WEB EXCLUSIVELocally source alllll the fruits and veggies from these 7 Triangle farmers markets.
Farmers market produce just tastes better—it’s a fact. Getting your fruits and veggies fresh from the source—from the farmers who harvested them themselves!—is unbeatable, and nothing beats strolling through the stalls on a weekend, chatting with farmers and sampling a strawberry or two, only to walk away with everything you need to make a bomb meal later. Being an ag state, North Carolina has no shortage of farmers markets. Here, we’ve rounded up 7 Triangle farmers markets for you to peruse this weekend—and beyond.
The OG farmers market located near NC State’s campus, the State Farmers Market has it all—and is open every day year-round! Grab a drink from 321 Coffee—the rotating specials are always killer—before heading out to the main building to check out all the produce. And you can’t leave the market without grabbing a new plant to add some greenery to your home (we’re currently obsessed with all the adorable succulents—plus they’re practically unkillable). Hot tip: On Saturdays the wholesale building offers plenty o’ fresh produce at a reduced price!
Servicing both Durham and Raleigh, The Black Farmers Market is an opportunity to intentionally support Black farmers. Its goal is to not only provide healthy and affordable food options to communities with limited access, but also to bust the myth that healthy living is unattainable for all. The biweekly market rotates locations between Durham (second Sundays, 1—4pm) and Raleigh (fourth Sundays, 1—4pm), and fosters a community of inclusion and belonging.
Each Saturday morning from 9am to noon, this farmers market—nestled behind the old Mule and Tobacco Trade in Downtown Apex—is bustling with fresh seafood, plants, beauty products, artisan food products and, of course, fresh fruits and veggies, making it a one-stop shop for everything. Stroll through the market before heading over to Salem Street to check out the shops and maybe grab a beer or mimosa from Downtown Apex’s newest business, Highcraft Beer.
Located in Morrisville, this hidden gem of a market is ideal for anyone near RTP (or Triangle residents who needed to do some grocery shopping after hitting up the new Boxyard RTP). Staple vendors include Muddy Dog Roasting Company, Rebud Certified Organic Farm and Little River Ranch, so you can grab almost anything you may need for the week, from meat to fruits and veggies to pastries. Open every Saturday year-round from 8am to noon.
Say hello to the Triangle’s newest farmers market! In its inaugural summer, Phillips Farms Farmers Market boasts a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies straight from the farm. Plus, on select weekends, explore its expanded market featuring local vendors and food trucks. The market, which runs on both Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 3pm, is the perfect family outing. Let the kiddos take a ride on the cow train while you grab local beer and flowers to spruce up the house!
Grab your reusable tote (#sustainability) and head over to Downtown Cary. This market is complete with kids’ activities, meat, fruits, veggies, goat cheese and plants. We’re obsessed with The Alchemist Backyard, who cultivates and sells rare and unusual produce and plants—definitely worth checking out—and Paradox Farm Creamery. Get there early on Saturday morning because, even though the markets are open till noon, things sell out quickly—and you’ll want to get your hands on the best of the best.
An evolution of the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market, Moore Square Market features fresh fruits and veggies, seasonal goods, pastries and original high-quality crafts from local makers. The market runs through Oct. 3 and features themed days complete with special programming, live music, children’s activities, weekly nonprofits and more. Come out every second Sunday for the expanded Brunch Moore Market, which features food trucks and local artisans, in addition to the regular Sunday vendors.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Good vibes await at Moore Square this spring, thanks to the OG Downtown park’s recent renovations and plethora of upcoming events—from outdoor workouts to food trucks to shopping ops—serving up “moore” reasons to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. Here’s the 411 on Moore Square events.
Looking for a challenge? Work up a sweat with Camp Gladiator! Every other Saturday to kick off the weekend with full-body outdoor workouts designed to unlock your full fitness potential and get your blood pumping. The best part? Post-class you can reward yourself with lunch from one of Downtown’s fab restos! (Balance is key, OK?)
Photo courtesy of WUV Studios, Amy and Juan Benito
Breathe in, breathe out. Take a midweek yoga break or settle into the weekend with Nova Retreats’ yoga flow classes each Wednesday and Saturday morning in the Square. The classes are designed to increase strength, mobility, balance and focus while encouraging intention and purpose every week. BYO mat and melt away the stress…
We’ve got your Thursday lunch plans covered. Grab your work squad and take a break from the harsh lighting of the office to enjoy some sun and give your brain a workout. Your team will compete in three themed rounds of trivia for the chance to win some fun prizes (the game takes only 30 minutes!)—loser buys grub from Square Burger!
Not in the mood for burgers? No prob—Moore Square will feature a different local food truck every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in April and May from 11am to 2pm. Teasing your taste buds is Flattz Signature Flatbreads, which will be on-site April 21; while, on April 26, Goodness GraceUs will be serving authentic Vienna Beef Chicago and Carolina-style hot dogs, fried fish and shrimp sandwiches, to name a few.
Busker Series
Moore Square is bringing back live music, y’all (*hold for cheers and applause*). Jam out in the square to local musicians such as Alice Osborn, Sarah Bowen and Wayne Schindler during your lunch break every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11am and 2pm.
As if we didn’t love brunch enough already, now you’re telling us we can shop during it too?! Enjoy food trucks, a picnic on the lawn, beer and other beverages, live music, and a plethora of unique local vendors from 11am to 3pm every second Sunday from May until October.
