfort food — warm soups, roasted veggies, and all things cozy. Even when the air starts to chill and vendors pack up their goods for the last time in the market season, our farmers and makers are still hard at work growing, harvesting, and preparing local products that keep us connected through the colder months.

If you’ve still got some market produce stashed away (or you’re stocking up from other local markets), now’s the perfect time to put that butternut squash to good use. It’s one of those versatile, nutrient-packed vegetables that just feels like fall — sweet, creamy, and comforting.

Here’s one of our favorite go-to recipes for this season:

Butternut Squash Soup

What You’ll Need:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but so good)

• ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for that silky texture)

How To Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it’s soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add the cubed squash, broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the squash is tender — about 20 minutes.

4. Carefully blend the soup until smooth (an immersion blender works great, or you can use a regular blender in batches).

5. Stir in the coconut milk or cream, taste, and adjust your seasoning.

6. Serve warm, topped with a drizzle of cream, pumpkin seeds, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Even during the quieter months, we love seeing how folks use their market finds in their own kitchens. If you make this soup, tag us in your post on social media so we can share it!

Stay warm, eat local, and we’ll see you next season at Thomasville Farmers Market!

Market Managers’ Reflections

When we think about what it means to serve as market managers for Thomasville Farmers Market, the first word that comes to mind is gratitude. Each Saturday morning, as booths are filled and tables are set with fresh produce, eggs, honey, baked goods, and handmade treasures, we are reminded of how much this market depends on one very important thing: the support of our shoppers.

Your choice to come to the market each week is more than just a shopping trip. It’s a commitment to local farmers, to small businesses, and to a healthier, more connected community. When you purchase a basket of tomatoes, a jar of honey, or a dozen farm-fresh eggs, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in — one that values sustainability, craftsmanship, and relationships.

For our farmers and vendors, your support is what keeps their businesses thriving. It’s what allows them to keep planting, harvesting, creating, and showing up week after week with smiles on their faces and goods to share. And for us, as market managers, your presence is the heartbeat of the work we do. It transforms the market from a place of transactions into a place of connection.

What moves us most is the sense of community that shoppers help create. We see friendships formed over produce stands, recipes exchanged between neighbors, and children discovering the joy of a fresh peach or their very first farmers market treasure. These are the small, beautiful moments that make the market feel alive.

So, what does it mean to us to have your support? It means everything. It means the early mornings and behind-the-scenes work are worth it. It means our farmers feel seen and valued. It means Thomasville Farmers Market is not just surviving, but flourishing. Most of all, it means that together, we are building something lasting — a tradition rooted in local goodness and community spirit.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for walking through the market gates, for choosing local, and for making each Saturday so special. You are the reason we do this, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

We look forward to seeing all of you next market season. Until then, stay safe and healthy.

In love and gratitude,

Jordan and Aimee

Thomasville Farmers Market

Biscuits & Bluegrass at the Market

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, fall settles beautifully over Thomasville Farmers Market. This season brings a bounty of produce that warms the kitchen and nourishes the soul. Fresh produce is not only delicious in the moment but also perfect for preserving — whether you prefer canning applesauce, freezing greens for hearty soups, or pickling vegetables to keep a taste of summer on hand during the colder months. Preserving food is a time-honored tradition that lets you extend the harvest and enjoy the market’s goodness all season long.

Fall also brings a special sense of community, and we’re excited to celebrate that with our Biscuits & Bluegrass event this Saturday. Imagine the scent of warm, buttery biscuits drifting through the market while the sound of bluegrass fills the air. Join us for a FREE biscuit with homemade apple butter or pumpkin butter this Saturday! It’s the perfect pairing: farm-fresh food, bluegrass music, and friends and neighbors gathered together. Events like this remind us that a farmers market is more than just a place to shop — it’s a place to connect, share, and celebrate the rhythms of the season.

So whether you’re stocking your pantry, filling your freezer, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, autumn at Thomasville Farmers Market is something special. We invite you to join us, savor the flavors of fall, and make lasting memories with your community.

