Big Melons in NC (Lumberton, Southern Pines: bill, to eat, farmer)

[Weloveantiques]

Whenever I drive up interstate 95 this time of year I see big trucks full of watermelons. Where are they grown, what area?? Is it close to 95?? I wouldn't mind picking up a few dozen for friends/family up north. Thanks!!

[Bethanytedder]

They shouldn't be that hard to find. A lot of people and the farmer markets have them this time of the year. Just look for the signs along the interstate.

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by Weloveantiques

Whenever I drive up interstate 95 this time of year I see big trucks full of watermelons. Where are they grown, what area?? Is it close to 95?? I wouldn't mind picking up a few dozen for friends/family up north. Thanks!!

Good question. Not sure of the answer, but I seem to remember that watermelon likes somewhat sandy soil. Maybe in the Sandhills section of NC, like Rockingham, Southern Pines, and Lumberton? Peaches and tobacco are also big crops in that area.

North Carolina produces about 8,800 acres of watermelon valued at over $7.7 million. North Carolina ranks about 7th in the nation, producing over 11 million pounds.

[nascarnancy]

Looks like their are 13 "Hooters" locations in NC. Sorry, everytime I see this thread I have to laugh.

[Weloveantiques]

I was wondering how long it would take til we went in that direction!!

[nascarnancy]

In Hawaii when your driving down the road and a truck loaded with pineapples goes past it is the sweetest smell. When we went to the Dole factory at the end of the tour they have fresh samples to eat and a fountain of cold pienapple juice. Soooo good! Although I thought we were going to get a bill by the time we left, hubby couldn't get enough of the fresh samples and juice.