Eastern NC Farmers Need Your Support

Fresh-picked Strawberries. Photo: Vollmer Farm, Bunn NC.
Fresh-picked Strawberries. Photo: Vollmer Farm, Bunn NC.

By Kay Whatley, Editor

Local farmers need support from their communities to survive, or thrive. Shopping at a farmers market near you helps to get money into the hands of farmers — helping them each take care of their family and farm, and giving them sustenance to the next planting year.

Farmers markets are an important part of local agriculture. They draw shoppers who come to buy from the farmers and local artisans, and this keeps the farmers market open, helping connect farmers to customers.

So before you do your weekly family shopping, stop by your local farmers market and pick up some of what you need. Many offer organic, locally grown produce that may be fresher than goods in a grocery store’s produce aisle… especially since many groceries have produce shipped in and on display several days after picking.

Eastern NC Farmers Markets

Farmers Market listings include contact information or a link. While efforts have been made to list 2016 hours and days, confirming a market is open before going may be a good idea.  Occasionally, markets are closed when other events are going on around their town.

Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market — S Lake Park Blvd at Atlanta Avenue, Carolina Beach NC (New Hanover County) — Saturdays, 8am-1pm, May-October — carolinabeachfarmersmarket.com.

Clayton Farm and Community Market — Horne Square, 348 E Main Street, Clayton NC (Johnston County) — Saturdays, 9am-1pm, April-October — Online at www.cfcmnc.org.

Downtown Waterfront Market — Mariner’s Warf Park, Elizabeth City NC — Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May-October — Call 252.331.2940 or visit www.downtownwaterfrontmarket.com.

Goldsboro Farmers Market — Herman Park, Goldsboro NC (Wayne County) — Wednesdays & Fridays, 8am-6pm, May-November — Online at goldsboroparksandrec.com/farmers-market.

Knightdale Farmers Market — Knightdale Station, 810 S Main Street, Knightdale NC (Wake County) — Open Saturdays, 10am-2pm, May-October — Contact via the market manager’s email.

New Bern Farmer’s Market — 421 South Front Street, New Bern NC (Craven County) — Saturdays, 8am-2pm — Online at www.newbernfarmersmarket.org.

North Carolina State Farmers Market — 1201 Agriculture Street, Raleigh NC (Wake County) — Mondays-Saturdays, 6pm-3pm & Sundays, 8am-3pm — Visit www.statefarmersmarket.org.

Old Beaufort Farmers Market — On the grounds of the Carteret County Courthouse, 300 Courthouse Square, Beaufort NC — Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm, April-November — Call 252.564.8822.

Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market — At City Plaza, 400 Block of Fayetteville Street, Raleigh NC — Wednesdays, 10am-2pm, May-September — Visit www.RaleighEatLocal.com.

Riverfront Farmers’ Market — 2 N Water Street & Ogden Park, Wilmington NC ( County) — Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-1pm, April-November —  www.wilmingtondowntown.com/events/farmers-market.

Rocky Mount Farmers Market: Wednesday Market — 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC (Nash County) — Wednesdays, 8am-1pm, June-August — Call 252.407.7920 or email.

Rocky Mount Farmers Market: Saturday Market — 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount NC (Nash County) — Saturdays, 8am-1pm, April-November — Call 252.407.7920 or email.

Uptown Greenville Umbrella Market — Five Points Plaza, Greenville NC (Pitt County) — Wednesdays, 5-8pm, May-August — Call 252.561.8400 or visit www.uptowngreenville.com.

Vance County Regional Farmers Market — 210 Southpark Drive, Henderson NC (Vance County) — Saturdays, 7:30am-1pm — Call 252.438.8188 or visit vance.ces.ncsu.edu/vance-county-regional-farmers-market.

Washington Farmers Market — 401 Stewart Pkwy, Washington NC (Beaufort County) — Saturdays, 8am-noon, April-October — Call 252.946.3969 or visit www.washingtononthewater.com.

Wendell Farmers Market — 3700 Wendell Blvd, Wendell NC (Wake County) — Open Saturdays, 8am-noon, May-October — The market manager’s telephone number is 919.374.8115.

