25 Plus Places to Shop Local – March 2020

No better place to shop for local produce, proteins and product than from local farmers markets, farm stores and locally run businesses.

In late March, as we all continue to navigate our way through the COVID 19 crisis, North Carolina governor, Roy Cooper proclaimed that farmer’s markets are an essential part of the grocery market food chain and, like restaurants, will remain open to serve the public.  Even though North Carolina is now on “shelter in place” order you are still allowed to travel out for food.

Last week I shared this post that starts with a quick restaurant update and ends with all that is happening in regards to shopping at local farmers’ markets and at area farm stores.

I am continuing to update this list on a weekly basis. In this post you’ll find some specific additions to list as well as several new and innovative ways restaurants, wine and beer shops, a local wholesaler and even a doughnut shop are each doing what they can to help. becoming more of a local neighborhood market and resource for each of us to eat local.

Saturday Morning Farmers Markets and Other Ways to Shop Local

Ready to mix a little home cooking in with local take out? I am beyond delighted to share the news that all of these local Charlotte area farmers’ markets will be open this weekend. My list includes the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market on Yorkmont Road; the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market in Matthews; the Southend Market at the corner of South Blvd and Tremont Ave; and the Waxhaw Farmers Market, as well.

Update April 3, 2020 – for a large listing of local area Farmers’ Markets, Farm Stores and farmers selling online, take a look at this page.

At all of these markets you will find all sorts of just picked seasonal produce as well as bread and coffee, lots of local products, vegetable and herb plants for your garden and, depending on the market, a great selection of wonderful local beef, pork, dairy, poultry, eggs, lamb, goat and seafood.

If you are looking for recipes, I’ve got you covered. Just scroll through my recipe posts and I’ll be you’ll find something you and your family are going to love.

Protocol and procedures have changed at all area markets. Check out general details in the second half of this post, and call each individual market or better yet, follow the social media feeds for each market fro website links and exact opening and closing times. specifics.

Take care to note that it is easier for markets and chefs to update their social media right now than it is to update their website, so that is where you will find the most current info.

Shop virtually at the Davidson Farmers Market

The Davidson Farmers Market made the hard decision to close the actual market till May 2, 2020. But that doesn’t mean those farmers won’t have local goods for sale. Those interested in shopping local slightly north of Charlotte may subscribe to the Davidson Farmers Market email newsletter here, or follow the market’s social media on Instagram or Facebook, to connect with farmers, place orders on line and then pick up directly from local farm stores.

Shop Local Farm Stores During the Week

Several farmers are also selling during the week at individual farm stores, among them Tega Hills Farm in Ft. Mill, SC, is not only at the Matthews Community Market, but their farm store on Zoar Road in Ft. Mill s open Monday – Friday for hydroponic lettuces, microgreens and assorted seasonal produce. You can order ahead for market or farm store pick up here.

Windcrest Farms in Monroe, NC , again at the Matthews Community Market on Saturdays, is open during the week by appointment for certified organic produce. If you’ve a mind to spend your new found “free” time digging in the garden, Windcrest can help you with vegetable seedlings and organic gardening supplies. You can now order online from Windcrest for market pickup as well. Here is the link… You’ll notice that Mary Roberts is also offering proteins from her neighbors at Dry Fork Creek Farm in Monroe, if you are on the lookout for local pork and beef.

If you are looking for local strawberries, and other south Carolina produce, raw milk and SC cheeses, you can get them at the farm store at Bush n Vine in York, SC. Open 8 am – 6 pm weekdays and 8am -5 pm on Saturdays. While you are there, treat yourself to a soft serve Strawberry ice cream.

On the farm shoppin for Beef, Pork, Lamb & Chicken

For beef, pork and raw milk. check out Underwood Farms in Lawndale, NC, just outside of Shelby and on Saturday mornings at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market in Building A. If you would rather shop at the farm store during the week, they are open by appointment on Mondays and Fridays. Call for product availability and pick up times 704-477-4312.

Clearview Farms in Lincolnton, NC is another wonderful resource for local proteins including chicken, pork, rabbit and lamb. The also sell local honey and Ashe County Cheeses. Shop local with them on Saturday mornings in Building A at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market or order ahead and pick up at the farm Sunday-Thursday from 11am – 7 pm. Call 704-718-8795 for product availability, to place your order and to arrange for on the farm pick up.

Proffitt Family Cattle Company in Shelby NC will have their certified organic grass fed beef available again after April 11, but you can pre-order now.

Appointments for pick up begin April 11, for pre-orders only.  To get on their list – text your email to 704-751-6455 so you can receive their newsletter with all the order and pick up info. To prevent humans sharing space there will be no shopping inside the store.

Loving these loaves

If its bread you crave, pick up from my friends bread bakers extraordinaire, Jaymin and Tanner at Verdant Bread. They sell each Saturday morning at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market and you can place orders ahead. These delicious breads have become a favorite of ours! They are all baked with ancient and locally sourced grains, I know you will love them too.

