North Carolina Farmers Market – a cornucopia of summer’s bounty

Johnston County produce - from just up the road

Tucked away in the shadow of the urban Raleigh skyline just out of reach of the bustle of city life is a hub of country commerce – the North Carolina Farmers Market. The Raleigh State Farmers Market offers fruits, produce, flowers, plants and other specialty items in season and fresh off the farms of North Carolina. It’s the ultimate farm stand and a beacon of a longtime farm-to-market tradition well before “buying local” was trendy.

In addition to the farmers building where North Carolina farmers bring the fruits of their labors fresh daily, the 75-acre facility boasts restaurants, a garden center and specialty shops selling uniquely North Carolina gifts and treats such as honey, peanuts, barbecue sauces, ciders, jellies, hams, pickles and more.  

In the fall, it’s the perfect place to pick up a pumpkin and some fresh apples.

In the winter, it’s a great place to get a freshly cut North Carolina Christmas tree or wreath, but come summer, it’s the colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables that are the main attraction.

In June, the Farmers Market is a cornucopia of fresh peaches, eggplant, corn, peppers, squashes, onions, okra, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, watermelons, sweet potatoes, snap beans and red, green and yellow tomatoes. Today, I brought home peaches, blueberries, corn and cucumbers. Treat yourself to a summer visit to the NC Farmers Market in Raleigh. 

Mary Virginia Swain

Located at Lake Wheeler Road and Agriculture Street

Fresh corn still in the husk.

Silver Queen Corn

A checkerboard of grape tomatoes.

Fresh from the watermelon patch.

Snap beans

Farmers Market

Squash, onions, cucumbers

Tomatoes

Fresh blueberries are in season.

Fresh corn straight off the truck.

Okra

A rainbow of vegetables

Colorful eggplants

The signature farm signs are a slice of old Americana.

Multi-media sign from Meadow features a John Deere tractor.

Sweet potatoes

Yellow squash

The State Farmers Market is open Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The market is located at 1201 Agriculture Street off of Lake Wheeler Road. And, don’t forget to thank a farmer today as well as the farm workers who labor to put this beautiful food on our tables.

Click on any photo for a slide show of larger images.