By Andrea Solis
Vang Flowers/ Photo provided by 3rd Rock Events
When the fresh crisp fall air surrounding the waterfront, the sound of children’s laughter and people’s conversations about the best vegetables being harvested, and local music fills the air, you’ll know that you’ve arrived at the University City Farmers Market on a Saturday morning.
Amid a global pandemic that seemed like it was never going to end, people in the up-and-coming University City neighborhood located in Charlotte, North Carolina found a place they could escape to, even if it was for a couple hours. Local vendors coming together from across The Queen City to bring fresh produce, creative energy and joy to the neighborhood.
Seeing how great this multicultural event had been in 2020, University City Partners decided to bring it back this year from May to October. Offering once more different local vendors and music from various artists, reading fairies, face painting and rock painting, and fun for the entire family.
Alexander Anderson, owner of non-profit organization AlxRox Inc. says, “No other farmers market in Charlotte is on a beautiful lake surrounded by green grass and a waterfall. The vendors have something special for everyone, the music is uplifting, and you can even feed the ducks, after feeding yourself, of course. It’s definitely fun for the whole family!”
When arriving at the market you will be greeted by a variety of fruits and vegetables. This season–June through September– you will find tomatoes, squash, zucchini, melons, okra and much more. All of this provided by The Farms at Dover Vineyards, along with fresh bread, eggs and pickles.
Dover Vineyards began with a “dream” on family land and in 2009 they planted their first grape. Looking at the land there was a part where the soil would have been too wet to plant grapes so, they decided to plant fruits and vegetables, thus creating the Farm and the Garden at Dover Vineyards, a local favorite located in Concord, North Carolina.
After picking out your favorite fruits and vegetables and looking for a sweet or salty treat, Manolo’s Bakery offers empanadas, tamales, and pan dulce (Latin pastries). What goes great with a delicious pastry? A coffee of course! Coming from local trucks that differ each week.
Have an anniversary or a birthday? Or just want to make someone’s day a little brighter? Vang Flowers offers different flower arrangements for your special someone! While you’re doing that, guess what? Kiki’s Earrings also offers hand-crafted clay earrings that are sure to get you on your sweethearts’ good side for the week and if not definitely for the day.
Looking for new recipes to try? Drop the kiddos off at the Charlotte Kids Fest tent with the reading fairies and hop over to the cooking demo tent to learn a new recipe from local well known chefs’ such as Ben Lacy from The Golden Owl Tavern.
Whatever it may be, if you’re looking for fresh produce or have nothing planned next Saturday morning, the University City Farmers Market is the place to be.
Andrea Solis 