Source: NCDA&CS, 11/5/13

The State Farmers Market can help add a local touch to your holiday meals or gift giving with three special events planned in November.

This weekend, crafters and artisans will sell their wares during the annual Fall Craft Fair. Vendors will offer quilts, stained glass, woodworking items, pottery, ornaments, handbags, birdhouses, wreaths and more. The craft fair runs Nov. 8-10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Friday, Nov. 15, fans of leafy greens can get their fill at Colossal Collard Day. The event highlights collards and other seasonal greens available at the market. Guests can try free samples of collards from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and learn more about the selection of greens grown in North Carolina.

Pecans will take center stage at the Pecan Day celebration on Friday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The State Farmers Market Restaurant will provide free samples of a pecan dessert for the event. Visitors also will have the chance to purchase pecans from market vendors and pick up some free recipes to try at home during the holidays.

Open year round, the State Farmers Market offers a large selection of seasonal produce, meats and cheeses, local wines, plants and more. In November, visitors can find N.C. apples, cabbage, greens, peanuts, pecans, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, wreaths and other fall decorations.

The market is located at 1201 Agriculture St. in Raleigh. To get to the market, take exit 297 off Interstate 40. More information about the market and other upcoming events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.