Diversified Family Farm
OPEN Saturdays year-round, 8:00am to 2:00pm The current New Bern Farmers Market has beenin operation since June, 1984. According to records and photographs from The New Bern-Craven County Library, there has been a farmers market in New Bern going back to at least the 1930’s in the vicinity of George and Cypress Streets. The New Bern Farmers Market is the onlyyear-roundfarmers market in area. You can always find the perfect gift — one of a kind and handmade! The market is made-up of adiverse groupof vendor-members. Please keep in mind that not every vendor is at the market every week…and that what you saw last month may no longer be available this month. For most, being a vendor is a part-time venture on top of an already busy life. For most, it is a creative outlet, passion, and/or hobby — whether it be raising hens for eggs or alpaca for fiber, making cutting boards from scrap wood or ornaments from shells, designing jewelry or a new felted hat, writing a thriller or inspirational poem, carrying made-in-USA flags. You can find all that and much more at the New Bern Farmers Market. And not just buy it but meet and discuss the products with people who actually know what they’re talking about. The New Bern Farmers Market offers the freshest local veggies — plus a whole lot more! New Bern Farmers Market:open Saturdays year-round 8am – 2pm. If you’re new to New Bern and/or looking for more things to do: www.VisitNewBern.comwww.NewBernNow.com a poem by author and market vendor, Earl Mills In the 60’s at our beginningAt the curve on George Street,You have had our undying devotionYour satisfaction is what we seek. If you haven’t already visited usThen of course you’re missing a treat,So come on downWe are right across the street. A smile from our vendorsYou will always receive,And our Southern hospitalityFor we really aim to please. Our creativityIs what makes us unique,The vendors with their new fresh ideasEach and every week. If you like to read,A book you will find,To increase your knowledgeAnd stimulate your mind. Whether you’re looking for somethingTo commemorate your favorite team,Or a custom made itemFor an occasion or theme. The New Bern Farmers Marketshould be your very first stop,Because from where you areWe are only a skip and a hop. The prices at the marketWell they are hard to beat,Although the other competitorsCan only try to compete. The market is not just filled with vendorsWe are your neighbors and friends,Buying from us helps the local economySo everyone wins and wins. We have hot dogs, hamburgersAnd things you can wear,And sweets so goodIf you gain a pound, you won’t even care. Whether a photograph of our beautiful cityOr a flag for the Fourth of July,Sweet honey from beesOr a sweet apple pie. Local, fresh grown vegetablesPicked especially for you,Will make a feast for a familyOr a romantic dinner for two. So mosey on down to our New Bern market place,Where there is alwaysA sweet aroma or a sample to taste. 421 S Front Street in historic downtown New Bern, NC 28560
—or what I wish people would ask about shopping at the market! by Julia McKeon, manager New Bern Farmers Market All Farmers Markets are different but here are a few tips that apply to most all markets to make your visit a comfortable and rewarding experience. Dress for Comfort– Wear walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate cool mornings and rising temperatures. Take along a sun hat and umbrella, just in case. Include the Kids– Use it as a “teaching time.” Show them what potatoes and tomatoes look like before becoming french fries and ketchup. It’s never too early or too late to reinforce the importance of eating healthy food. Teach them not to touch everything they see. Carry Cash– Be sure to have cash, including small bills. Vendors often run out of change for those ATM $20’s. Credit cards and checks usually are not accepted. Although, a few vendors now have credit card attachment for smart phones. Bring Bags– Bring your own reusable shopping bags or tuck a few plastic/paper bags into your pocket. You’ll be helping the merchants and the environment. Food Safety experts now advise you to wash reusable shopping bags after each use. Pack a Cooler –Going to be at the market awhile, not going directly home, got a ways to drive? Carry a cooler in the car so you can keep your purchases fresh, cool, and safe. Take Your Time –Enjoy browsing. Make a loop around the market. See what everyone has. Take note of items of interest and return to make your purchases. Try Something New –Many vendors offer free samples. It’s a cheap way to experiment with a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tasted before. Besides it’s educational and fun! Connect –Introduce yourself and get to know your farmers. Some offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) options and can tell you how to get their product when the market is closed. They might even invite you to the farm! Do Your Homework –Every area has its own climate and growing seasons. Obtain a seasonal produce calendar for your area showing when each fruit or vegetable might be available. Don’t look for May peas in August and watermelons in April. Ask Questions –Most vendors are happy to discuss their products and how they raised them. Be wary of vendors, like politicians, who run down others.ask about growing practices, including soil care and chemical use.ask when an item was picked, how to tell if it is ripe, and how it’s properly stored.ask about ways to use an item in cooking. Some farmers will share recipes.ask when a favorite fruit or vegetable might be ready to bring to market.ask about how the weather has affected a certain crop.ask about lower priced items in bulk if you’re interested in freezing/canning.ask if they have an email to post availability of veggies ask about growing practices, including soil care and chemical use. ask when an item was picked, how to tell if it is ripe, and how it’s properly stored. ask about ways to use an item in cooking. Some farmers will share recipes. ask when a favorite fruit or vegetable might be ready to bring to market. ask about how the weather has affected a certain crop. ask about lower priced items in bulk if you’re interested in freezing/canning. ask if they have an email to post availability of veggies Don’t Plan Ahead –Don’t go to the market looking for one specialty item to finish out a recipe. More than likely you’ll be disappointed. Plan your menu after you see what is available fresh on that day. Don’t Make AssumptionsDon’t assume you have to get there at o’dark thirty to get the best. Many farmers restock their table all through the day.Don’t assume you’ll get lower prices if you go at closing. Many farmers go to more than one market.Don’t assume items that are not the perfect size, perfect shape, and perfect color are no good. In commercial crops the less than perfect are made into canned soup. The market farmer brings them to market. The slightly less than perfect are good eats! Don’t assume
Meet Julie McKeon
Farmers Market Owner
| monday | Closed |
| tuesday | Closed |
| wednesday | Closed |
| thursday | Closed |
| friday | Closed |
| saturday | 8 AM – 2 PM |
| sunday | Closed |