N.C. State Farmer’s Market

Since moving to the area, we’ve noticed that Farmer’s Markets are a big thing around here.  We have the Holly Springs Farmer’s Market, which is open weekly during the spring and summer; they’re open during winter, but it’s bi-weekly.  The town of Apex (just down the road) has the Apex Farmer’s Market during the summer.  Fuquay Varina, a town in the other direction, has their Grower’s Market.

None of these compare to Raleigh’s State Farmer’s Market.  They’re not even close.

The State Farmer’s Market offers building and market space, as well as open air spots for North Carolina farmers to sell fresh produce, plants, and other specialty items produced on local farms.

The Raleigh Farmers Market is one of four regional Farmers Markets owned by the State of North Carolina and operated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  These Farmers Markets are strategically located across the state to serve North Carolina farmers, both large and small.

The Farmer’s Building alone has 30,000 square feet and is filled with freshly baked goods, produce, flowers and plants.  It smells amazing!  We bought a couple of air plants in decorative pots for the house and some produce.

The market space is indoors (read as: warm break from the winter breeze!) and offers seafood, ice cream, canned goods and crafts.  We scooped up some amazing Blackberry jam from The Berry Patch there.

This was our second trip (we went a couple weeks earlier with my Aunt and Uncle while they were in town) and it was only about 40° while we were there.  We had a great time and it was an excellent place to get outdoors, walk around and enjoy time with friends or family, and also pick up some produce or other items that support local farmers and other businesses.