Farmers markets are full of peaches, watermelons and all the fixings to make your Fourth of July fantastic.
This Independence Day weekend, look for a lot of fresh produce at your regional farmers market. All four of the state-operated farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax and Raleigh will be open on the Fourth of July. Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, be sure to stop by and enjoy the bounty of North Carolina products available. Check out the list below to see what’s available at your regional market:
WNC Farmers Market, Asheville – The WNC Farmers Market has a great selection of watermelons and cantaloupes. Fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes, Vidalia onions and local cheeses will make a great addition to those grilled hamburgers and hot dogs this weekend. Also, peaches are coming in daily along with cucumbers, bell peppers in various colors, squash, eggplants and early local apples. For the table arrangements, fresh-cut sunflowers are now on the market, along with a good variety of other flowering plants to choose from. The Retail Shoppes include all the fresh fruits and vegetables, along with seafood, beekeeping supplies, jams, jellies, local eggs and handcrafted items. Also, the new homemade Ice Cream Shop is open in Market Shoppe A. The award-winning Moose Café is open every day of the week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Charlotte – Area farmers will have a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables including blackberries, blueberries, peaches, plums, asparagus, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, herbs, leafy greens, peppers, onions, tomatoes, squash, sweet potatoes, white potatoes and zucchini. Also be on the lookout for locally made honey, meat for grilling, cut flowers, nursery plants, fresh eggs and seafood. Market vendors also will have baked goods, salsas and handmade crafts available all weekend.
Upcoming Event: Next Friday, July 10, the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day with free watermelon samples and a visit from the N.C. Watermelon Queen. The market also will be celebrating National Teddy Bear Tea Party Day by encouraging visitors to bring a teddy bear with them to Watermelon Day for donations. Teddy bears will be collected by Turnaround Toys and distributed to local children in need. Click here for event flier.
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax – The market has a wide range of local produce. The list includes freestone peaches, heirloom tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, onions, potatoes, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, string beans, corn, eggplant, peas, honey, herbs, goat cheese, plums, cabbage, turnips, beets, lettuce, apples, meats and more. You can also find specialty products like goat milk soap, and there’s still a good supply of bedding plants, hanging baskets, shrubbery, trees, potted plants and cut flowers.
Upcoming Event: Next Friday, July 10, is Blueberry Day at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market. There will be plenty of blueberries available for purchase from local farmers, and guests can enjoy free samples of a blueberry dessert from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
State Farmers Market, Raleigh – The State Farmers Market is open all weekend with the best selection from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in our retail shopping areas. The market has all that is needed for your 4th of July cookouts. There’s an abundant supply of farm fresh, summer produce such as sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, peaches, squash, field peas, cucumbers, blueberries, peppers, eggplants and more. Freestone peaches are coming in now, as well as seeded and seedless watermelons. There are also some of the heirloom varieties of tomatoes coming in such as Cherokee Purple and German Johnson. Canning tomatoes are also available by the box. It is a great time to freeze corn as it is available in large quantities, and there are several varieties to choose from including Silver Queen. There is still a great selection of plants and flowers available to help spruce up the summer landscape, including perennials, hanging baskets, herbs, succulents, shrubbery and many other potted plants. Crape Myrtles are also popular right now as they are in bloom. A large selection of N.C. farm-raised meats are available including beef, pork, chicken, lamb and bison. Fresh N.C. seafood, cheeses, and wines are also available.
Upcoming Event: Next Thursday, July 9, the State Farmers Market will host its annual Peach Day featuring a peach-dessert contest. Chefs of all ages are encouraged to enter the contest for a chance at bragging rights and prize money. Details for the contest are available here. Those not entering the contest, can still participate in the Peach Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with free peach ice cream samples and a visit from the N.C. Peach Queen. Click here for event flier.