Farmers' Markets Across America – Carolinas
Home to sandy beaches, rolling hills, and some of the finest public universities in the country, the states of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina make for excellent travel destinations year-round. With Seal the Seasons being based in North Carolina, we can attest to the fact that the Carolinas are also a great place to live. Between a vibrant local music scene, nationally-renowned gastronomies, and a wealth of adventures such as trail hiking, fishing, and hunting, the Carolinas are a great place to be for those that are eager to have a taste of urban life in close proximity to outdoor adventures. It also happens to be a part of the country with a smorgasbord of farmers’ markets too. Whether you are admiring the overwhelming number of options at the South Carolina State Farmers’ Market or buying Amish Butter at the Western North Carolina Farmers’ Market, the Carolinas region has something here for everybody.
Virginia
The Charlottesville City Market
Charlottesville, VA
(Spring-Fall) May – November
Serving as the longest-running farmers' market in the hometown of the University of Virginia, The Charlottesville City Market is home to everything from grass-fed meats, veggies and cheeses, to jewelry, pottery, and a wide variety of other arts and crafts. With over 90 independent growers, crafters and artisans, visitors can find anything from Fresh Made Dumplings and local BBQ to locally-blown glass, herbs, flowers, and jam. For a unique taste of the blue ridge, set in one of America's oldest college towns, look no further than the Charlottesville City Market.
Address:
100 Water St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Hours:
Saturday (8:00am - 12:00pm)
The Virginia Beach Farmers' Market
Virginia Beach, VA
Year-Round
Providing high-quality local produce to the Virginia Beach and Norfolk communities, The Virginia Beach Farmers' Market is a year-round location that has been serving the community for over 30 years. While you can find many of your normal things here such as seasonal produce, farm-raised meats, as well as sweets and fresh flowers, the Virginia Beach Farmers' market also has some added amenities such as an organic grocer, a wild bird store, and a butcher shop.
Address:
3640 Dam Neck Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Hours:
Monday - Friday (8:30am - 5:00pm),
Saturday (8:30am - 4pm),
Sunday (10:00am - 4:00pm)
Richmond, VA
(Summer, Fall) April - October
(Winter, Spring) Nov - Apr.
Considered one of the best farmers' markets in the Richmond area, South of the James is a producer-only farmers' market where artisans and farmers sell a host of locally-grown and handmade goods. Stop by for everything from locally made cider, to kombucha, baked goods, ice cream, and bagels. Notably, this farmers’ market also attracts a very wide host of food trucks each weekend as part of its greater presence. The market is open on Saturdays from 9:00am - 12:00pm, and is the perfect complement to your summer weekends.
Address: Bryan Park:
4308 Hermitage Rd.
Richmond, VA 23227
Hours:
Saturday (9:00am - 12:00pm)
North Carolina
The Western North Carolina Farmers Market
Ashville, NC
Year-Round
For those that have never been to, or have never heard of, the Western North Carolina Farmers' Market, this place is truly a treat. Founded in 1977, and overlooking the historic Biltmore Estate on a 36-acre site, the WNC Farmers' market is not only a great place to buy local produce and meat, but it is also one of Ashville’s best locations for finding crafted goods from the local artisans, furniture makers, and more. The WNC market also features a deli with great sandwiches, hot dogs, and ice cream for whenever you get hungry. With two large indoor buildings, the WNC farmers market boasts approximately 38,000 indoor square feet of landscapers, local growers, meat producers, and artisans. One of the surprises of the WNC Farmers' market is the unique wealth of Amish goods that you will find there, and I highly recommend stopping by the market for a large cube of some delicious Amish butter.
Address:
570 Breard Rd.
Ashville, NC 28806
Hours:
Monday - Sunday (8:00am - 5:00pm)
Carrboro, NC
Year-Round
Affiliated Farmers: Mark Lyon (Lyon Farms)
Though the Carrboro Farmers' Market is not as physically imposing as some of the other locations on our list, what it doesn't have in size, it makes up for with variety. Regarded as one of the best farmers' markets in the south according to Southern Living Magazine, the Carrboro farmers' market has been serving the communities of Chapel Hill and Carrboro since 1977 and is one of the few markets that require farm owners to be present during the operating hours of the market. But the market's claim to fame comes from its ability to provide not just high-quality fresh produce, but strange varieties of it that you may never have seen before. Being in close proximity to The University of North Carolina, it’s the place where Seal the Seasons Founder, Patrick Mateer, realized his passion for working with farmers in delivering local produce. The Carrboro Farmers' Market is open year-round, on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm, and on Saturdays from 7:00am - 12:00pm.
