Eno River Farmers Market in Downtown Hillsborough

144 E. Margaret Lane places this market in downtown Hillsborough, where the town’s original market tradition dates back to 1754 and the current market continues that downtown pattern in nearly the same location. That long arc is the clearest thing about a visit here: a Saturday market tied directly to Hillsborough’s historic town layout rather than a newer pop-up setting. The market also emphasizes producer support and payment access, including SNAP, FMNP, and WIC with doubled value, alongside programming and live music.

What you'll find there

The strongest throughline here is a producer-focused market that is actively shaping its vendor mix. Current season materials say the 2026 season is full, guest vendors are considered on a rolling basis, and the market is not accepting craft, meat, or prepared foods vendors while seeking mushrooms, nuts, or dairy. That gives shoppers a useful sense of what the market is prioritizing now.

• -Matthew Lowe serves as board president for the 2025–2026 season.
• -Martha Pengelly is listed as vice president on the 2025–2026 board.
• -Bradley Dokter holds the treasurer role on the 2025–2026 board.
• -Emily Buehler is the community representative and secretary on the 2025–2026 board.
• -Kether Smith is listed as a 2025–2026 board member.
• -Brittany Flowers appears on the 2025–2026 board of directors.
• -Meredith Taylor is also listed on the 2025–2026 board.
• -Corly Jones is named as lead manager.
• -Lynne Millies is listed as a manager.
• -Melissa Cada is listed as manager and SNAP representative.
• -Christina Morelli works as a market assistant.
• -Judy Fitzpatrick is listed as a market assistant.
• -Nick Samanta is also named as a market assistant.

The market also notes programming and a live music series as part of the regular experience, alongside accepted and doubled SNAP, FMNP, and WIC payments.

Know before you go

No dogs are allowed, which is the detail most likely to change your plans before leaving home. Parking is available in the sheriff parking area, though it can fill quickly. If that lot is full, there are three nearby lots around the corner off Cameron Street with two walking paths back to the pavilion. Another option is the Weaver Street parking deck, with a walk to market along the River Walk.

This is also a market with a clearly managed structure: managers, assistants, a board of directors, and a named SNAP representative are all listed for the current season.

Payments & SNAP

SNAP is accepted here, and the market says it doubles the value of SNAP, FMNP, and WIC payments. That makes this one of the clearest planning advantages for shoppers using nutrition benefits. Melissa Cada is specifically listed as manager and SNAP representative, which signals that the program is built into the market’s regular operations.