The season has changed to fall, and with it comes a bounty of fall harvest to local farmers markets. You’ll find a variety of apples, pumpkins and other fall produce at the state-operated farmers markets in Asheville, Colfax, Charlotte, Raleigh and Lumberton this weekend. In addition, there are a few special events to kick off the fall season. Here’s what’s going on at a farmers market near you:
- WNC Farmers Market: The Asheville market will host an apple tasting Friday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by to sample some of the 40 varieties of apples grown in North Carolina.
- Piedmont Triad Farmers Market: The market will have a great selection of mountain-grown apples, apple butter and apple pies this weekend. There also will be muscadine and scuppernong grapes, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, as well as mums and pansies in the garden shed.
- Charlotte Regional Farmers Market: If you want the best in local produce, make sure to get your shopping done Friday or Saturday because the Charlotte market will be closed Sundays until May. Pumpkins and apples are both coming in strong at the market, and visitors will find fall plants and trees. There also is a small amount of peaches and collards available.
- State Farmers Market: There are plenty of apples available in the market. In addition, you’ll find a variety of late-summer and fall produce such as grapes, squash and pumpkins.
- Southeastern N.C. Farmers Market: In Lumberton, vendors will be on hand this weekend selling squash, apples, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.
Fall also is a great time to visit area farms, many of which open their doors for hay rides, pick-your-own pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Check out the department’s site for a listing of agritourism locations near you.