North Carolina Farmer's Market

If you're looking for something fun and inexpensive for the whole family to do on a semi-regular basis, why not check out the North Carolina's State Farmer's Market in Raleigh, NC? It's packed full of all kinds of tasty treats, not just vegetables. Sure, there is plenty of fresh, local produce, but that's not all.

The State Farmer's Market includes the Farmers Building, 30,000 square feet of the freshest fruits and vegetables that local farmers have to offer. You can find several varieties of peaches, egg plant, corn, beans, melons, grapes, tomatoes, onions, squash, greens, trees, flowers, decorative plants, bird house gourds and much more. You can also check out the Market Shoppes, a 15,000 square foot, climate controlled building featuring dozens of small shop offering a variety of locally made goods, including wines, cheeses, juices, jams, soaps, lotions, baked goods, meats, old fashioned candies and a market grill, just to name a few. You'll also find that several of the shoppes offer free samples to those wishing to try something new before they buy it. I recommend the fresh grape juice slushes.

If you're in the market, as it were, for larger quantities, stop in at the Truckers Building. Sellers here deal in large volumes of apples, melons, peaches and tomatoes from North Carolina and around the world. Own a restaurant or grocery store? Then stop in at the Wholesale Terminal, where most of the produce in the Triangle area is purchased.

Now that your grocery bags are packed full of goodies, head on over to Market Imports. There you can find thousands of unique items from over a dozen countries to add that extra special flair to your home or garden. Market Imports has been offering North Carolinians a wide variety of furniture, fountains, statuary, topiary forms, iron work, pottery and stone items since 2007. No matter what your tastes, you're sure to find something that catches your eye.

And what better way to end a fun day of shopping, tasting and exploring than with a delicious meal. There are 3 appetizing choices here. The Market Grill offers traditional breakfast and lunch items. The State Farmers Market Restaurant offers fresh country cooking. But my favorite, by far, is the Seafood Restaurant. I have sampled seafood at several places in 13 states across the country, and I can tell you that the Seafood Restaurant at the State Farmers Market in North Carolina is one of the best I've ever had. The food is prepared and cooked right in front of you, in one of the cleanest kitchens I've ever seen. The prices are very reasonable. The food is excellent, rivaling City Island in New York. The flounder is to die for, and I usually don't like flounder. The shrimp is cooked perfectly, and everything I have tried has been delicious. By the way, you won't find any fancy china or silver here. Your food comes to you in a Styrofoam box, picnic style, perfect for eating at one of their outdoor picnic tables. Big portions, tasty grub and relaxed atmosphere make this place a must see at the market.

In short, if you're looking for something new to do with family, check out the North Carolina State Farmers Market. Here's a rundown of the when and where you can enjoy all of this classic, Carolina fun.

State Farmers Market
1201 Agriculture Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919)733-7417
Mon-Sat: 5am-6pm
Sunday: 8am-6pm
http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/index.htm

Market Imports
1208 Agriculture Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
Open 7 days a week
9am-5pm
www.market-imports.com

Market Grill
Monday - Saturday
7:30am-5pm
(919)828-8367

State Farmers Market Restaurant
Mon-Sat: 6am-3pm
Sunday: 8am-3pm
(919)755-1550
www.ncsfmr.com

Seafood Restaurant
Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm
(919)833-4661
www.ncseafood.com