SPRING….Means Farmer’s Markets to Our Family!

So when spring hits, our family likes to go early to Saturday Farmer’s Markets.  The advantage of living in Wake county & Durham county is that there are so many that you can visit regularly.  And that is awesome!  Picture this, you and a loved one maybe, along with your dog (you know me) jump in the car while it’s still cool outside and take off for one of these destinations.  For us, the Wake Forest Farmer’s Market is only a short 5 minute drive.  And we love the Wake Forest Farmer’s Market.  But we also have other favorites that take a little effort to get to….but the bounty is worth it!

Let's start with that Wake Forest Farmer's market.  It has led a unique life.  At one time or another the market has existed in every parking lot in downtown Wake Forest!  Featuring soap-makers, cheesemakers, farmers, crafters, bakers, and artists!  They all come from within 50 miles of Wake Forest.  Local is good!  Located right behind town hall on Taylor Street, parking is plentiful.  Ozzy (our dog) likes this one as it is a short drive from home!  The large majority of of farm products are raised in way that makes many happy...using environmental sustainable agriculture methods.  Brogden Farm, Heaven Scent Honey and Shrooms2Grow are just a few of the featured vendors.  

A short drive down Rogers Road will bring to a sister town to Wake Forest, Rolesville.  Opened in 2014 the Rolesville Farmers Market is cute stop by for busy folks on a Saturday.  Offering hand made goods, great baked goodies and a variety of North Carolina raised produce it can be located between 10AM and noon at 410 Southtown Circle.  

When you travel into Raleigh your options for bountiful farmers markets become...well...bountiful!  Whether they are neighborhood markets or one of the 2 large markets your choices, Raleigh Home Buyers, are incredible.  Everyone knows about the State Farmers Market of course, but do you know about the Midtown Farmers Market?  Located at The Commons at North Hills.  The actual address is 4150 Main at North Hills St.  Also a 10AM to noon timeframe it is a great place to grab meat, eggs, baked goods, fresh flowers and so much more.  A more metro feel to a farmer's market it is a fun stop.

As Keith Jackson, the famous sports announcer, used to say... The Grandaddy of them all! That is how I would describe The State Farmers Market.  WOW!  Go see this one even if Farmers Markets aren't your thing.  I won't list all that can be found there... my fingers would fall off!  LOL. They even offer a wholesale market.  Want a Christmas Tree?  The best maters (that's tomatoes to the rest of America)?  There is one place that I will recommend though... The State Farmers Market Restaurant!  Soooo good for a "North Carolina" meal.  Located at 1201 Agriculte St. is open daily from 9AM to 5PM.  

A quick run down Rt. 1 to Cary takes you to the Cary Downtown Farmer's Market.  It can be found in the heart of Cary at 135 West Chatham St.  This market works to have all products that are raised/grown within 100 miles of Cary.  Open from 9AM to noon.  This author must admit that we do not have first hand experience at this market but the word is that it is well attended!

Our favorite market though?  While it is a bit of a drive... We love jumping in the car and head to Durham for the Durham Farmers Market!  Ozzy loves this one the most.  They have a few trails across the street and they have a great field!  Always other dogs to meet too!  The line of food trucks providing warm coffee, slices of pie among other goodies make arriving or leaving a little more fun.  The market itself offers so much!  We have purchased something from nearly every vendor there!  Chapel Hill Creamery is always a favorite stop for some local cheese!  We have purchased local honey, meat, produce (GREAT PRODUCE!), bread, eggs, beer, soap, crafts, kombucha and even mead!  Sooo good.  Located at the Pavilion at Durham Central Park.  501 Foster St.  Open Saturdays 10AM to noon this is a must stop!    

Okay Okay....there is one more hidden gem.  While we don't get there often there is a great market in Carboro, NC that you have to see.  That's a #protip