Wendell Yellow Dog Farm’s Roadside Produce Stand — 1705 Eagle Road Road in Wendell NC — Open Saturdays,9am-noon. (open other days too – Article)

Wilson Farmers Market: Wednesday Market — 207 W Green Street, Wilson NC (Wilson County) — Wednesdays, 8:30am-1pm, April-August — Call 252.237.0111.

Wilson Farmers Market: Saturday Market —  Wilson County Fairgrounds, Hwy 301, Wilson NC (Wilson County) — Saturdays, 7:30am-noon, April-August — Call 252.237.0111.

Zebulon Farm Fresh Market — Held on the grounds of the Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon NC (Wake County) — Open Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May-October — Contact Market Manager Maurine Brown at 919.823.0432 or email.

Unfortunately, the Tarboro-Edgecombe Farmers Market is closed this 2016 season. According to the county extension, there are several roadside stands in the area with fresh, local produce. Perhaps the closed-status of this farmers market can serve as a reminder of how important it is to support local farmers markets. Use them or lose them!

Area Farms — with Markets or Farmers Market Spots

Farms listed below either participate in a farmers market, or have a farm store. Nurseries and bee-keepers are also included. Where possible, contact information or a link has been included. Since farm products change throughout the seasons, contacting a farm may allow shoppers to find out what is available or about-to-be harvested. Some farmers market lists are not included/not listed online. Let the editor know if a farm is missing.

  • Autumn Farms Nursery (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Bee’s Knees (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Bennett Vineyards (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Breads by Rosetta (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Bruce Coley  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) — 919.988.3455 — Fruit & Vegetables
  • Cactus Man (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Campbell Lane Seasonal Produce (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Candor Peaches (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market)
  • Carolina Dream Designs (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — www.carolinadreams.com
  • Carolina Legacy (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — carolinalegacyfarms.com
  • Clayton Bakery and Cafe (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — www.claytonbakery.com
  • Clover C Farm — Bunn NC area (Franklin County) — 117 Cheves Road, Bunn NC — Call 919.496.2575.
  • Cooke Family Farms (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Crazy Lady Fresh Produce (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market)
  • Creekside Farm (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — www.creeksidefarmberries.com
  • Crystal’s Treasures (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — www.crystalstreasures.com
  • Deans Farm Market — Wilson NC (Wilson County) — 4231 NC Highway 42 W, Wilson NC — Call 252.237.0967.
  • Donald Ballard  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) — Shrimp, fish, crab legs, & other fresh seafood
  • Farm to Table Produce & Flowers (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Farmer and the Dail (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Fig Leaf Nursery (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Frank Aanenson, Sr.  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) — 919.759.0284 — Eggs
  • Garden Glory (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Harvey Hills Farm (vendor at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market) — Oxford NC — www.harveyhillsfarm.com.
  • Heaven Scent Honey (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Raw honey and honey products
  • Hinnant’s Farm Produce (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Homegrown Agriculture (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Honeycutt’s Produce Baskets (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market)
  • H.O.P.E. Farms and Learning Centers (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • In Good Heart Farm (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — www.bensproduce.blogspot.com
  • Jamela Lrato  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) – – 919.273.3022 — Baked goods, organic herbs, spices, & accessories
  • Jim and Cheryl’s Beeyard (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • John Romeo  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) — Pork skins, handmade soap, vegetables, & ginger tea
  • Keller Bee Yard (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Kim Harrell  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) — 919.394.3705 — Tomatoes, Vegetable Plants, Flowers — Email Kim Harrell
  • Kirk Holland  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) — 919.921.0061 — Honey, eggs, vegetables, fruit, baked goods, jellies, relish
  • Let it Grow Farm (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — See their Facebook page
  • Lili’s Sweet Shop (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Cupcakes, cake pops, candy apples, candied popcorn, cookies
  • Lilly Rose Farm (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market)
  • Medora Farms (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Pork products and produce
  • Moore’s Produce Farm (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Nancy Jo’s Homemade (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — www.nancyjoshomemade.com
  • Nancy Thomas  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) — 919.988.0712 — Baked Goods, Plants, Jewelry & Accessories — Email Nancy Thomas
  • Olde Country Produce (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market)
  • Organic Plants and More (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Our Greene Acre (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Paloma Falls Soap Company (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — See their Facebook page
  • Popcorn Shanty (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market)
  • Ray Family Farms — Louisburg NC (Franklin County)
  • Renston Garden Market (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Richardson Family Farms (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Sara Morgan  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) — 919.778.1317 — Vegetables, fruits, eggs, jellies
  • Shamrock’s Buzzy Bee (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — www.shamrocksbuzzybee.com
  • Smith’s Farm and Nursery (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — smithsnurseryinc.com
  • Spring Run Market (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Stone Ridge Farm Market (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Sunrise to Sunset Cut Flowers and Baskets (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market)
  • Sweet Synergy (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Cakes, cookies, pies
  • Toad Song Farm (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) — www.toadsongfarm.com
  • Vollmer Farm — Bunn NC (Franklin County)
  • Wade Cole  (vendor at the Goldsboro Farmers Market) — 919.920.3355 — Vegetables & Fruit
  • White House Black Angus Beef (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Wisdom with Honey (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Wood Family Farm (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market) —woodfamilyfarmnc.com
  • Wreaths & Bread by Rosetta (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market)  — Breads and desserts

