Summer Fun: The low down on Charlotte farmers markets

I have a small addiction to farmers markets.  It’s a great way to get fresh produce and chat with the local producers.  When I’m visiting a new place, I generally go to the farmers markets to see what there is to eat.  This small obsession with farmers markets has taken me from the lovely Salamanca Place in Tasmania to the awesome Atwater Market in Quebec (both fabulous attractions).  Fortunately, Charlotte also has some awesome farmers markets, and in honor of May’s farm-to-fork month and the coming summer months, I think it’s time to make a list.

I haven’t been to nearly as many area markets as I would like, so this summer, I will be exploring the many options Charlotte has to offer.  Thus, tonight, I have created a rundown of Mecklenburg County farmers markets.  This list is taken from the Charlotte Observer Guide to Farmers Markets, and filled out from personal experience and information from each market website, their facebook page, and other internet resources.  Days and times reflect the summer season, please check the website for off-season hours.

• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market 1801 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte, NC, 28266, Tuesday-Saturday 8-6, Sunday 12:30-6.  Open year round, this is an amazing attraction and has many specialty food items.  However, unless you are going to be there on a Saturday morning, don’t expect local farmers to be represented.  This is a great place to get interesting and unusual things, but most vendors are re-sellers.  To find local sellers, check for these flags provided by the good folks at Slow Food Charlotte
• Atherton Market at Atherton Mill 2104 South Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203, Tuesday 3-7, Wednesday 9-1, Saturday 9-2.  My first visit to this local producers-only Atherton Market was confusing, it took me much too long to find it.  It is tucked away and a bit difficult to find if you are new to Atherton Mill, and park on the wrong side.  Once found, I discovered a lovely market with lovely vendors.  I couldn’t find everything I wanted, but we did get some great items, and it is worth a visit or two or a hundred. 
• Matthews Farmers Market 105 North Trade Street, Matthews, NC, 28105, Saturday 7:15-12, some Wednesdays 10-12.  Another producer-only farmers market, is amazing in every way.  It has recently been transformed into a year-round farmers market, and Charlotte area chefs can often be seen shopping here.  I’ve had a great experience at this market, and produce is excellent.  You must try the Bosky Acres cheese (also at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market).
• Center City Farmers Market Trade and Tryon Street intersection, Charlotte, NC, 28202, Thursday 10-2, Friday 10-2, Saturday 9-1.  This claims to have only local producers.  Convenient times, convenient location for uptown employees.
• Common Grounds 923 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC, 28207, Thursday 8:30-1:30.  This is a local farm stand that is entirely volunteer-driven.  Proceeds support the Urban Ministry Center, an organization dedicated to helping poor and homeless people.
• Davidson Farmers Market 128 Main Street, Davidson, NC, 28036, Saturday 8-12.  This is a local-only year round farmers market.  Much like Matthews Farmers Market, this one runs like a street fair through the season.  Check out their events calendar.
• Huntersville Farmers Market 103 Maxwell Street, Huntersville, NC 28078, Saturday 7-12.  Local producers, not too much information online.
• Kings Drive Farmers Market, 938 South Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28204, Tuesday and Friday all day, Saturday 7-3.  Some local, but not all is local.  I’ve driven by this one and it is very busy.  Flowers are sold all week long.
• Mecklenburg County Market 1515 Harding Place, Charlotte, NC, 28203, Wednesday 7-6, Thursday 9-6, Friday 9-6, Saturday 7-3.  This year round market, founded in 1937, is one of the oldest in the state, and many of the vendors have been there for generations.
• Meeting Street market at Cedar Walk 9612 Longstone Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277, Tuesday 4-8.  This is a market geared toward residents of the Meeting Street community.  All local, with many other events and vendors. 
• Mint Hill Farmers Market 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC, 28227, Saturday 9-1.  This is a market showcasing local farmers, bakers and crafts.  It is located in the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village, so a trip to the market can be a trip to visit Mint Hill as well.
• Newell Farmers Market 1704 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC, 28213, Saturday 8-2.  The Newton family sells their own produce, supplemented by other farmers, and livestock producers.  They also produce various preserved goods and other treats.

If you have more information on these or other local farmers markets, please feel free to contact us, and I will update as necessary.

~Aurora