A short drive from the mall, the open-air produce market Perkins Orchard has been open for more than 50 years and features a killer daily deal: as much produce as you can fit in a bag for $25, plus a bonus item like jam or a pineapple.
One of my favorite places in Durham! Owner is kind, as are all the employees. Everyone is helpful. Produce is amazing!
If you haven’t been, do yourself a favor and check it out!
Sweet Tee
Apr 28, 2025
5
Wonderful place! Excellent service and the produce is ALWAYS Fresh!! Often times you will see the owner, and he is the friendliest guy you will ever meet! Every worker is pleasant and kind. We enjoy Perkins Orchard due to it's location, accessibility, affordability and the kindness of the staff. I hope they stay around forever! They will ALWAYS have my support!
Carrie Rubalcaba
Apr 28, 2025
5
My family and I love spending our Sunday afternoons at Perkins! We started visiting about a month ago, and it quickly became a tradition. On our first visit, we had the pleasure of hearing the owner's story and learning the history of Perkins. Does it sound a little scripted? Sure — but imagine how many times he shares it with new customers. His pride and excitement are genuine, and it's inspiring to see someone so passionate about their hard work and their impact on the community.
We feel truly blessed to have this local produce market so close to home. Our daughters look forward to going every week, and they’re already counting down the days until they can try his homemade ice cream for the first time!
This place is an impressive, one-man show — Black-owned and operated right here in Durham, NC. He takes tremendous pride in what he’s built, and it shows in every part of the experience.
To those who have left negative comments: please take a moment to put yourself in his shoes. Being a one-man business owner, farmer, marketer, and everything in between is no small feat. It takes heart, hustle, and an incredible amount of resilience. Instead of judging, recognize the hard work and sacrifices it takes to keep something like this alive. He’s doing something good for our community — providing fresh local produce, building relationships, and setting an example of what dedication and perseverance look like.
We are proud to support Perkins and encourage others to do the same. It’s more than a market — it’s a labor of love that enriches our community.
Christina
Apr 28, 2025
5
We had a wonderful time at Perkins Orchard this past Saturday. We even got to meet the owner! It’s hard to imagine running all this in your early 30s, but he’s been doing it for years. We were in Raleigh for another reason and decided to stop by because of all the great reviews. I got cantaloupe, nectarines, grapes, oranges, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, eggs, beef and pork. The cantaloupe was one of the sweetest I had in a long time! I love the $25 bag that you get to fill with whatever produce you like. I haven’t tried the meat yet, but the eggs were good too. The carton said XL, but I think they were jumbo. I always buy local eggs, but they aren’t usually this large. The golden yolks and size were definitely worth the price. I wish it was closer, because I would definitely go all the time. That being said will definitely stop by next time in in the area. Thank you so much for keeping this place alive, my only regret is not getting the watermelon too!
Tiffany Grasty
Apr 28, 2025
5
This is one of my favorite places to shop for Produce. The owner is Genuine and passionate about his business and he puts the time and effort in to making it great. YES, he offers a History tour about his business and It is only a few minutes long. It is not hard or too much to stop for a few minutes an learn about the decades of hard work his family has put in to making it and the community around him better. The $25 bag deal plus free Item is my favorite and every time I get a chance to shop there, I enjoy seeing what new part of their business they have expanded. The Produce is locally grown, usually kept with-in the south eastern part of the US. Definitely worth stopping in Deep breathing and enjoying the experience.
Syday Mangum
Apr 28, 2025
5
I love everything about this place even the owner. He is very nice and very straightforward. I love the way he treats his first time visitors when they come. He give them a tour of the market as well as the history of it. He take pride in his work and his legacy. When you have passion for something you love it might come off rude but it’s called PASSION. I seen the owner unload the truck of fruit put it up stop In The middle of doing that to help his customers. Can you say excellent customer service.His fruits are always fresh and sweet. If you in the local area I RECOMMEND this place. The $25 bag is a great deal plus he gives you a free item with it! Come experience it for your self
Viviana Bojorquez
Jan 26, 2025
5
I had a great time learning about this place and looking through all of the options. I am excited to check out the meat area next time and come back for the $25 back + one free item (which i did today as well). The free item this week was heavy cream, butter, or a pineapple! You can definitely save money doing the bag deal which gets filled up until the handle breaks! There are also free herbs like mint, rosemary, cilantro and one other. It is also family owned! I made agua de jamaica as well all from this stand. Right now is also off season so something to remember
“If it grows, it goes” is the policy for the bag lol!
Gabriel Chapman
Jan 26, 2025
5
Our first visit exceeded all expectations! Even in late January there was an abundance for the $25/bag deal, and then some! The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming, and the strong ethical backbone of the company is very clear. We will be back!!
Liz Templeton
Dec 10, 2024
5
What a perfect place to buy a Christmas tree!!! I'm kicking myself for not getting here sooner. I love supporting local and the produce was GORGEOUS!!! They had everything down to the cinnamon for apple cider. The $25 bag deal is amazing (the bag looks small, but I definitely got my money's worth!). I'm thinking this may be my new spot for ALL my produce!
Chosun Kumar
Oct 27, 2024
5
This is such an impressive place! 30 year old Donovan Perkins is a true example of the entrepreneurial spirit. His passion for farming, community, and business shows with how he has taken the reigns of this small family business and grown it. The pumpkin selection was good for the size of this business so all 8 kids we brought were happy with their choices! We are also excited to try the additional produce and jam we choose to go with our $99 wagon deal! I love finding spots like this and hearing the stories of how they started. Bravo to Donovan! Cute, relaxed, charming…highly recommend!
Susan Landry
Sep 21, 2024
5
Amazing place, found this on the internet. Lived in the area 30 years never knew this was here. If you see the ad please make a stop over. Everything is very nice and fresh. I bought the 25 dollar bag and had it full over the top and got a free dozen eggs. The owner greets you and tells his story when available. I’ll go for all fruits and veggies and you should too. Wonderful find
Jessica Fass
Jul 27, 2024
5
I’d come across the Orchard through an IG reel and I had to check it out for myself. I live in East Raleigh and RARELY travel to Durham but I’m so glad that I did! We met the owner and he gave us the full history of the farm stand and showed us around. This place is clean, organized, and such a great deal for a beautiful variety of produce. The fill a bag for $25 is a sweet deal. I got everything I need for a fantastic Mexican inspired meal. Get yourself to Perkins Orchard and get yourself a bag full of goodness!
Carol Caffee
Jul 25, 2024
5
Black owned local business and local produce. Out of butter beans and peas but beautiful green beans. I got a full bag for $25 plus they always have a free item. It weighed 8.5 lbs This time there were five choices! I chose a dozen free range eggs.
