News & Events

There is nothing more fresh, enjoyable and satisfying than purchasing produce from a local farmer’s market. Freshly picked fruits, vegetables, preserves and herbs are available at farmer’s markets all around the NC mountain communities. Many of them are conveniently located in the best retirement places in North Carolina; mountain towns such as Lenoir, Morganton, Hickory, Blowing Rock and Boone.

Consuming healthy, fresh foods from organic farmer’s markets is a great way to ensure that the food you are eating is free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Supporting local farmers is also rewarding in itself. Culinary chefs too desire fresh and hearty ingredients, which is why farmer’s markets are a great place for them to pick up their produce. Not to mention the social aspect that these markets bring to the local community. Meeting friends, shopping, enjoying live music and food sampling; what could be better than spending a Saturday and/or Sunday at your local farmer’s market?

Here is a list of the local farmers markets in the foothills of North Carolina, their hours of operation and where to find them. At these markets you can find a variety of fresh produce and fresh flowers, as well as partake in community involvement, listen to live music, have a bite to eat and mingle with friends and family, all near land for sale near Boone.

The Bluegrass Farmers Market in downtown Lenoir, Fridays 4pm-7pm

Caldwell County Farmers Market: Saturdays 7am to 1pm, May through December at Caldwell County Public Parking Lot
120 Hospital Ave. NE
Lenoir, NC 28645

Sawmills Farmers Market: Tuesdays, 3pm-6:30pm May-September
Across from Sawmills Fire Department (HWY 321A)

Lenoir Downtown Farmers Market: Wednesday-Friday, 10am-6pm
Saturdays 10am-4pm
904 West Ave, Lenoir NC

Morganton – Saturday Market: 8am-12pm, April 30th – Oct. 29
300 Beach St.
Wednesday Mini-Market, 1pm-5:30pm, May 4th – Oct. 26th
111 North Green St.
Holiday Markets! 11am-3pm, Nov. 19th and Dec. 10th
111 North Green St.

Blowing Rock Farmers Market: Thursday’s in Oct. 5pm-7pm, Park Ave.

The Watauga Farmers Market in Boone, 591 Horn in the W Drive
Saturdays, 8am-12pm
May to October

Folks who live at The Coves Mountain River Club are foodie’s too. One of the area’s best NC mountain communities is ideal for those who love nature, serenity and outdoor activities and who want to live in the best retirement places in North Carolina. Residents here love to cook and frequently have cook-off competitions among the neighbors or bring in celebrity chefs to show off their cooking skills. Such events are some of the fun things to do in mountain communities in North Carolina like The Coves. Pisgah Mountain Lodge located at the summit of the gated community is known to host a variety of annual events that include:

March – Best International Dish
June – North Carolina BBQ Rib Challenge
August – Best Side Dish
October – Best Chowder
December – Chili Cook-off

The Coves Mountain River Club boosts its own community garden called Isabel’s Garden. It is situated along the mountain fed Johns River adjacent to Round Mountain Ranch, the community’s full service equestrian center. The mountain community is great place to find land for sale near Boone without the harsh winter weather. Everything from mountain homesites to large equestrian parcels are available to build your dream home.

Residents enjoy the fact that The Coves Mountain River Club is home to a group of like-minded friends and great cooks! If you’re searching for panoramic mountain view homes and homes along the river, stop by The Coves. Call 828.754.0700 to schedule a tour.

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 70 page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide which provides more information about living in the foothills.