Shopping

From fresh, local produce and products to antiques, you know where you like to spend your hard-earned cash. Check out Carolina's Finest winners in the Shopping category.

VisitNC.com

Farmers Market

New Bern Farmers Market
421 S. Front Street, Historic Downtown New Bern
newbernfarmersmarket.org | 252-633-0043

The New Bern Farmers Market adds a festive feel to the town’s downtown. Open on Saturdays year-round from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (and on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from April through December), the market features more than 75 vendors. Farm products such as alpaca products and fiber, wines from local vineyards, pastured meats, fresh vegetables, field-grown flowers, and honey abound. Baked good and other edibles are available. Added to the mix is an array of handcrafted products, jewelry and other specialty items.

“It is a wonderful, bustling market. Fresh veggies and plenty of vendors and live music.”

—Vicky Lane, a member of Tri-County EMC

Antiquing

Liberty Antiques Festival
2855 Pike Farm Road, Staley
libertyantiquesfestival.com | 336-622-3041

Treasure hunts never go out of style, and treasures abound at the Liberty Antiques Festival in Staley, a small town near Asheboro. Held twice each year, the last Friday and Saturday in April and September, the festival features 375 dealers from more than 20 states in what can be considered an antiques and collectibles extravaganza. Antique furniture, clocks, pottery, glass, toys, dolls, military items, folk art, jewelry and quilts are just a few of the items you’ll find.

“There is something for everybody and there is something in every price range. There are no crafts and reproductions.”

—Vito Sico, a member of Randolph EMC and one of the festival founders in 1991

NC Products

Mrs. Hanes’ Hand-Made Moravian Cookies
4643 Friedberg Church Road, Clemmons
hanescookies.com | 336-764-1402

Mrs. Hanes’ Hand-Made Moravian Cookies are scrumptious any time of year, but for many, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without them. The thin crisps have garnered national attention in a number of magazines and television shows. Even Oprah has weighed in, naming them to her list of favorite things and declaring: “It wouldn’t be Christmas if my pal Quincy Jones didn’t send me these cookies.” Tours of the bakery are the perfect chance to try all six flavors: ginger, sugar, lemon, chocolate, butterscotch and black walnut.

“I have had these cookies for over 30 years and they have not changed. They are handmade, with dedication and heart, and the picture-perfect pride of a North Carolina creation.”

—Seth Jason, of Edgewater