Address:
301 W. Main St.
Carrboro, NC 27510
Hours:
Wednesday (3:00pm-6:00pm), Saturday (7:00am-12:00pm)
Durham, NC
(Summer Market) April – Nov,
(Winter Market) Dec.-Mar.
Affiliated Farmers: Mark Lyon (Lyon Farms)
Starting with humble beginnings as a group of young people from SEEDS meeting with a handful of farmers in the area, the Durham Farmers' Market has exploded in popularity since its inception just 20 short years ago. But even though the Durham Farmers' Market is one of the newer marketplaces in the region, that doesn't mean they aren't worth a visit. With over 60 different vendors, farmers, and home crafters, the Durham Farmers' Market is a great destination for any visitors to the city looking for something to do early on a Saturday morning. One of the great things about the market is that it has a strict commitment to local, accepting only people who operate within a 70-mile radius of the market. Be sure to swing by on a sunny weekend to shop the various produce and wares, and while you are there, pick up some delicious berries from our friend—and Seal the Seasons Alum—Mark Lyon, with Lyon Farms. For those interested, the Durham Farmers' Market is open year-round, and if you visit during the summer, be sure to stop by the ballpark and catch a Durham Bulls game!
Address:
The Pavilion at Durham Central Park:
501 Foster St.
Durham, NC 27701
Hours:
Wednesday (3:00pm-6:00pm),
Saturday (8:00am-12:00pm)
South Carolina
The Charleston Farmers' Market
Charleston, SC
Year Round
Located in the historic city of Charleston, SC, The Charleston Farmers Market is another one of the best farmers markets in the south according to Southern Living Magazine, and one of 2008’s top 10 best farmers markets in the nation according to Travel + Leisure Magazine. Open from April-November, the Charleston Farmers' market features a broad assortment of local growers, prepared food, arts and crafts, as well as live performers. Swing by on a sunny Saturday morning to meet the farmers, shop the goods and soak in the local culture in a bustling environment that is part marketplace, and part tourist destination. It is no wonder why it was considered one of the best attractions in the city of Charleston for multiple years!
Address:
Marion Square: 329 Meeting St.
Charleston, SC 29403
Hours:
Monday - Sunday (6:00am - 9:00pm)
Spartanburg, SC
April-December,
April-November (Mobile Market)
The Hub City Farmers' Market is a nonprofit organization that not only provides an incredible farmers market to the community of Spartanburg, SC but also takes the time to teach people how to farm in its half-acre teaching farm, located in the heart of Spartanburg. Alongside providing the community with field trips, classes, and volunteer opportunities to participate on the farm, The Hub City Farmers' Market donates harvested produce from its teaching farm to communities in need. Their approach is a holistic one: along with providing a farmers’ market, educational resources, and food donations, the market also functions as an activist organization—advocating for improving local markets, sustainable local agricultural systems, and positive food policies. Finally, the Hub City Farmers' Market has a mobile market that sells produce at community centers in the area. Whether it is farm-to-table activism, community dinners, or cooking lessons, the Hub City Farmers' market goes above and beyond to serve the Spartanburg community and the greater state of South Carolina. To donate, visit hubcityfm.org.
Address:
248 N. Church St.
Spartanburg, SC 29306
Hours:
Saturday (8:00am - 12:00pm)
The South Carolina State Farmers' Market
West Columbia, SC
Year-Round
As one of the few state-run farmers' markets on our list, the South Carolina State Farmers' market is widely regarded as one of the best places for finding local produce in all of South Carolina. Similar to other markets, the South Carolina State Farmers' market offers a wide variety of specialty products, along with fresh produce, and various artisan goods. The location is open year-round, from 6:00am - 9:00pm, every day of the week.
Address:
3483 Charleston Highway,
West Columbia, SC 29172
Hours:
Monday-Sunday (6:00am - 9:00pm)
