Here at the end of summer is a great time to visit the State Farmers’ Market. The stalls are still overflowing with  summer vegetables. The vegetables are so plentiful and colorful they provide a feast for the eyes, too.  And it’s always an interesting place to visit.  After all, a venue that hosts events such as Colossal Collard Day and Watermelon Day can’t be dull, even if it is owned and operated by the State of North Carolina.

On their official website, the Farmers’ Market boasts of selling over 300 different items.  That’s easy to believe.  Between all the varieties of produce, bushes and plants, salsa, crafts, specialty meats (hmm..), Christmas trees, and even restaurants, they have something or a lot of things for everyone.  Plus they have an ATM onsite so you can buy even more than you planned on buying.

If you like crowds, hit the Farmers’ Market on a Saturday or on a Sunday afternoon.  It is jam-packed on the weekends.  On weekdays, the crowds are not as big, but there are still plenty of people and often even a field trip or two!

The people are one of the best parts of the Farmers’ Market, especially the vendors.  They’re always friendly, knowledgeable, and eagerly offering you samples of their wares.  It’s easy to leave there with a full belly from  sampling fresh, delicious produce from one end to the other.  You have to keep moving, though.  Too many samples in one spot, and they’ll run you off!

Take a crowd with you when you go.  Not only will everyone enjoy the trip, but you’ll need all those extra hands to carry all your goodies to the car.

That’s Life in Raleigh.