The Best Holiday Markets You Won’t Want to Miss.

Halloween is over and November is here. You rolled back the clocks Sunday and now it is time to get in the Holiday spirit. Thanksgiving is around the corner and we all know Christmas is not far off. Let us get in the holiday mood, knock out some holiday shopping, or maybe pick up that secret Thanksgiving dinner ingredient at one of the many holiday/farmers markets in and around the Ocean Isle Beach area. Here are just a few you might like to explore during your visit to Ocean Isle Beach.

If you’ve never been to Shallotte NC you’re in for a treat on November 18. Shallotte is a quaint small town nestled along the Shallotte River not far from your Ocean Isle Beach vacation home. The Shallotte Holiday Market takes place at the beautiful Mulberry Park in downtown Shallotte. Mulberry park is full of hardwoods and with the fall colors in full splendor, it would be worth the drive just to sit and enjoy the beautiful fall colors. Jewelry, handmade pottery, local crafts, great food, fresh seasonal produce, and of course it wouldn’t be a Shallotte Farmers Market without some great live music provided by The Grass Needs Mowing band. The park is handicap accessible and there is plenty of free parking. Please check out our previous post: Celebrate All Things Fall At The Shallotte Farmers Marketfor more info about the Shallotte Farmers Market.If you would like to keep up with all the happenings at the Shallotte Farmers Market follow theirFacebook page.

After you visit the Shallotte Farmers Market take a moment and head over to the Holden Brothers Farmers Market. The Holden Family has been continuously farming the same land since their ancestors were first given a land grant by King George the 2nd in 1756. That’s a lot of history and we’re sure you’ll enjoy wandering around this family owned and operated market. Most of the fruits and vegetables that are sold at the market are grown on the 250 acres surrounding the shop. The market also supplements their own stock with fresh produce and handmade products from local North and South Carolina vendors. The Holden Brothers maintain a strict quality standard focusing on locally and regionally sourced products that you’re sure to appreciate. The market is located on Highway 17 at milepost 10. So take a few minutes while in the Shallotte area to see this local institution we’re sure you’ll be happy you did.

For the Riverfest Farmers Market, we head over to the happening port city of Wilmington. The Riverfest Farmers Market’s mission is to provide a place for local growers, producers, artisans and crafters to sell their goods directly to consumers and to educate those consumers about local farming, and seasonal eating, to encourage and promote the use of locally grown and made produce and products. We think they have succeeded and we’re sure you’ll agree. Here are a few details you’ll need to know to enjoy this vibrant market.

For those of you unfamiliar with the area Wilmington is approximately a 50-minute drive from your Ocean Isle Beach. The setting for the market is all along the beautiful river walk in lovely downtown Wilmington. The Cape Fear River is lined with hundreds of small shops, restaurants and specialty shops, so even without the Farmers Market, this is a great day trip to knock out some holiday shopping. However, on November 18, the Riverwalk area is filled with dozens of local and regional vendors. This year there will be custom jewelry, paintings, woodcrafts, custom glass, incredible metal work, fresh vegetables and seafood, delicious baked goods and, well, a whole lot more. Getting to Wilmington and the Riverwalk area is very easy. Just take NC Highway 17 N for 45 miles and take the exit for Front Street. The address of use for your GPS is 70 N Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Poplar Grove is a beautiful plantation home listed on the National Registry of Historic Sites. Located right on Highway 17 N in Wilmington, NC Poplar Grove comes alive in Christmas splendor each year. If you’re looking for beautiful handmade artisan crafts, jewelry, or pottery look no further than a day trip to the Poplar Grove A Merry Little Christmas Arts, Crafts and Gift Show. This year’s event is slated to be better than ever, with tons of period activities, and family-friendly events that are sure to put you not only in the shopping spirit but the Christmas mood as well. The event takes place on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 from 10 am to 5 pm and 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Here are just a few of the things you can expect to enjoy during your visit. Kids will love the inflatable bouncy houses, and you’ll love strolling the beautiful grounds lit with dazzling white lights. This year there are wagon tours of the Abbey Nature Trail and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at the gazebo for picture opportunities. Finally, there are barnyard animals for the kids to visit which makes any event more fun. This is a market that offers something for everyone. Make sure to be there towards twilight to enjoy all the spectacular lights! For more information on this event and visiting Poplar Grove Plantation. Click Here.

---

With so many fun markets to explore and experience we’re sure you’ll have a wonderful time this fall enjoying the local markets and our beautiful North Carolina fall weather. The best part about all of the markets featured today is their dedication to supporting local vendors, artisans, farmers, and crafters. Take this unique opportunity to pick up that perfect gift with a touch of the Carolina Coast. Ocean Isle Beach has plenty of amazing events coming up this Holiday season, so stay tuned for much more to come. There is plenty of time to book one of our amazing vacation homes and experience all the great holiday events and activities Ocean Isle Beach has to offer.