State Farmers Market: Got to be NC

So the slogan goes, “When you want the best, it’s got to be NC agriculture.” That applies to all of the local produce, poultry, beef, pork, seafood, dairy products, peanuts, herbs, flowers, plants and trees you can imagine.  And all of these items and more can be found seven days a week at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh.    

Encompassing nearly 75 acres just off of Lake Wheeler Rd., the State Farmers Market is one of the largest farmers markets in the state.  Owned by the state and operated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, the market is populated with over 100 permanent vendors stationed within five buildings, servicing both individual shoppers and wholesale volume buyers with their products. 

Regular visitors to the market become very familiar with their favorite vendors to frequent, but shopping the market is as much of an excursion for fun as it is for purpose.  Avoid going when you are in a hurry.  Instead, set aside time to wander from booth to booth, sampling produce and cheeses, admiring the assortment colorful veggies, and taking the time to chat with the vendors.  The prices generally beat what you’d find at the typical chain grocery store, the in-season selection is abundant, and you are directly supporting a local farmer’s effort.   

Weekends are especially popular times at the market when hundreds of folks head to the State Farmers Market Restaurant (www.ncsfmr.com) for a down-home country breakfast or lunch, and then walk it off while perusing the multiple booths in the different buildings.

The Farmers Building is an open-air, sheltered facility housing 30,000 square feet of locally grown, seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants and flowers from farms in nearby counties.  The Market Shoppes building is a 15,600 square foot climate controlled space that houses meats, cheeses, baked goods, North Carolina wines, ice-cream, nuts, and old-fashioned candies, among other specialty items.  And then there’s the Market Imports area that features ironwork, fountains, pottery, furniture and more from all parts of the world.  

In addition to the massive State Farmers Market, there are a number of other abbreviated markets held on certain days throughout the Raleigh area.  Unless you have your own garden, once you try a local grower’s batch of peaches, tomatoes, berries, oriental vegetables, or fresh green beans, incorporating a visit to your nearest local farmers market may very well become a part of your weekly routine.  For a list of area markets, visit www.ncfarmfresh.com/directory.

HelloRaleigh Tip:  There are always deals to be had at the market.  On Tuesdays, Wells Pork and Beef, found inside the Market Shoppes, offers a 50% off markdown on select beef.  Their farm-raised cows are grass-fed and hormone free.   

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