By Liz Mitchell
We really want you to slurp and enjoy some of our favorite summer fruits and vegetables, which are plentiful at our outdoor markets. Check out the fresh and delicious local choices. Peaches are at their peak, and they’re locally grown too.
These are reminders for your shopping pleasure during the month of August — however, schedules are subject to change:
• The Calabash Farmers Market and the Shallotte Farmers Market in Riverside Park are open on Saturdays from 8
a.m. until noon.
• The Waterfront Market in Southport on the lawn of the Garrison House downtown is open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesdays with the motto of “Home Grown and Home Made.” Expect to find homegrown plants and handmade crafts, such as jewelry, pottery, gourds and glassware, as well as homemade cakes, bread and cookies. Eggs, cheeses, meats and seafood are sometimes available. Pickles, jams and jellies are canned with love in North Carolina kitchens. There may be some wine too; great for some chefs who like to add it to their recipes.
• The Holden Brothers Farm Market on U.S. 17 is open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and offers a huge variety of produce.
• Indigo Farms is on the line of South Carolina and North Carolina, on Hickman Road in the rural Calabash area and sells their own certified organic fruits and vegetables in the produce market, also with sweets in a bakery and herbs, flowers and more in the garden center. You can pick your own blueberries if you get there soon, and several varieties of figs are just now in season. It’s open daily except Sunday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., but you should call ahead to
confirm schedules for picking (910.287.6794).
Even more small markets will be noticed as you traverse our rural roads between small towns. The selection varies from one market to another, and of course with the growing season, so we suggest making a day or two of it and shopping them all!