WILMINGTON — Wednesday evening’s spring equinox — the exact moment when the Sun’s center point is directly above the equator — marks the astronomical start of spring. For us in the Cape Fear region, it means the beginning of the farmers’ market season.
This Saturday, Riverfront Farmers’ Market will host its opening day with live music by Laura McLean from 10 a.m. to noon. Previously held on Water Street, the market has relocated to Dock Street “due to pending bulkhead work,” according to market manager BJ Ryan.
Port City Produce recently announced an opening day of Tuesday, March 26, and Lewis Farms Market said it will open sometime during the last week of March.
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Meanwhile, farmers’ markets in Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and the Poplar Grove Plantation will open in May.
Here’s a complete rundown of farmers’ markets selling local produce, foods, drinks, and artisan crafts in the Cape Fear region from spring to fall:
Riverfront Farmers Market
- When: Every Saturday, March 23 to November 23 (no markets on April 6 or October 5), from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Wilmington on Dock St., between Front St. and 2nd St.
- Vendors: includes 22 growers and producers and 13 artisans (see the full list here).
Riverfront Farmers Market sells local produce, products, and artisan works, including: fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, plants, seafood, meats, eggs, kombucha, salsa, dog treats, N.C. wines, flower bouquets, soaps and lotions, jewelry, clothing and accessories, smoothies, photography, woodwork, pasta sauces, and elderberry products.
More information can be found on their website and Facebook page.
Wilmington Farmer’s Market at Tidal Creek
- When: Every Saturday starting March 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Tidal Creek Co-Op (5329 Oleander Dr.).
- Vendors: Black River Organic Farm, Red Beard Farms, Humble Roots Farm, Shelton Herb Farm, Changin’ Ways Farm, and Turner Family Farms (more to come).
Wilmington Farmer’s Market is a producer’s only market, meaning vendors only sell what they produce. More information can be found on their Facebook page and on their website.
Port City Produce
- When: Seven days a week beginning Tuesday, March 26 (local vendors will be there Saturday, March 30, sampling and selling their products).
- Where: 5740 Market St. (Wilmington).
Their mission is to “provide fresh, local fruits and vegetables” to promote clean and healthy lifestyles and to “stimulate agricultural growth in the Carolinas.” More information can be found on their Facebook page and website.
Lewis Farm Markets
- When: Opens the last week of March.
- Where: 6517 Gordon Rd. (Rocky Point).
- Products: Spring strawberries available April to June, blueberries from May to July, and blackberries from May to July. Also available will be honey made from their own bees and strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry jams.
More information on the Lewis Nursery and Farm, started in 1953 and kept in the family for three generations, can be found on their website.
Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market
- When: Every Monday, May 13 to September 30, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Wrightsville Beach Municipal Grounds (located at 1 Bob Sawyer Dr., adjacent to Town Hall); no metered parking in the Farmers’ Market field.
- Vendors: includes four farms, one seafood supplier, six “baked goods, sweets and other eats”, and 14 craft and artisan vendors (see the full list here).
The market offers local produce, baked goods, seafood, and crafts. For more information contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (910) 256-7925 or go to their Facebook page.
Carolina Beach Farmers Market
- When: Every Saturday, May 11 to September 28, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: S. Lake Park Blvd. at Atlanta Ave. (Carolina Beach).
The market opened in April 2010 to “provide opportunities for both residents and visitors to come together with local food producers and artisans to create a sense of community, foster a sustainable local economy, educate about the importance of buying local, and increase access to fresh, locally produced, nourishing and safe food.”
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove
- When: Every Wednesday, May 13 to September 30, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Poplar’s Grove Plantation (10200 U.S. 17, Pender County).
- Vendors: includes seven farmers, growers, and producers; three greenhouses; 18 wines, foods, seasonings, and concessions vendors; 5 “heritage arts vendors”; 16 artisan vendors; and eight non-profit and media vendors (see the full list here).
According to their website, the goal of the market is to “promote local farmers and the use of local products, educate consumers on conservation practices, and provide the local community an opportunity to get to know their farmer, their baker, their artisan maker.”
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Southport Waterfront Market
- When: Every Wednesday, May 1 to August 28, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: 2810 E. Southport Rd.
Located under the big oak trees of the Franklin Square Park, the market features local produce, baked goods, and live music. More information can be found on the town’s website.
Kure Beach Market
- When: Every Tuesday, June 11 to August 27, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: At the Ocean Front Park and Pavilion (105 Atlantic Ave., Kure Beach).
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
