Fall is finally here, and that means the regional farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax and Raleigh are full of pumpkins. But, that’s not all. Read on to see what’s available at the market near you.
WNC Farmers Market, Asheville – The apple season in the mountains is in full swing with many varieties available at the WNC Farmers Market. Also, the pumpkins are coming in more plentiful with all sizes, shapes and colors. The market has a good selection of the specialty pumpkins like the Cinderella and One too Many along with the very large pumpkins. In addition to the apples and pumpkins, the market has tomatoes, peppers of many varieties, fall squash, cabbage, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, Asian pears, muscadine grapes and much more. The Retail Shoppes are gearing up for the fall leaf season, with lots of fresh produce, crafts, local cheese, N.C. wines, local honey, homemade fudge, essential oils and seafood.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Charlotte – In addition to pumpkins, the Charlotte market has a great selection of apples, grapes, muscadines, plums, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, beans, peppers, leafy greens, onions, squash, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Also be on the lookout for local honey, various meats, eggs, fish, cut flowers, nursery plants, baked goods and handmade crafts.
SPECIAL EVENT: Saturday, Sept. 26, is Johnny Appleseed Day at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Vendors will be passing out free apple recipes as well as selling tasty treats made with apples. There are more than 12 varieties of apples at the market with more on the way. Come to the market and fall in love with apples.
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax – The Triad market has a great supply of pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors. There are also a lot of mums for fall planting, and several varieties of N.C. grown apples. Triad farmers are still supplying a good selection of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash and okra.
UPCOMING EVENT: On Saturday, Oct. 3, the market will host the Piedmont Antique Power Association’s Tractor Show, featuring a sea of antique tractors and farming equipment.
State Farmers Market, Raleigh – The State Farmers Market is open seven days a week, and has lots of pumpkins, mums, gourds, and other items needed for fall decorations such as corn stalks and bales of straw. They also have fall vegetable plants, pansies, shrubbery, perennials and herbs for fall planting. In addition, you’ll find several varieties of apples including Honey Crisp, Fuji, Cameo, Rome, Golden and Red Delicious, and Gala, just to name a few. Other items include muscadine grapes, fresh apple cider, dried apples, peanuts, collards and other greens, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. There’s still a few peaches, watermelons, cantaloupes and peppers, but there won’t be for long.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Thursday, Oct. 1, the market will celebrate Apple Day. On Saturday, Oct. 3, WPTF’s “Weekend Gardener” show will broadcast live from the market. And, Thursday, Oct. 8, the market will host its annual Decorated Pumpkin Contest.