Did you know I got married at a farmers market? In 1904, it was the Southern Railway Freight Station; then in 1996, the City of Danville purchased the large building to transform it into a community space.
Just 20 years later, Kody and I—along with family and friends—decorated half of the building while the farmers market took place on the other side, and the very next day, that’s where we said “I do.”
Farmers markets just have such a charm about them. I love how locally based they are and how they foster friendships, business, and community connections all at the same time. If you’re looking for some really good ones, Virginia’s Tri City area is a great place to start. We’re featuring a few from that part of the commonwealth in today’s lead story—and I hope you enjoy because I’m so glad you’re here.
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Jisun “Gee” Sim-Morris (right), owner of Good Lovin Urban Farm, assists a shopper at Prince George Farmers Market on July 18, 2026. (Kristi K. Higgins/Progress-Index.com via Reuters Connect)
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By Kristi K. Higgins
Here’s what you need to know: Farmers markets are a great source to eat with the season while supporting local farmers, bakers, and artisans. There are plenty of farmers markets in the Tri City area that offer fresh, local food and support for local economies.
Our top picks:
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Shoppers may purchase fresh local produce, meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and locally made foods at the Market at PPL, from noon to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, on the main floor of the Petersburg Public Library at 201 W. Washington St. Follow Market at PPL on Facebook.
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A seasonal farm swap is hosted by Agri Supply at 3001 N. Normandy Drive in Petersburg on the second Saturday of each month, April to October. It features small local farmers and business owners. Follow Agri Supply events on Facebook to see what vendors are planning on having available at the farm swaps.
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The Colonial Heights Farmers Market features locally grown produce, grass-fed meats, plants, pastured eggs, canned and baked goods, honey, handcrafted soap, and more.
It is open year-round 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday at 2600 Blvd. in Colonial Heights. Follow Colonial Heights Farmers Market on Facebook.
Ready to connect with your community? There are more details on area farmers markets at the link below.
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By Amie Knowles
Every corner of Virginia has a story. Some are inspiring. Others are downright chilling.
Take the haunting tale of the Yorktown runaway bride. Unhappy about marrying a man she didn’t love, the would-be-bride fled before saying “I do.”
Local lore states that the woman was later found deceased at a bridge on Crawford Road near the Yorktown Battlefield.
From audible thuds to ghostly sightings of a woman in a white dress, stories abound of paranormal activity in the area to this day.
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By Michael O’Connor
A federal judge sided with the Virginia NAACP in its lawsuit challenging a county school board’s reinstatement of Confederate military names at two schools.
The judge ruled that the school board in Shenandoah County discriminated against Black students and ordered the board to change the schools’ names again.
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Have you shared this newsletter with a neighbor?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Kristi K. Higgins with the Petersburg Progress-Index sourced through USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and Michael O’Connor. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
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