The English Muffins make great burger buns and the whole loaves come to you unsliced so your morning French toast or your evening’s Bruschetta can be as thick as you’d like.

Verdant is also available during the week at the Common Market on Monroe Road Tuesday – Friday. The bakery offers bread subscriptions and curbside pick up – call them for details. They also offer HOME DELIVERY on Fridays for anyone within a 10 mile radius of the bakery in the 28205 zip code. And If you live in Davidson, they send orders to the Pickled Peach every Wednesday and Friday.

More From Local Farms

Fading D Farm, North Carolina’s only Water Buffalo farm and cheese making operation is located in Salisbury, NC. They are making fresh mozzarella on a week to week basis. They also carry water buffalo meat (delicious) and gelato (delicious) and cultured butter (delicious). The farm store is open Saturday morning 9-12. Call to order and for directions, 980-330-8189

Looking for more Local Beef and Pork? The farm store at Rocky River Farm in Monroe, NC can hook you up, but shopping is by appointment only. Just give farmer Greg Stephens a call at 704.256.0203

Steve Young and his team at Coddle Creek Farms in Mooresville, NC, just north of Charlotte, have their farm store is open Wednesday through Saturday 10am till 6pm . In an effort to help folks shop local they are also trying to open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3-6pm, But Steve suggests you call first – 704-402-8885 just to make sure. You can also order from the store and shop for products online.

On Saturday mornings, you’ll find Coddle Creek at the South End Farmers Market at Atherton, and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market in Building C.

If you haven’t had Coddle Creek Farm Nut Butter yet, you should definitely pick up a jar or three and treat yourself! Its one of my faves! There are currently about a half dozen varieties, each one as delicious as the next! Check out how I used the Peanut Butter with my Sweet Potato Toastie Recipe here.

At the store and at their local market booths, look for Coddle Creek Farm honey, nut butters, Amish jams, local pickles, grass fed beef, local milk, Ash County cheese, local elderberry syrup, baked goods from our bakery and more GotToBeNC products.

Inland Seafood Opens Its Doors so Everyone can Shop Local

If you’ve a taste for fresh seafood (including clams and oysters) and lots of other local and regional proteins, including pork, beef , chicken Hickory Hills Farm milk and an array of local cheeses, you can now shop with my friends at Inland located in NoDa.

Here is what you’ll need to do if you want to order (weekdays only, please) Call 704-332-3474 to place your order each day anytime between the hours of 10am – 4 pm. for details on what is available and to place your order.

The photo here is the availability list for Tuesday March 31.

It will give you an idea of what they have in stock. Just call and ask what’s available, or tell them what you need and they’ll check on availability. Pick up is anytime before 5 pm. They will tell you what to do and where to park for pick up and they will bring the order to your car, or you can watch my recent video on my Heidi Billotto Facebook page for all the details. #TellThemHeidiSentYou

More places to shop local

Local product such as cheese, eggs, honey, pasta sauces, Windy Hill Farm pork, condiments, coffee, wine and more; as well as a variety of prepared heat and serve food stuffs are available for pre order and curb side pick up at all three locations of Pasta & Provisions. On Providence Road at 704-364-2622; on Park Road at 980-938-6433; and at Mint Street at 980-201-9153.

This just in…. all three locations of P&P are offering DELIVERY. Order minimum is $30 and you must live within a 3 mile radius of the store you call. Items available for delivery include wine and beer.

The Mecklenburg County Market on Harding Place, is also a great source for lots of fresh produce – lots of it local as well as an array of proteins. The Market is also home base for Beverly Gourmet Foods. Check availability and what to order lists here. Call 704-606-1045 to place your order an arrange for pick up.

The NoDa Company Store is now working with lots of local producers to provide neighbors with food and goods during the Mecklenburg County shelter in place order.. The variety of goods and groceries ranges from local Urban Gourmet Farm mushrooms) to Duke’s Bread and produce, eggs and meats from Harmony Ridge Farms ! In addition there is also tons of great shelf stable grocery product and, of course, beer and wine to go.

Charlotte Restaurants Expand Horizons, Offering Groceries as well, prepared to-go food

In addition to providing a different locally sourced take out menu each evening, Chef Adam Reed and his staff at Sante in Matthews. are also providing a Saturday morning market. It takes places at the Matthews restaurant (located just across the street from the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market.) Shoppers will be able to pick up to-go prepared food, bread, salad dressings and more.

Chef Paul Verica at The Stanley in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood. Announced a new to-go menu this week in addition to a list of butcher shop specials: steaks, chops, salmon, shrimp and the like, prepared and ready for you to take home and cook yourself. Order the ready to grill or cook Butcher Shop proteins by 2pm Tuesday – Thursday for pick up the next day.

