With the weather cooling in the off-season, nothing says fall like a visit to one of The Northern Outer Banks’ farm markets. In the crisp autumn air, cozy in your jeans, boots and sweater, you’ll find fields of pumpkins and hay bales, brightly colored mums and piles of apples, sweet potatoes and collards for sale.
On the Mainland, the local farm markets are more than a place to pick up fruits and vegetables – they are a traditional stop for vacationers heading to the beaches as well as well-loved places for the locals to shop and gather. Steeped in local history and charm and locally owned, the markets offer not only locally grown and made products – think homemade pies, tart apple cider and pickled goods galore – but also festive autumn experiences that you won’t want to miss.
If you’re looking to celebrate fall with festivals, pumpkin picking, hayrides, live music, food trucks and other family fun, look no further than The Northern Outer Banks’ Mainland farm markets, where fall fun is a tradition for locals and visitors.
Moyock Farm Market
176 Shingle Landing Road, Moyock | (252) 435-6449
For the sights and sounds of fall, be sure to visit Moyock Farm Market. Jonathan and Jamie Pittman opened the market doors in 2017 and have created a warm and homey space filled with favorites, from local goods and the freshest local produce to meats and dairy. Open year-round, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., they have all the fall favorites like pumpkins, corn stalks, wheat straws and mums in an array of fall colors. While you’re there, check out the corn maze and pick up some collard plants. And be sure to visit Tom the Turkey and his goat friends!
Powell’s Roadside Market
2138 Caratoke Highway, Moyock | (252) 232-2547
Powell’s Roadside Market offers local produce along with other tasty goodies and treats. Opened by William Powell 44 years ago, it’s one of the oldest markets in the area. Seasonal delights include pumpkins in the fall and North Carolina-grown frasier fir Christmas trees come November. While you’re at Powell’s, be sure to stop by Blue 42’s Brewing Barn next door where you can enjoy everything from a freshly brewed cup of coffee to craft beer and wine as well as live music. Mark your calendar for October 26, when Powell’s Roadside Market will host its Fall Festival with live bands all day, bounce houses, a hayride to the pumpkin patch, vendors, food trucks and more!
Morris Farm Market
3784 Caratoke Highway, Maple | (252) 453-2837
Morris Farm Market began as a humble produce stand in 1982, but over the years it has grown to be a destination for food and fun. From homemade baked goods and pies, North Carolina wines, and jams and other delights right out of Southern kitchens to seasonal decor and unique gifts, the market aisles are packed with surprises that you could peruse for hours. Morris Farm Market has grown to include a huge outdoor bar and picnic area with plentiful seating, a stage and open space for food trucks, making it a popular gathering spot on the Mainland. While the market offers something for every season, it thrives in fall with mini fall festivals every weekend through October complete with food trucks, pumpkin picking, bounce houses and more. Morris Farm Market hosts popular tribute bands every Sunday through October and will host the famous Marshall Tucker Band on October 26, an event you won’t want to miss.
Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market
6264 Caratoke Highway, Grandy (252) 453-2658
Fall is synonymous with Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market! Generations of families have come here for their popular fall hayrides through the sunflower fields to the pumpkin patch where kids can stuff scarecrows and select the perfect Halloween pumpkins. In business for more than 25 years with the original owners, Grandy Greenhouse’s market is a shopping extravaganza of seasonal fruits and vegetables, preserves, jams, pickles and gourmet foods. The Bakery turns out fresh-baked goods including pies like apple, pumpkin and pecan. Stop in Allie’s Frozen Yogurt for a tasty sweet treat, and venture over the Rose Tree Gifts to start shopping for the holidays. You’ll quickly find that you can easily spend a morning or afternoon experiencing all that Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market has to offer.
Whether you stop at one or several of The Northern Outer Banks’ farm markets this fall, you’ll quickly see that they are so much more than just a market. They are destinations and a part of what makes The Northern Outer Banks so special. And while you are out exploring, don’t miss out on the other popular destinations like Sanctuary Vineyards for a wine tasting, Buffalo City Distillery for a one-of-a-kind farm-to-bottle experience and the numerous restaurants all around The Northern Outer Banks.
While these markets are closed for the season or close after Columbus Day Weekend, be sure to catch them come springtime:
Seaside Farm Market 787 Sunset Boulevard, Corolla | (252) 453-8285
Tarheel Produce 6954 Caratoke Hwy, Grandy | (252) 491-8600
Indiantown Farms 315 S. Indiantown Road, Shawboro | (252) 202-5834
Roberts Ridge Farm 501 N. Indiantown Road, Shawboro | (252) 202-9665
Currituck County Welcome Center
(877) 287-7488 | (252) 435-2947
106 Caratoke Highway, Moyock, NC 27958
Corolla Visitor Center
(252) 453-9612
500 Hunt Club Drive, Corolla, NC 27927
About the Author Michelle Wagner
Michelle has been writing about the Outer Banks for 25 years. She lives on Colington Island with her husband, two children and a number of dogs and cats.
