Chatham Park residents have several options for farm fresh produce in Pittsboro, NC. Two farmers markets in downtown Pittsboro, and another located in Fearrington Village, offer organic, non-GMO, sustainably and regeneratively grown produce and ethically raised meat and dairy products.  In addition to weekly markets with numerous vendors on site, local farms make use of Community Sustained Agriculture (CSA) methods. CSA farms allow community members to buy a “share” of the crop and then receive once-a-week portions of the farm’s harvest.

The Pittsboro Farmers Market, located downtown on East St., has been a staple for the Pittsboro community and surrounding areas since 1997, and is a “producer only” venue. Everything at the market was grown or produced by the vendor, whose product comes from within a 50-mile radius of the town.  The market is open year-round on Thursdays from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and features fresh North Carolina seafood from Hook and Larder, goat dairy products from Celebrity Dairy, and high-quality, naturally raised beef from Lilly Den Farm. Solstice Herb Farm’s wares include medicinal and culinary herbs, a handcrafted apothecary-formulated body care line, and heirloom varieties of produce. The market also showcases fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms from local CSA farms. 

Chatham Mills Farmers Market is open Saturdays and has a seasonal calendar (April-October, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.; November-January, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.).  Found in Historic Chatham Mills in downtown Pittsboro, this market boasts a variety of permanent and guest vendors, spotlighting one of the latter each week in their newsletter. Chatham Park residents will find everything from organic produce, local meats, and fresh eggs to handmade crafts, preserves, and baked goods. CATHIS Farm out of Lillington provides organic-fed, pasture-raised pork, lamb, chicken, turkey meats, and eggs while The Yeast Roll Company sells their hot, baked-fresh rolls. You can also grab something sweet from Carolina Cravings Co. or enjoy themed events like “Pie Day,” an annual throw-down of homemade pies complete with bake sale and tasting contest. Check out their website for a free “Recipe of the Week” and keep up to date on events like the seasonal “Plant Sale Days.”

If Thursdays or Saturdays aren’t convenient for you, spend some time on Tuesday at the Fearrington Farmers Market which is conveniently located at Fearrington Village.  Another “producer-only” market, it is open during Daylight Savings (March-November) from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. When winter rolls around, it is open from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.  This market is in its 30^th season with over three dozen full-time vendors.  The Barking Bedlie offers all-natural dog treats, Chatham Cider Works sells their small-batch hard ciders (made with local apples), Sour Bakery provides their wild yeast-based breads and pastries, and Valley View Farm out of Chapel Hill has local, all-natural Angus Beef and Pork products. A few helpful tips include bringing cash as not all vendors accept card or checks, signing up for their weekly newsletter, and checking out their website’s map of weekly vendors to make completing your shopping list a breeze.

Also, don’t forget CSA farms In Good Heart Farm, Granite Springs Farm, and Copeland Springs Farm & Kitchen. Most of the season’s slots fill up quickly but offer different options on pickup locations and times. Some of them set up booths at one of the local farmers markets but investing in a share of seasonal harvests with your community is an excellent way to ensure you always have ripe local produce!  

Our proximity to farm fresh produce and ethically raised meat and dairy products is another example of our commitment to our pillars by providing our Chatham Park residents with Healthy Balance options.