Enjoy these apple butter and pumpkin butter recipes that we will feature at the market Saturday:

Slow-Cooker Apple Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 cups unsweetened applesauce (or peeled, cored, chopped apples if you want)

• ½–1 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add applesauce, brown sugar, spices, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

2. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, stirring every 2 hours. If using fresh apples, cook until very soft, then puree with an immersion blender.

3. Stir in vanilla if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices.

4. Remove lid and cook on low for 1 more hour to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.

5. Cool and store in jars in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

 Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned, not pumpkin pie filling)

• ½ cup apple juice or apple cider

• ½ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine pumpkin puree, apple juice/cider, brown sugar, spices, and salt in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

2. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and spreadable.

3. Stir in vanilla if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices.

4. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Food as Medicine: Nourish Your Body, Heal Your Life

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget one simple truth: the food we eat has the power to heal us — or harm us. At Thomasville Farmers Market, we believe in the philosophy of food as medicine — the idea that what we put on our plates directly impacts our health, energy, and overall well-being.

Every fruit, vegetable, herb, and locally grown product you bring home from the market isn’t just food; it’s fuel. It’s medicine. And it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to improve your health naturally.

Why Food Matters More Than You Think

Your body is designed to thrive when it’s nourished with real, whole foods — not processed ingredients or artificial additives. Fresh produce is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant compounds that help fight inflammation, strengthen your immune system, and protect against chronic illnesses.

Here are just a few examples of nature’s medicine:

• Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collards are rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin K — supporting healthy bones and circulation.

• Berries are full of antioxidants that fight cell damage and boost brain health.

• Garlic and onions naturally reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of heart disease.

• Colorful peppers and carrots are packed with vitamin C and beta-carotene, giving your immune system a powerful boost.

When you choose to eat the rainbow, you’re choosing to feed your body the nutrients it craves to perform at its best.

The Farmers Market Advantage

Shopping local isn’t just good for your community — it’s good for your health. At Thomasville Farmers Market, our farmers harvest their crops at peak ripeness, meaning your produce is fresher, more flavorful, and more nutrient-dense than what you’ll typically find in a grocery store.

Plus, when you shop with us, you know exactly where your food comes from and how it’s grown. That means fewer chemicals, fewer miles traveled, and more love poured into every bite.

Healthy Eating, One Plate at a Time

You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Start small:

• Add one extra serving of vegetables to your dinner.

• Swap processed snacks for fresh fruit or nuts.

• Try cooking one new healthy recipe each week with local ingredients from the market.

Small, consistent changes lead to lasting results — and the best part is, eating better doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s about adding more of the good stuff, not cutting out everything you love.

Join Us at Thomasville Farmers Market

Every time you visit the market, you’re not just shopping — you’re investing in your health and supporting the farmers who make fresh, local food possible. We’re here to help you and your family eat well, feel better, and live healthier.

Come see what’s in season, ask our farmers questions, and explore how real food can transform your life. Your next meal could be your medicine.

The Power of Prevention: Free Health Screenings at Thomasville Farmers Market!

At Thomasville Farmers Market, we’re passionate about nourishing our community — not just with farm-fresh produce, but with resources that help you live healthier, longer lives. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Novant Health this Saturday, August 30th, to bring you FREE health screenings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM! This free screening includes BMI, Blood pressure, Waist Circumference, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Blood Glucose and A1C.

When it comes to your health, prevention is powerful. Taking small steps now can make a big difference in the future. Early detection allows you to catch potential issues before they become serious, giving you the tools to take control of your well-being.

Think of it like tending a garden: the sooner you spot a weed, the easier it is to pull it out and keep your plants thriving. Your health works the same way — a little attention today can help prevent bigger problems tomorrow.

By combining fresh, local foods from our market with preventive care from Novant Health, we’re giving our community the chance to take an active role in their health journey. It’s all about supporting healthy habits, early detection, and wellness for the whole family.

Come out, shop for fresh produce, meet your local farmers, and take a moment to prioritize your health. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger community — one step, one choice, and one checkup at a time.

To schedule an appointment for your health screening at Thomasville Farmers Market, Novant’s call center is available 24/7 at 844-644-3578. Press 2. You can also visit MyChart - Schedule an Appointment to schedule your screening.

We’ll see you this Saturday at the market! 🌻