Here Are the Top Farmers Markets in the Triangle
As we enter May, the temperatures are heating up, and Triangle residents are spending more time outdoors. With Memorial Day just around the corner, you may already be thinking about pulling off that perfect backyard barbecue, with homemade potato salad, fresh watermelon and succulent collard greens.
To gather the best ingredients, it’s a great idea to head to your local farmers market. Not only does the food travel shorter distances (and is thus fresher than produce bought in-store), you’re also supporting local farmers and small businessmen and women. For all of these reasons, food from the farmer’s market just seems to taste better.
Don’t know where to go? Here is a list of the top farmers markets in the Triangle.
State Farmers Market (Raleigh)
One of the largest in the state, the State Farmers Market in Raleigh includes 30,000 square feet for North Carolina farmers to sell fresh produce, plants, and other specialty items produced on local farms. Plants are available starting in March and local fruits and vegetables are sold throughout the growing season. This is where you can find the freshest and widest variety of produce and plants in the area.
Location: 1201 Agriculture Street, Raleigh, 27603
Hours: (Year-round) Monday through Saturday 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: Please go here
Pro tip: Head to the Market Shoppes next door for meats, cheeses, crafts, bakery items, custom picture framing, a market grill and N.C. wines.
Chapel Hill Farmers Market (Chapel Hill)
The Chapel Hill Farmers Market was started in April 2008 by Farmers of Orange, a state non-profit organization created for local farmers by local farmers. All farmers and artisans live within 60 miles of Chapel Hill and bring fresh quality produce, value-added farm products and crafts to market year-round.
Location: 201 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, 27514
Hours: Summer Hours (April – November): Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Tuesday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: Please go here
Pro tip: Use the super helpful “What’s in Season” chart to guide your shopping experience so that you walk home with the freshest produce possible.
Carrboro Farmers Market (Carrboro)
The Carrboro Farmers Market is comprised of over 75 market members who sell their locally produced goods each week directly to market shoppers. Vendors sell a wide selection of the highest quality locally grown produce, pasture raised meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, pastries, woodwork, metalwork, pottery, woven rugs, baskets and much more.
Location: 301 West Main Street, Carrboro, 27510
Hours: Summer Hours (April – November): Saturday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Wednesday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: Please go here
Pro tip: The market website has a delicious list of seasonable recipes here, so that you always know what to do with the bundles of fresh produce you bring home.
Durham Farmers Market (Durham)
The Durham Farmers is strongly committed to local products: Every item you see at the market was produced by the people selling it, and it all comes from within 70 miles of the city. Like small farmers and crafters everywhere, the operators believe in raising food sustainably and being good stewards of the environment.
Location: 501 Foster Street, Durham, 27701
Hours: Summer Hours (April – November): Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Wednesday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: Please go here
Pro tip: If you’re struggling to get your younger children on board with healthier eating, try signing them up for the Spouts Kids Club, which will introduce them to fresh produce in a fun (and tasty!) way.
Cary Downtown Farmers Market (Cary)
The Downtown Cary Farmers Market is an integral part of the Cary community and supports and promotes buying from local businesses. The operators believe in the importance of building the relationship between consumers, farmers and the community. That’s why they’ve built a vibrant gathering place where the community has direct access to multiple farmers and unique craftsmen all in one place.
Location: 135 West Chatham Street, Cary, 27511
Hours: Summer Hours (April – November): Saturday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Website: Please go here
Pro tip: Bring the whole family with you when you visit the Cary Downtown Farmers Market! Each week features a kids’ activity, great live music and a host of vendors to engage guests of all ages.
Apex Farmers Market (Apex)
The Apex Farmers Market and Local Food Alliance is a not-for-profit dedicated to being a resource to the town of Apex and surrounding communities. The organization provides educational outreach regarding healthful living and the health and economic benefits of consuming locally grown food and supporting locally produced products, while providing farmers and local producers opportunities to directly market their goods and services.
Location: 220 North Salem Street, Apex, 27502
Hours: Summer Hours (April – November): Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Website: Please go here
Pro tip: Get even closer to your local farmers by volunteering once a month. There are so many ways to get involved, both behind the scenes and on Saturday morning market days.
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