Looking for opinions on local farmers markets (Raleigh, Durham: house, pharmacy)

[FVMan]

Which triangle farmers markets are your favorite and why?

Besides fresh local produce, what do you want to see at a farmers market (crafts, live music, cooking demonstrations, etc)?

[BalGal]

My family and I love the BIG one in Raleigh on Lake Wheeler Rd! We especially like to go between April and October! My two little girls(5&3) really enjoy: The restaurant they have there, eating fresh cookies or baked goods, helping pick out veggies, helping pick out fresh flowers, getting old fashioned candy, their favorite is in the summer to get a fresh orangeade!!!

There is a Western Wake Farmer's Market in Cary in Carpenter village, this is nice for a quick morning trip!

[suedonym]

we prefer the big one in raleigh- especially in the summer

i dont want to see anything other than fruits, veggies, baked goods, flowers, etc ... LOL

[lamishra]

I've always been partial to the state farmer's market in downtown Raleigh, mostly because they have the best selection, it's open all year long and has normal hours.
I just can't seem to get motivated to get up and dressed and out of the house on Saturday mornings early enough to spend any significant time at the Western Wake one, and then I think "I don't really need to; I can go the one in Raleigh on my own schedule."

[claytonmom]

Like the State Farmers Mkt, but it is a bit of a trip. Wish they offered more organic produce....

[peperoberto]

I love the Durham Farmer's Market, but mostly because it is in my back yard. Lots of vendors, open 2 days in the summer, tons of crafts, clothing, and other non-food items. Fruits and veggies come in all forms, from conventional to organic, even biodynamic (and biodynamic wines too!).

In addition to fruits and veggies, there are lots of meats and dairy to choose from as well. There's also craft vendors that set up shop, and you can get growlers of beer from Fullsteam and baked goods from both Daisy Cakes and Scratch Bakery (both mentioned recently in some New York Times stories). There is also a nice lady that makes some damn good pies and other baked goods.

There's always a musician playing on Saturday mornings in the summer, bet it banjo, fiddle, or other. Also, in the summer time there is free yoga in the park at 8am (check online as we get closer to summer for a schedule).

[FVMan]

Thanks so much for the comments.

A group of us are looking for ways to help support our local downtown farmers market and the farmers who have been keeping it going. We currently have 3 local farmers providing produce.

Tying in some of the downtown bakeries to cover the baked goods should be a piece of cake - we've got Stickboy, Nils and and new Cupcake Bite.

Loved the comment about orangeade - hadn't thought of that and we have some of the best orangeade around at Elliotts Pharmacy.

Any other ideas are greatly welcomed.

[lunadesign]

I love the Farmer Market in Raleigh, and keep meaning to go to the one in FV. And I also love Cupcake Bite!!