Farmers Markets

trainlady · #1 (**permalink**) 06-10-2005, 11:56 AM

Do you have a good Farmers market near where you live?
Do you do any of your grocery shopping there?

I think the best Farmers Market, of all the places I have lived, was in Dallas!! Awesome place, has been in business for many, many years!!!

We have a wonderful one downtown (5 minutes away) every Saturday. It's small, made up of local farmers but everything is really fresh and good.
What are some good buys at your markets?
This week I bought peaches, tomatoes and corn!!

hugs,train

**ajrsmom** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2005, 12:07 PM

I have been to the Triad Farmers Market here in NC. So far, I have to say that Im not really impressed with their fruits and veggies.

Im still looking for a GREAT place to buy fresh fruits and veggies. We stumbled across a strawberry stand one day last month and found the best strawberries that I have ever tasted!!

We went back and bought lots more to freeze too.

apricot · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2005, 06:37 AM

We have three farmer's markets during the week. One is on Wednesdays inside the mall. The second is on Thursday in the downtown area and the third one is outside the mall on Saturdays. I used to like the Saturday one but lately they have had more crafty items and less fresh produce. The one inside the mall is also a disappointment. I have never been to the downtown one. The specialized stands just right at the corners of the fields are much better. I've gotten wonderful strawberries, plums, and other fruits at those.

Laura

Patch60hearts · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2005, 06:10 PM

We have a Farmer's Market at the Agricenter in Memphis but the prices are too high I think. I like to shop at a produce store called Easy Way. They are more reasonable and the produce is fairly fresh. Also, there are street stands in the outlying rural areas that are worth going for if you want to can or freeze. I take advantage of the Upick farms for strawberries, peaches, and apples. You can drive just over the river into Arkansas in July and buy large or small quantities of corn off of trucks on the highway for about 8 cents an ear or go south into Mississippi and buy sweet potatoes by the big box in the fall off of trucks on the highway, too. My aunt lives 25 min. from me on 10 acres and I can pick blueberries, plums, tomatoes, and squash from her garden.

Deidra · #5 (**permalink**) 06-15-2005, 06:42 AM

Most counties in NC have Farmers Markets and we have three larger regional farmers markets (I agree with the other NC poster) I was not impressed with the triad farmers market. Call your local cooperative extension office and ask about local farmers markets. They usually offer cheaper prices and fresher fruits and veggies.

Hickory, NC

**DeBora4BobbyL** · #6 (**permalink**) 06-15-2005, 05:44 PM

I am moving to Las Cruses in August and they have 2 farmers' markets! I cannot wait because I LOVE fresh produce like peas, tomatoes, and avacados!

**ajrsmom** · #7 (**permalink**) 06-15-2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Deidra
Most counties in NC have Farmers Markets and we have three larger regional farmers markets (I agree with the other NC poster) I was not impressed with the triad farmers market. Call your local cooperative extension office and ask about local farmers markets. They usually offer cheaper prices and fresher fruits and veggies.

Hickory, NC

I'm

to ask....how do I find the number to the local coop extension office? Would it be in the phone book?

Deidra, Is Hickory near Kernersville at all?

Deidra · #8 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 04:28 AM

It is usually listed under the county you live in. I have no idea what county Kernersville is in. I do not think that you are close to Hickory! Or you can look on the web:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/ and add on your counties name at the end. It will tell you all about cooperative extension, all of their services are FREE. Canning/Preserving/Gardening/Horticulture/Landscaping/
Forestry/Livestock/4-H/Food Safety/Home/

check it out, we are a much underutllized resource in most communities (we used to be called agriculture extension and our agents were known as farm agents. People think we are here for farmers only. We do provide help and education to farmers as this is vital to our economy but we serve regular homeowners. We can make recommmendations as to what to plant, provide free soil tests, test pressure cooker lids, have 4-H clubs, summer fun events, landscape plans, and so much more.