If you’ve lived in Newport News for more than five minutes, you’ve probably seen the big red barn-style building sitting on the corner of Harpersville Road and the Hampton Roads Center Parkway. It’s a bit of an icon. Game's Farmers Market isn't your typical Sunday morning popup with three tents and a guy selling overpriced sourdough. Honestly, it’s more of a year-round, family-owned hybrid between a country store, a butcher shop, and a bulk warehouse.
People often get confused by the name. They think "farmers market" and expect a seasonal outdoor event. But Game’s has been a permanent fixture since 1972. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find locals who have been shopping there since the Nixon administration, alongside younger families looking for better meat prices than what they can find at the big-box retailers.
The Wild History of Game's Farmers Market
You can't really understand why this place matters without knowing where it came from. The site at 503 Harpersville Road has been a store since the 1920s. Back then, it was called Mingee’s. Get this: at one point after WWII, the owners actually kept caged animals—including a bear—to attract customers. It was basically a roadside attraction that sold gas and groceries.
Earl Game bought the place in 1972 when it was known as Grimes. He was a meat guy through and through. He worked the meat department at A&P and Langley Field before taking the plunge into business ownership. Even after a devastating electrical fire burned the entire store to the ground in 2007, Earl (who was 78 at the time!) refused to quit. He rebuilt it in less than a year.
Earl passed away in 2010, but his son David Game runs it now. It still feels like a step back in time. You walk in, and it smells like smoked ham and fresh produce. It’s nostalgic, kinda cramped during the holidays, and perfectly local.
Why People Keep Coming Back to Game's
The meat department is the real reason most people drive across town. It’s massive. They have a full-service butcher counter where they actually cut the meat right there. It’s not just pre-packaged stuff shipped in from a warehouse three states away. You can get specific cuts, bulk orders, and types of meat that are getting harder to find in standard supermarkets.
The Bulk Amish Section
About a decade or so ago, they added this bulk-Amish style section. It changed everything. You’ve got:
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- Massive bags of spices and herbs at a fraction of grocery store prices.
- Specialty jams, jellies, and apple butter.
- Old-school candies that you haven't seen since you were a kid.
- Different types of flours and grains for the serious bakers.
It’s basically a playground for anyone who likes to cook from scratch. You can grab a pound of paprika for what you’d pay for a tiny jar at a chain store.
Locally Grown Produce
While they do carry standard produce to keep the shelves full, they make a real effort to source locally when things are in season. In the winter, they’re the go-to spot for huge bags of collard greens. In the spring, the garden center opens up with plants and flowers.
What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a trip to Game's Farmers Market, don't go expecting a luxury shopping experience with wide aisles and soft jazz. It’s a working market. It can get congested. The aisles are tight because they pack as much product as humanly possible into that building.
- The Hours: They are open 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM every single day.
- The Exceptions: They only close on Christmas Day. On Thanksgiving, they usually shut down around 2:00 PM, and they close at 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve.
- Payment: They take credit cards and debit cards. They’ve also historically been a spot that accepts SNAP and EBT, which is huge for the community.
- Timing: Avoid the first and third weeks of the month if you hate crowds. That's usually when it's the busiest.
Is It Actually Cheaper?
Mostly, yes. If you are buying meat in bulk or stocking up on spices, you’re going to save a lot of money. However, you have to be a smart shopper. Some of the "Amish-style" goods are just regular items repackaged in clear plastic, so check the labels.
The value isn't just in the price, though. It’s in the quality of the service. The staff there actually knows what they’re talking about. If you ask the butcher for a specific cut for a brisket or a stew, they won't give you a blank stare. They’ll grab a knife and get to work.
Better Than Your Average Grocery Store
In a world where everything is becoming a self-checkout kiosk in a giant grey warehouse, Game's Farmers Market is a bit of a rebel. It’s local. It’s family-owned. It has a history that involves a bear and a fire.
If you want the best deals, head straight for the back where the meat is. Grab some of their local cheese while you're at it. Even if you just go for the bulk spices, it’s worth the trip to Harpersville Road.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
To make your trip worth it, don't just treat it like a quick milk-and-bread run. Take your time. Look at the weird jams. Talk to the butcher.
- Check the "Manager's Specials" in the meat department first.
- Bring your own bags—the heavy-duty ones—because you’re probably going to buy more than you planned.
- Look for the locally made sausages; they’re a local favorite for a reason.
- If you’re a baker, the bulk flour and yeast prices are unbeatable.
Supporting a place like Game’s means the money stays in Newport News. It keeps a 50-year-old legacy alive. Plus, honestly, the bacon just tastes better.