Shop Local – A Visit To The Wake Forest Farmer’s Market!

Last weekend I found myself in Wake Forest to get some  new tires put on my car.  On my way to the auto shop I decided to swing by the Wake Forest Farmer’s Market  located on South White Street in Downtown Wake Forest.  The market is held every saturday April through November from 8am – noon.  It is probably the best small Farmer’s Market in the Triangle in my opinion.  Yes, the Durham and and Carrboro markets are great, and the State Farmer’s Market in Raleigh is fantastic, but for folks in Wake Forest and North Raleigh the Wake Forest market offers a great selection of local produce at a convenient location. 

The market regulalry hosts 20 to 25 different local vendors.  The offerings range from seasonal fruits and veggies to local chicken, beef, and pork along with farm fresh eggs and goat cheese.  More often than not someone is on hand with local honey and the folks selling homemade jams are regulars there.  There is also usually a booth selling cut flowers and a few artisans with pottery and woodwork art.  Every time I go there is some sort of musician on hand entertaining the crowd.  Parking along South White Street is pretty easy and you can be in and out of the market in a jiffy if you need to, though it is easy to kill 20-30 minutes chatting with the friendly vendors if you aren’t in a hurry. 

One thing to keep in mind is that due to a recent change in policy dogs are no longer allowed at the Market.  It seems that the liability is an issue as well as concerns from the local health department.  I’m pretty sure dogs are not allowed at most if the other Farmer’s Markets in the area as well.   So if you are off to the market make sure you leave the furry little guy at home.  While the market typically comes to an end in November keep an eye out for special market events around the holidays and later in the winter.  I hear they are going to try to open on a limited schedule, maybe once a month, during the off-season.

When you visit the market I recommend you stroll a block up the street and grab some coffee at the Wake Forest Coffee Co.  They serve great coffee and have a lot of indoor seating and of course offer free wi-fi access.  There is also a wine shop located on the second floor in the same building as the coffee bar.  Between the market and the shops located along South White Street it is real easy to find an excuse to spend your Saturday morning and afternoon in Downtown Wake Forest.  For more information aboiut the Wake Forest Farmer’s market check out their website or check out their facebook fan page.