Shopping at a local farmer’s market gets you up close and personal with your produce. Depending on the season, you might be strolling past tables of lettuce, beans, tomatoes, squash, or even strawberries and blueberries. At some markets, you’ll also find diverse handcrafted items, such as jewelry and handmade soaps. By shopping at the market, you’re supporting local farmers and other community members. Choose from four farmer’s markets within Cherokee County, one right in downtown Murphy, NC. You’ll find two more markets within easy driving distance.
SATURDAY
Cedar Valley Farmer’s Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Historic L&N Depot in Murphy
2016 Market Season: April 2 to October 29
Start your Saturday farmer’s market tour at the Cedar Valley Farmer’s Market. This popular market operates at the historic L&N Depot, just down the hill from downtown Murphy’s central intersection. Pick a parking spot on Hiwassee Street, and look for the colorful vendor canopies next to the Depot building. Chat with the vendors while you browse locally grown produce, sometimes so fresh that it was picked that morning. Besides homegrown vegetables and fruits, you might find goat cheese, eggs, canned jams and salsas, handcrafted soaps, woodcarvings, jewelry, and more.
Mountain Folk Center Farmer’s Market: 8 a.m. to Noon (rain or shine)
Location: 9275 US Highway 64 West (9 miles west of downtown Murphy)
Hint: Travel 3 miles past the 19/129 intersection, and look for the signs.
2016 Market Season: June through August
This relatively new farmer’s market has a growing clientele, and its undercover location means you can visit rain or shine. You’ll find locally grown vegetables and fruit, along with enticing baked goods, handcrafted soaps, and other artisan-made items.
Andrews Farmer’s Market: 8 a.m. to Noon
Location: Harold H. Hall Memorial Park in downtown Andrews
2016 Market Season: June thru August
This growing farmer’s market features delectable produce from nearby farms, along with handmade crafts from local artisans. While you’re there, take time to enjoy the gorgeous mountain views.
WEDNESDAY
Brasstown Farmer’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 10956 Old Highway 64 (across from The Shops of Brasstown)
2016 Market Season: May 29th – December
Right in the heart of Brasstown (a real-life “blink and you’ll miss it” spot), you’ll find the Shops of Brasstown, a charming enclave of stores featuring fine crafts, custom pool tables, and professional massages. Walk across the two-lane street, and you’ll arrive at the Brasstown Farmer’s Market. Enjoy fresh produce and flowers in season, artisan baked goods, and a changing selection of other items.
MORE NEARBY FARMER’S MARKETS
THURSDAY
Hayesville Evening Market: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Hayesville Town Square (Hayesville, NC)
2016 Market Season: May through October
This Thursday evening market has turned into a real “must visit” destination. Browse the fresh produce, farm products, baked goods, handcrafted soaps, and diverse crafts while you listen to live music. You might even run into your friends and neighbors, allowing you to share the latest local news.
SATURDAY 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and TUESDAY 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Union County Farmer’s Market (Blairsville, GA)
Location: 148 Old Smokey Road (off Route 515 near Home Depot)
2016 Market Season: June 4 through October 29 (weekly special events)
This undercover farmer’s market features a wide selection of vendors. On any given day, you’ll find seasonal produce and other farm products. You might also encounter baked goods, flowers, handcrafted soaps, and a good variety of crafts.
This larger farmer’s market holds weekly Saturday themed events (plus a few Tuesday afternoon dates). Saturday events include Sweet Corn Day, Watermelon Day, Johnny Appleseed Day, and A Salute to Farmers/Tractor Parade. Tuesday afternoon events include a Homemade Ice Cream Social, a Farm-to-Table Salsa Tasting, and a Simply Soup Night.
All these enticing farmer’s markets, several within a stone’s throw of downtown Murphy, NC, provide a great opportunity to support your local farmers and artisans. So gather your tote bags, pile your family or friends into the car, and get ready to enjoy a feast for all the senses!
The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.ilovemurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team