Local Artisans and Concessions Participating in Farmers Markets

Hand-made and home-made goods are available from Eastern NC artisans and crafters. Where possible, contact information or a link is included so shoppers may contact these local producers directly to find out what they have for sale — or possibly objects that they offer made-to-order. Food providers and other vendors are included here.

  • Alan Grier (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • All Good Naturals (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • A’nets Katch (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — fresh seafood (concession, not a farm)
  • Annie P’s Soy Candles (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) –
  • Back Creek Soaps (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Bangolz  (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Beasley Ceramics (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Becky’s Painted Glass (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Bliss and Blossom Massage (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Scrubs, body butters, foot splashes, oils, and massagesChelsea Celeste Design & Photography (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Monogrammed items, posters, photos, and more
  • Carolina Recycled Granite (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Cheek To Cheek Face Painting (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Christopher Lew (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Crysbrites Closet (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Dragonfly Daze (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market) — soy candles
  • Early Literacy Coation (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • East Carolina Massage (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Elusive specimens (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • ENC Stop Human Trafficking (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Epoch and Fanouflage (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Fire Fly Garden (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Hanging baskets
  • Frog Heaven Pottery (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • G & H Concessions (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Shaved ice, cotton candy, candy apples
  • GoodStuff Juicess LLC (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • hodgepodge (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Iria Yarn Company (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Hand spun yarn and yarn products
  • kayakdesigns.net (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Kona Ice of Greenville (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • lil babycakes (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Little Lovelies Studio (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Mackeys Ferry Peanuts & Gifts (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Mary Anne’s Creative Chaos (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Nathan Simeone’s Pottery and Arts (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Nina Nena Beauty (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Soaps, lotion, lip balms
  • Out on a Limb (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Small wood products
  • Patty Cakes (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Peachesncream natural soaps (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Pigs on Wire (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Custom paintings on reclaimed wood
  • Pitt County Health Department (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Rachel K’s Bakery (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Recycled Garden Art (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Road Out of Here Jewelry (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Rocking Horse Designs (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Hair bows, baby blankets, appliqued towels & shirts, and more
  • Romeo Creations (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Snow’s Wood Projects (vendor at the Wendell Farmers Market)
  • Southside Farms (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Starlight Farm / Cafe (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Sup Dogs (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Taylor Meadows Ceramics (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • The Asparagus Ranch (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • The Bath Place (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • The Burner (vendor at the Clayton Farm and Community Market)
  • The Fun of It All (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • The Gardens at Rock Springs (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • The 2 Dawg Kitchen (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • TInk & Twist (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Jewelry, wine charms, wine stoppers, key chains, decorative items
  • Tip-toe Boutique (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Tyson creek studio (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Uptown Chic Creations (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Vanilla Bean Bake Shoppe (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Vivian MacQueen (vendor at the Greenville market)
  • Wreaths & Bread by Rosetta (vendor at the Knightdale Farmers Market) — Wreaths and birdhouses
  • ZuZu’s Artisan Jewelry (vendor at the Greenville market) — Mary S. Burchfiel

 

 

 

 

 

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About Kay Whatley 2309 Articles
Kay Whatley serves as Editor and Reporter with The Grey Area News. Kay is a published author with over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. Kay Whatley is wife to Frank Whatley, founder of The Grey Area™ newspaper and The Grey Area News online news website.