This week, we sent photographers on a mission to capture the essence of their local farmers' markets in pictures. The Manteo, North Carolina farmers' market as captured by longtime summer visitor, Olivia Rae James, is proof that size isn't everything. While the tiny market in coastal Carolina might not have the scale of the Portland Farmers Market that we featured yesterday, you'll see that the variety of edibles is just as impressive. And if it's shopping with a view that you're after, this is the market for you.
Of the market, Olivia says: "My family spends most of the summer in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. On Saturday mornings we venture over to Manteo, the quaintest seaside town just across the bridge. We stock up on tomatoes and peaches and stroll along the docks overlooking the sound." Here's what she saw:
Photographs by Olivia Rae James for Gardenista.
Above: A vibrant stand with local onions, potatoes, and green beans.
Above: Freshly cut zinnias.
Above: A cheery vendor selling his goods.
Above: Yellow summer squashes and zucchinis, flanked by field flowers.
Above: Bundles of red onions.
Above: Piles of Rattlesnake beans and Kentucky Wonder beans, two heirloom varieties of pole beans.
Above: Early July is when cured garlic begins to appear in local markets.
Above: Baby fennel picked young to maintain sweetness.
Above: Basil plants for sale.
Above: The view from the nearby Manteo docks.
Above: We can't think of a lovelier spot to do our weekly shopping.
The Details: The market is open on Saturdays seasonally from May to October from 8 am to 12 pm.
The Map:
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