I am so excited about this time of year. I yearn for the warmer weather because it brings one of my favorite activities, Farmers Markets! I tend to like the smaller, local farmer’s markets. I enjoy knowing where my produce comes from and a chance to meet the growers is pretty cool. I can always go to the grocery store and buy organic veggies from another country. Unfortunately, I have seen organic from elsewhere at some of the markets. There is some controversy to which is best, local or organic. Well you can find both at several of these markets, so it becomes a win-win for me. A store bought tomato has nothing on a fresh locally grown tomato. At this time of year, I begin salivating over the thought of fresh tomatoes and berries. Okay enough salivating, back to the markets.
Going to a Farmer’s Market is a great way to start a Saturday morning. Make it a family affair, take the kids. Mine love going to the markets. They love learning about the produce and where it comes from. Sometimes there are kid focused activities, live music, etc. If you can’t grow your own then you need to go these markets and support our local farmers. You will not be disappointed!
Charlotte Farmer’s Market Yorkmont Road
Not open Monday – Saturday 8am-6pm and opens on Sundays in May from 12:30pm -6pm.
One of the largest in NC since it is run by the NC Department of Agriculture. This farmers market should have just about all you need. A variety of produce and you can get a real deal on flowers!
Tailgate Market South End
This is a fabulous market that moved to South End last year. They will open for 2009 on April 25th at 9:00 am. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays. Plants, vegetables, herbs, eggs, dairy, baked goods, honey, flowers, grass fed and pasture meats, chocolates, soaps, candles, jewelry and more. No chemicals or pesticides here. Local and sustainable.
Davidson Farmers Market
Opening day is May 2nd. 8am- 12 noon every Saturday
This is an awesome market full of local growers and artisans. Definitely worth a trip from Charlotte. They even have a Growing Kids Market where junior growers sell vegetables that they have grown in their OWN garden. Kids need to have a parent present. Free booth rental for these kiddos.
Kings Drive Farmers Market
April- October 7am- 7pm. Tuesdays, Friday,
Limited parking- Corner of Morehead and Kings Drive
Lots of veggies, fruits, baked goods and plants. Last year they even had an all natural barbecue stand. Sorry, I can’t remember the name but it smelled and looked FAB!
Matthews Community Farmers Market
Opened April 11th . Open every Saturday at 7:15 AM from now until November. Get there early or they will run out! One of my favorites, if not my favorite market. Fabulous fruits, vegetables, pottery, plants, soaps, baked goods, etc. They have the most spectacular variety of tomatoes. Some I have never even heard of before. Grab a coffee there and then head to Renfro’s Hardware to check out the baby chicks if they have them. The boys love this! Oh, and they have all kinds of fun crafts, (for kids too), and cooking demonstrations. Live music – need I say more????????
Mecklenburg County Market
Open year long. Wednesdays and Saturdays 7am –1pm. Located directly behind Carolinas Medical Center. This is the oldest market in North Carolina founded in 1935. You will find local and organic produce in season, vegetarian items, soups, quiches, salads, chili’s, lasagnas, pies, cobblers, dips and more.
Mint Hill Farmers Market
May through September
Saturdays 8am-12pm
Huntersville Main and Maxwell Farmers Market
Open May – October 7am- 1pm.
Lots of great local produce, baked goods and plants.
Waxhaw Farmer’s Market
Open now through October. Tuesdays 3 pm-6pm and Saturdays 9am-3pm
Highway 16
Check out the Tailgate Farmers Market website for the top ten reasons to eat local.
There is also a produce stand on Sardis heading down towards Highway 51 going towards Matthews. I don’t know the name but they have some yummy stuff there as well as good prices. Please let us know if there are other markets/stands you would recommend!
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2 comments
There is a produce stand at the gas station on Ballantyne Commons Pkway and Providence Road. Most of their stuff is local. There is also a stand up in Mooresville on Williamson Road near 150. They also have local produce as well as fresh fish from the NC coast.
There is a brand new farmers market at the intersection of Ardrey Kell and Marvin roads in Ballantyne. It will take place every Tuesday from 4pm – ?