Small local markets are virtually springing up everywhere. Here’s another batch of new and existing ones:
New To Plaza Midwood is the Charlotte Tailgate Farmers Market, which features locally grown seasonal produce, plants, flowers and eggs. Farmers and growers who sell in this market are committed to sustainable agriculture, chemical- and pesticide-free. If your backyard garden is brimming with tomatoes and zucchinis, take note. Even the little guys can sell here. Organizers expect more vendors and more variety as they grow. Organizer Lynn Caldwell said, “We will also feature some music and other community-building activities over the course of the summer, and may eventually become an evening market.” Wow, an evening market. That’s so, um, global.
Charlotte Tailgate Farmers Market, 2007 Commonwealth Ave., beside the gracious Common Market on Commonwealth between Thomas and The Plaza. Saturday mornings 9am to noon until early September. www.charlottetailgatemarket.com.
center city green market not only has great produce, flowers, seafood from Michael LaVecchia’s www.Seafoods.com, and baked goods, but its events are always entertaining. Coming up on July 8 is watermelon day — not a spitting contest, but a learn-to-carve-one day. July 15 is the return of a monster of an event: the Great Cookie Crumble, a judged cookie contest that young and old can enjoy. July 29 is the annual Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast, which raises money for the Charlotte Chapter of the Burned Children’s Fund.
Center City Green Market, Seventh Street between College and Brevard streets. 704-332-9590. 8am until 1pm Saturdays through Sept. 16. Free parking in Seventh Street Station. www.charlottecentercity.org.
the mecklenburg county market is one of Charlotte’s oldest markets and used to be near The Square until they moved to its “new” brick and mortar digs 60-plus years ago. You’ll find produce, baked goods, soups and crafts from families who have sold there for generations. If you want to see native Charlotteans, this is one place where you can do so.
Mecklenberg County Market, 1515 Harding Place, 7am until 1pm Wednesdays and Saturdays (year-round except closed Wednesdays January through March). Park behind building.
Close to many of our local farms is the Waxhaw Farmers Market, located near the water tower in downtown Waxhaw. Here you’ll find local produce, flowers, eggs, local honey and baked goods.
Waxhaw Farmers Market, in front of Crossroads Coffee House and in the Mama Lena’s parking lot. Saturdays 9am until 3pm and Tuesday 1pm until 6pm. 980-721-5846.
The best peaches in the world can be found south of Charlotte. At farmer Arthur Black’s place, there are 30 varieties of peaches, ripening at different times, through September. Ready now are Red Havens, Coronets and Early Belle (white) peaches. Pick-your-own are $5/peck or $20/bushel. Already picked is $9 per peck, $28 a bushel.
Black’s Peaches, 1800 Black Highway (SC HWY 5), York, South Carolina. Hours: Monday through Saturday 8am until 6pm, Sunday 1pm until 6pm. 803-684-2333. On SC HYW 5, 3 miles west of York at intersection with Springlake Road. Look for signs.
This article appears in Jul 5-11, 2006.