Yet another reason to shop local—but this time, at night. From the same founder as Brunch Moore Market comes a European- and Asian-inspired community-fueled energy for shopping everything from artisan treats to plants to jewelry and soaps, starting in May. Plus, there’s always some form of entertainment to set the mood.
Guess what else is returning next month? Moore Square’s uber-popular farmers market (an evolution of the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market)! Swing by every Sunday from 11am to 3pm starting May 2 for fresh NC-grown produce from local farmers, including fruits and veggies, as well as meats, seafood, eggs, dairy and more. Your Sunday feast is about to get a major upgrade.
WEB EXCLUSIVE After being cooped up in our houses for so long, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as getting outside. This Great American Picnic Day (June 27) we encourage you to pack a picnic, or grab takeout from a locally-owned restaurant, and head out to one of Raleigh’s gorgeous parks for a leisurely outdoor meal. Just be sure to stay six feet away from fellow picnickers and where masks when appropriate.
Dorothea Dix Park 2105 Umstead Drive Dix Park’s hill overlooking Raleigh’s skyline is the ideal place for a picnic with a stellar view. Plus, with its close location to Downtown Raleigh, you can easily swing by one of your favorite local eateries for takeout on the way there.
Ford Fletcher Park 820 Clay Street Set out a blanket at Fletcher Park’s grassy amphitheater to enjoy a tranquil picnic away from home.
NCMA Park 2110 Blue Ridge Road The art museum’s park has a plethora of great picnic spots, all of which are surrounded by beautiful works of art. Spread out in the sunny field near the gyre rings, underneath the shade of trees along the trails, or at a table near the park’s entrance.
Pullen Park 520 Ashe Avenue Choose a grassy spot underneath one of the many trees lining Pullen Park’s pond to reminisce on days spent pedal boating, riding the carousel or attending a program at Theatre in the Park.
Moore Square 226 E Martin Street If you can’t go into any of your favorite businesses in Downtown Raleigh, surrounding yourself with them is the next best thing. Moore Square’s large grassy field is perfect for laying out with a takeout meal and pretending you’re eating at your favorite restaurant.
Raleigh Rose Garden 2703 Everett Avenue Stop and smell the roses while enjoying a classy picnic of wine, charcuterie and cheese (date night anyone?). With the abundance of beautiful flowers and other foliage, there’s no bad spot to lay out!
Lake Johnson Nature Park 4601 Avent Ferry Road Pack some snacks to enjoy on Lake Johnson’s sandy beach—the grassy area behind the dam is also a popular spot for laying out—after a leisurely walk around the park.
Nash Square 200 S McDowell Street An abundance of shady trees make Nash Square the perfect spot for picnicking on a hot day. Stroll through the park with a sandwich from a nearby takeout restaurant or take a seat on one of the benches.
It’s been nearly two years and $12.6 million in the making but it’s finally here: the new and improved Moore Square. The renovated historic park makes its official debut August 3. If you’re anything like us, you’ve been peeking through the fencing along South Blount, East Martin, South Person and East Hargett Streets to try to catch a glimpse. But now, wonder no more; here’s our guide to the 4-acre space.
Setup
Renovations honor Moore Square Park’s historic heritage, including its proximity to Raleigh’s traditionally African American neighborhoods, the city’s “Black Main Street” and City Market. A modern, urban design entices visitors in through four entryway plazas; stone-paved pathways connect from one end to the other. Benches and heritage oak trees offer comfort and shade.
Lawns
The Central Lawn will host concerts, festivals, movies, book readings, games and workshops. The Tilted Lawn in the center of the park gives visitors an elevated view of Moore Square and the surrounding downtown.
Natural Play Areas
The Treehouse and a splash pad-like water feature allow children’s imaginations to run wild. Kids can climb on rocks and mounds, play in sand and grove terraces and explore native plant species.
Grove Rooms
Two Grove Rooms offer space with a casual classroom feel. The Community Table’s two granite tables seat 40, while The Hargett Room features a swirling-seat wall as its border.
Visitors Center
The Visitors Center orients park guests. A gift shop sells souvenirs and the Moore Square History Exhibit teaches the park’s past.
Café Kiosk
Empire Eats will run a quick-service café called Square Burger, serving family-friendly fare including burgers, hot dogs, salads, shakes and beer/wine. A grove terrace offers tables and movable chairs; the kiosk provides water fountains and public restrooms are nearby.
Programs
The Moore Square Market, a 20-week farmers’ market, runs every Wednesday through mid-October. Vendors sell produce and artisan goods. Enjoy entertainers and kids activities.
Move Moore! features wellness programs including yoga and Shape Up! classes.
Moore Kids! hosts game nights, vendor fairs, story times and more.
Moore Square Live! hosts fun events on the Central Plaza and Lawn. The Raleigh Rockers breakdancers will hold weekly demonstrations while the Busker Series showcases street musicians, singers, magicians, artists and jugglers. Expect music festivals, lawn parties and outdoor movies, too.
Create Moore! is a collection of arts and cultural programs, including pop-ups and the Handmade Holiday Market.
Education component Tell Me Moore! features lectures series, history tours and the Raleigh Roots History Festival.
This summer, we’re opting to stick around and take a staycation in the City of Oaks’ own backyard. We’ve got some tips on six of the best places to stay all around Raleigh, plus suggestions of where to eat, drink and shop and how best to explore our home city. So ditch the travel time and the hefty price tag; join us for a trip through Raleigh’s most spectacular spots.