Heirloom Restaurant now offers chocolate chip cookie dough and gluten free chocolate chip cookie dough in a tub to take home and bake with the family. They are also offering their famous whipped Heirloom honey butter in a tub. Their honey is produced by local bees from their roof top hives! Heirloom Restaurant is open 7 days/week, noon to 8 pm. Call the restaurant at 704-595-7710 to place an order for cookie dough or honey or to order from the take and bake menu.

For cheese, condiments, donuts and more

For cheese and condiments, try video conferencing with your own personal cheese monger at Orrmans Cheese Shop in 7 Street Public Market. Book an appointment on the Orrman’s website for you own personal conferencing session, They will show you the selection of cheese and condiments, you pick what you want, pay by phone and they’ll have a it ready for pick up by the time you get there. 

Orrmans also just started offering make your own cheeseboard kits and fondue kits to their line up of local, regional, domestic and international cheeses for some easy at home cheesy deliciousness!

Saltwater Markets in Clover SC and Saltwater Markets in Gastonia NC – regularly a seafood and butcher shop, continue to offering more household goods, take and bake items and prepared entrees, produce, and lots of other local items. They do regular Facebook live videos and social media posts to let people know what they have available.

Now, its more that Your Mom’s Donuts and this uniquely local donut shop. Visit “Your Mom’s” website and click the “order now” button to order donuts and more!! A great local resource for local produce, flowers, coffee, elderberry syrup, etc, etc.. Offerings change every week. Order on Tuesday for Wednesday pick up; and on Thursday for Friday pick up.

Order Up and Keep Shopping Local

Chef Geoff Bragg reports from the Oakwold location that The Common Market is doing takeout, curbside and delivery, of anything in the store and on the menu. They’ve had an extensive selection of deli meat, cheese and salads list by the pound, several family meal packages on the menu for the past week or so. All items available a la carte.

Now, this location of Common Market is selling bread by the loaf and eggs by the dozen in addition to a list of available proteins, veggies and plant-based products available by the pound or by the single unit. Plus Geoff is stocking the freezer with lots of “take and bake” items for your family to enjoy, Check Instagram feeds for the most up to date info. And this just in… Look for creative DIY meal kits to help make your meal planning all the easier. Select from the burger kit, pizza kit, stir fry kit and a taco kit. Each kits is priced at $25 and will serve 4 adults.

Assorted Table Wine Shoppe sells a wide selection of fine wines ranging from $5 to $1000 – plus craft beer, sakes, vermouths, cocktail bitters, & more.

Located in 7th Street Public Market, My friend Josh Villapando and his team are delighted to take your wine order by phone for curbside pick up Monday-Saturday, from 11am to 4pm!

Don’t want to leave the house?? They are offering delivery for free on orders over $100. Call 704-277-3234 for details, to place your order or simply fill out the order form on their website; and your wine will be on the way!

For the love of Pie

Food writer Keia Mastriana has a talent for baking pie and she is sharing it weekly with all of us. She is also considering a pie CSA in weeks ahead. It would essentially be a pie subscription for 3 weeks or 6 weeks. Pies are usually dealer’s choice and vary from week to week. One week you may get a box of handpies, the next week you may get a whole fruit pie. Either way, she keep you in a steady pie supply while she explores new seasonal flavors and some fun recipes. Stay tuned for more info. Meanwhile, You’ll find all the details in her weekly newsletter here. She is sold out for this week, but subscribe to her newsletter and jump on it next week. While you are placing orders, be sure to order a bottle or two of Old North Shrub. A shrub is a vinegar-based botanical beverage made by former chef turned farmer, and Keia’s hubby, Jamie Swofford. Right now Jamie has his Pine & Dandy and his Two in the Bush shrubs available for order.

North Carolina Distilleries, Now Crafting Hand Sanitizer to Help Raise Local Spirits

It is amazing what creative minds come up with when there is a need. I’d like to be one of the first to raise my glass of local spirits to say cheers to the NC distilleries that have shifted gears and are now using high octane spirits to make GotToBeNc hand crafted hand sanitizer.

Most that I know about – TOPO Organic Distillery in Chapel Hill; Durham Distillery in Durham; Doc Porters in Charlotte and Holman Distillery in Moravian Falls, NC are making hand sanitizer for hospitals, the hospitality industry and emergency workers on the front lines.

Copper Barrel in Wilkes County is making its Shineitizer, available to the public. They estimate product to be ready for pick-up no earlier than 11 am on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. A portion of the proceeds from each purchase will go to Copper Barrel’s #Shine4Servers campaign . The distillery set this fundraising effort into motion to help reduce the financial burden for service industry people in Wilkes County who have been displaced as a result of the government’s restrictions due to the COVID 19 crisis. Limit of 3 bottles per customer and identification will be required for pickup due to the extremely high demand for this product. Contact the distillery for more info.