Introduction to the Raleigh Farmers Market
Are you interested in learning about the Raleigh Farmers Market? If so, then you have come to the right place. While many farmers’ markets exist in the cities of America, many are simple outdoor affairs with rows of tables and booths that patrons can walk through, seeing, sampling, and buying from the buckets, crates, baskets, and boxes of local farmers that show up. These do add a nice dimension to the communities that they are in, but the Raleigh Farmers Market is on a whole other scale.
State Ownership and Regional Significance of the Market
The Raleigh Farmers Market is a regional marketplace. The state of North Carolina itself owns it. Four such regional markets operate across the Tarheel State. This particular one is used by North Carolina’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Modern Facilities and Prime Location for Commerce
Like its three counterparts, the Raleigh Farmers Market provides sellers and buyers with a modern, well-maintained facility in a prime location for commerce. The property is divided into the Market Shoppes, the Truckers Building, the Wholesale Terminal, the Market Imports, and several restaurants.
The Farmers Building: A Hub for Local Produce and Specialty Items
The farmer’s building provides 30,000 square feet for the state’s farmers to sell their plants, produce, and locally produced specialty items. Plants start becoming available in March, and locally farmed fruits and veggies are on sale during the growing season. You can find the widest selection of fresh produce here.
Diverse Offerings in the Market Shoppes Building
15,600 square feet of climate controlled and enclosed space is the Market Shoppes building, where you can find produce not just from North Carolina, but across the country. Also find meat, crafts, custom picture framing, state wines, cheese, bakery items, a market grill, and specialty shops with things like lotions, state-centric gifts, old-timey candles, and soaps.
The Truckers Building: A Destination for Volume Buyers
The Truckers Building is a volume buyer mecca with over 15,000 square feet of its own selling space. It is dedicated to high quantities of things like North Carolina cantaloupes, peaches, watermelons, apples, and tomatoes. Global produce is also sold and traded here.
The Wholesale Terminal: Supplying Produce to Various Outlets
The Wholesale Terminal is where much of the produce from the Triangle area is bought, where five wholesalers supply roadside markets, restaurants, grocery stores, and other institutions.
Market Imports: A Treasure Trove of Unique Items
Market Imports features over two acres of pottery, stone, furniture, trellises, fountains, distinct architectural elements, pots, water features, ironwork, teak, and a wide variety of miscellaneous yet fascinating arts and crafts from around the state, nation, and world.
Dining Options at the Raleigh Farmers Market
Three restaurants, including a grill and seafood restaurant, sit on the property to satisfy the appetites of those stimulated at the sight of so much delicious food. Hours sometimes align with the larger market, though. The Raleigh Farmers Market is open seven days a week, from 5 in the morning, Monday through Saturday, and 8 in the morning on Sundays until 6 in the evening every day of the week.
Visiting the NCDA&CS Raleigh Farmers Market
Ronnie Best manages the NCDA&CS Raleigh Farmers Market. Find the map and directions online or through GPS by putting in 1201 Agriculture Street, Raleigh, NC, 27603. If you have questions, call the market at 919.733.4717.