When most people think of Raleigh they think of the universities, technology, restaurants, and scholarly institutions. However, new attractions and expansions continue to steadily appear, making Raleigh quickly transform into an exciting metropolis. While the City of Oaks may be becoming a little more hectic, it still has a modern yet “small town” feel that we all know and love.
Although there are several activities that will catch your attention, we have some summer activities near the NC State Farmer’s Market (in no particular order) that you shouldn’t miss this summer!
Venture Over to Market Imports
For over ten years, Market Imports has been the main provider of garden and home merchandise at Raleigh’s Farmers Market. Ever since 2007, we import the best home and garden accessories including imported furniture, glazed pottery, and unique water fountains. Market Imports is a Farmers Market “must” for the local designer and homeowner. It’s very difficult to not find something for your garden or home. And with the Market’s wholesale buying they can provide tremendous savings for you and your family.
View the Sunflowers in Dorothea Dix Park
The sunflowers are a beautiful sight this summer and they usually begin to bloom in mid July! The sunflower field yields sunflowers that are well over 6 feet tall with flowers bigger than your head! They’re free to view and take photos of and/or with. They also serve as a huge pollinator habitat for bees and other insects during the summer and they’re used for local biodiesel harvest for educational programs and demonstrations at the end of the season!
Even when the flowers aren’t in bloom this park is a great place to take the kids and play on the swings or in their different beautiful park fields. Find out more information about when the flowers will bloom each year on the Dorothea Dix Park Sunflower page.
Hike and Play at Pullen Park
One of the coolest, family-friendly places in Raleigh is Pullen Park, and it’s only a stone’s throw away from the Farmers Market. In 1887, Raleigh philanthropist, Richard Stanhope Pullen, donated 80 acres of land to the city for use as a public park. Pullen Park has since become an important component of Raleigh city life, providing citizens with a variety of recreational opportunities including a historic carousel ride, a miniature train you can ride throughout the park, pedal boats to cruise around Lake Howell, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and an arts center on-site, Theatre in The Park. And the best part? Admission is completely free!
In addition to several swing sets, sand areas, and other various playground equipment for children of all ages, the park also contains covered and uncovered picnic areas, many picturesque paths and bridges, and an adjacent Aquatic Center. The Aquatic Center and the Arts Center both offer classes to all ages in fitness, swimming, and art (pottery, jewelry making, weaving, glass art, etc.); and plays are performed on a regular basis in the internationally acclaimed Theatre in the Park.
Play Tennis or Volleyball at Carolina Pines Park
Carolina Pines Park is a great place to play tennis, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, or basketball on their number of courts and fields. Most of their sports courts are outdoors so you can enjoy the sun, or go inside to escape the heat inside their air conditioned indoor basketball court or weights room. The park also has playgrounds that are safe for ages 2-5 or 5-12, so the whole family can enjoy the park. View all of their options and areas on the Carolina Pines Park Website.
Work up an Appetite and Come Eat at NC Seafood
After playing and enjoying the many offerings in and around the NC Farmer’s Market, come enjoy a hot plate of our well-known, tasty calabash style seafood. NC Seafood is much more than just scrumptious food. We’re local, and we’re passionate about supporting local businesses. Without the enthusiasm and backing of our loyal customers, this wouldn’t be likely. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a weekend of local fun around the Farmer’s Market and stop in for a scrumptious seafood plate with us or check out our menu and order online!