NC State Farmers Market: Raleigh’s Favorite Super Store

The NC State Farmers Market is all things local and fresh in Wake County. The wide variety of items available is surprising considering how close it is to downtown Raleigh. Between the shops and restaurants, it is no wonder this place is packed every weekend with decent weather.

How Local is Local?

The NC State Farmers Market is located just south of downtown Raleigh in a custom built campus. The iconic Pullen Park is only 2 miles away. The location is also fairly close to I-40 which makes it easy to find if you are coming from out of town. The parking lot will be crowded if the weather is nice and VERY crowded if on the weekends. A second entrance/exit was recently added on Lake Wheeler Road. I recommend using it instead of the Centennial Parkway entrance. If you are located in the Raleigh Durham area, this is easily the biggest and likely best farmers markets you will find.

Be aware that the farmers market is a series of market areas and enclosed buildings. People typically are walking through the same areas that you are trying to drive. Be patient with the traffic here and drive slow.

Market For What?

This farmers market has a long history and is one of the largest farmers markets in the Raleigh area. Vendors come from all over the surrounding areas for good reason. Just about anything you might want from a farmers market is here and then some.

Farmer’s Building

The first building you will come to is the Farmer’s Building. This has seasonal and rotating vendors in an open air setting (with overhead cover). Items include flowers, pumpkins , seedlings, all types of produce, baked goods and more. I usually spend most of my time here since these are the fresher food items I typically am looking for.

The vendors spill out into the paved areas behind their stalls and often seen darting around keeping the inventory stocked and ringing out customers. Prices are very agreeable for what is offered. I would go so far as to argue that these prices make eating healthy both affordable and fun. We picked up seedlings for planting during this visit and only paid 3$ each.

Market Shoppes

Next you will come to the Market Shoppes. This is a fully enclosed and air conditioned/heated building just up the hill from the Farmers building. Most of these vendors are year round staples of the market. Items found here include freshly butchered meat, sweets, preserves, bakes goods and even a coffee shop. The Coffee shop was packed out when we came this time. The coffee option makes sense if you are coming early and want to keep moving.

Market Imports

The last building worth checking out is the massive Market Imports complex. This is a home décor mecca for Raleigh. This niche business has an indoor outdoor space filled with all matters of interior and exterior decorations. Having Madilyn with us, we moved a little quicker than most through this space. We were worried that she might break something but could have spent a solid hour looking around. We did not pay close attention to prices here but I do not know of too many places with such a unique variety. If you are looking for some one-of-a-kind decorations, this is a great place to start.

There are some additional building for wholesalers and bulk shippers. These are not open to the public to tour but they do operate mainly to provide fresh produce to local institutions.

Eats!

I mentioned the coffee shop but there are 2 other full restaurants on the premises. The NC Seafood Restaurant and the NC State Farmers Market Restaurant. We tried to eat lunch at the latter but the line was out the door and not moving too fast. Rather than risk waiting an hour with a screaming toddler, we decided it best to go for the lunch elsewhere. My personal preference for a mid-day pick-me-up is near by Howling Cow Creamery only 7 minutes away.

Growing up in the area, I have never heard a single bad thing about this place but I will write a full review when we get a chance to do a good sit down. I was largely unaware of the seafood restaurant until a few years ago. We will do a full review of this also. That all being said, the Farmers Market Restaurant is known for its breakfast foods but it serves lunch also. If you are looking for a treat, consider heading down the road to Howling Cow for some great Ice Cream.

Overall

The NC State Farmers Market is the best source for fresh food and all other local goods you may want. Bring your patience with the parking situation if you come of a weekend. Walk slow and look at the bounty NC has to offer you. If you get a chance, the restaurants also are a great opportunity to kick back before heading out.

Want More? Subscribe! Or Check out our Activity Map for more cool Activities