Charlotte Farmers Market

There are a number of private farmers markets all around Charlotte, but the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market off Yorkmont Road (near the Charlotte Douglas International Airport) is pretty centrally located no mater where you live in the area. This particular market is run by the NC Agricultural Department and is one of the largest ones in town.

Though farmers markets are well known for the organic quality, freshness and variety not offered by most supermarkets--most people seem to think that they are also expensive. This is absolutely not the case at the Charlotte Market. Last week I purchased a red pepper for just 99 cents, and huge bag of mushrooms for $1 and Chinese eggplant for just $1.50. This is way cheaper than any other market in the area, and way beneath the prices at the supermarket. There's also unusual variety of stuff that you won't find at your corner Food Lion.

Now, not everything at this market is locally grown. You will undoubtedly spot vendors selling fruits and veggies straight out of boxes that clearly show the product was not grown by them, but was purchased. For example, a vendor selling oranges will clearly not have gotten them from the Carolinas--but straight from Florida. Or apples may be boxed from New York. I'm perfectly okay with this arrangement since I'm getting it for a super reasonable price. But much of what is for sale is still locally grown by the sellers themselves.

This farmers market is huge (during seasonal months) and operates year round (and not just on the weekends). Much of it is also indoors and under roofed buildings, so its a tad more pleasant to escape the hot summer sun. In the winter there may not be as many vendors as during the warmer months, but the few that are there are still selling everything and anything you would need. In the spring and summer, many vendors sell local fresh cut flowers of amazing variety and for excellent prices. But be warned, if you are allergy prone--you will be overwhelmed by the odor and pollen count in these stalls so keep away from them.

Once spring hits, the number of vendors and variety of what they sell increases dramatically. You will spot local cheesemakers, folks selling unusual cuts of beef such as ostrich and occasionally someone selling gorgeous fish out of the back of his truck. Local honey is relatively inexpensive, as are interesting homemade natural soaps and organic baked goods. There are also vendors selling crafts and other decorative items, too. In the summer months, food vendors join the bandwagon on the weekends, so you can have a hotdog while perusing the stands of goods.

Though it might not have the charm of your small, neighborhood farmers market if you are so lucky to have one--I would bet you will find that this one is cheaper than most and perhaps a tad more convenient. It also makes for a interesting weekend jaunt with the family.

The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is located at 1801 Yorkmont Road and is easily accessible from South Tryon Street, Tyvola Road, I-77, and I-85. For more information call (704) 357-1269.