Every Wednesday is an event in itself at the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market. The Market is at City Plaza on the 400 block of Fayetteville Street from 10am till 2pm rain or shine.

North Carolina is blessed with a variety of farms. There are many farms that raise fruits and vegetables, flowers and herbs, and animal products of all kinds. Farmers are dedicated to stewardship and committed to quality. And while they love what they do, they aren't doing it for entertainment. They need to make a living. Consumers that value fresh food and a working landscape should support local farmers by buying their products.

Locally grown food tastes and looks better. The crops are picked at their peak, and farmstead products like cheeses and are hand-crafted for best flavor. Food imported from far away is older and has traveled on trucks or planes, and sat in warehouses before it gets to you. 

Local food preserves genetic diversity. In the modern agricultural system, plant varieties are chosen for their ability to ripen uniformly, withstand harvesting, survive packing and last a long time on the shelf, so there is limited genetic diversity in large-scale production. Smaller local farms, in contrast, often grow many different varieties to provide a long harvest season, an array of colors, and the best flavors.

Local food is safe. There's a unique kind of assurance that comes from looking a farmer in the eye at farmers' market or driving by the fields where your food comes from. Local farmers aren't anonymous and they take their responsibility to the consumer seriously.

Local food supports local families. The wholesale prices that farmers get for their products are low, often near the cost of production. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middleman and get full retail price for their food - which helps farm families stay on the land.  

In addition to the regular market activities, including weekly live music entertainment, there will be several special events throughout the season to showcase North Carolina's agricultural bounty. On Wed., May 27 it's "Red, White and Blueberries", and on June 6 it's "Wellness Wednesday". Click here for more special events scheduled.

Take the R-LINE - Experience an eco-friendly approach to urban transportation. This FREE circulator service features hybrid electric buses that will connect you to restaurants, retail, entertainment venues, museums, hotels, and parking facilities in downtown Raleigh. Buses run every 10-15 minutes, so whether you're a resident, employee or visitor, it's a great new way to get around downtown.

The following stops are conveniently located near the market: R13: Raleigh Convention Center, R14: Performing Arts Center and R15: City Center Deck. Click here for map and all stop locations.

Ample Parking - Hannover Parking Deck, 434 S Salisbury St, Charter Square Parking Deck, 502 S Wilmington St, Cabarrus Street Parking Lot, 100 E Cabarrus St, Convention Center Underground Deck, 1 E Lenoir St, Cabarrus Street Parking Lot, 100 E Cabarrus St, In addition, metered parking is available on the blocks nearby.

See you this Wednesday at the Farmers Market on Fayetteville Street. Website. 

 

Certain Things - BEFORE & AGAIN Trunk Show -Thursday, May 21st at 10am till 6pm. All styles and pattern designs in Tees, skirts, dresses, scarves, jackets, palazzos and more. Plus a Special Gift with Purchase & Refreshments Served too! And until then... come visit Certain Things to see the new rack of beautiful specially selected spring clothing at 50% Off! (Needed to make room for all the cute New clothing that's coming in every day !)

Certain Things of Cameron Village - 404 Daniels St., Raleigh, NC 27605 (919) 828-5055 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm. Website.