Grab a bite or some goods in the piazza

It's an al fresco happy hour for the suit-and-tie set. It's a play place for children. It's a farmers market.

Somehow, Ynot Wednesdays? at Virginia Beach's Town Center manages to be all three.

Last week, on opening day of the season, a musician doled out reggae and blues in the piazza fronting the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Before him, a clutch of children swayed inside hula hoops.

Behind them, businesspeople in suits and heels sat at a smattering of round, cloth-covered tables topped with signs signifying that they were reserved for this firm or that.

And along the edges, people foraged along a dotted line of vendors plying everything from the season's first blackberries to homemade soaps to fitted bathtubs to beer.

By 6 p.m., the sun had set behind the Sandler Center, providing shade. A breeze squeezed through the tall buildings, making the 90-degree day seem like spring.

This is perhaps theminutest of the area's farmers markets, but as we listened to music and admired several shades of zucchini, we couldn't help thinking, why not?

The scene

It's more like a micro-festival than a farmers market, with acoustic music, pizza, beer and wine, a few farmers and other vendors. Yet it seemed just enough for a Wednesday afternoon. And it's free.

The location

In Town Center, Virginia Beach, in the piazza fronting the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

The hours

5 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 31

Variety

Fewer choices than at other markets, but a trio of farmers from Pungo covered the spectrum of produce quite nicely.

Most unexpected offering

It's a three-way tie: We hadn't realized that blackberry season had started, but there was Bruce Henley with quarts freshly picked from his family farm. Flanagan Farm offered gorgeous golden and red beets and three colors of zucchini squashes - orange, and light and dark green. Cullipher Farms had chilled baggies of the season's first White Acre and pink crowder peas.

Animal offerings

Farm-fresh eggs; no meats.

Produce

Local offerings included onions, Romaine lettuce, squashes, red potatoes, fresh flowers, peas, broccoli, butter beans and beets

Prepared foods

Seasons Best bakery offered fresh-baked sweet and savory breads. Fresh Batch Jams had all the usual flavors - made with local fruit - plus unusual choices such as pomegranate. The Ynot Pizza truck hummed along at one end. Beer and Virginia wines are available for consumption inside the Sandler Center Plaza.

Parking

Free and plentiful on the street and in garages throughout Town Center.

Don't forget

Bring cash, as well as a cooler and a reusable bag for your purchases.

Lorraine Eaton, (757) 446-2697, lorraine.eaton@pilotonline.com