Savor the scent of fresh fruits and vegetables and enhance the flavor of a home-cooked meal while also supporting local growers when you visit one of the area’s farmers markets.

There truly isn’t a better way to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Sandwiches, sauces and salads taste much better when you are able to add a fresh cucumber, tomato or onion to the dish. “At the end of the day, people crave local fruits and vegetables,’’ said Blake Lanford, extension agent with Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, which coordinates several local markets in Horry County. “People perceive them to be healthier or safer or taste better because they are fresher.’’ Not only does the market provide an array of seasonal selections, they’ve also become a gathering place for friends to exchange stories, swap recipes and browse local crafter booths. From Brunswick County, N.C., to Georgetown and western Horry County, there’s a farmers market near you.

MYRTLE BEACH AREA Myrtle’s Market Intersection of Mr. Joe White Avenue and Oak Street, Myrtle Beach Open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organic Farmers Market Gallery on 8th, 716 Eighth Ave. N., Myrtle Beach Open Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m.

NORTH STRAND North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market 925 First Ave. S. Open Tuesdays 3-8 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shallotte Farmers Market Riverside Park, Shallotte, N.C. Open Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon

SOUTH STRAND Pawleys Island Farmers Market Parkersville Park on Duncan Road Open Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Georgetown County Farmers Market East Bay Park, Georgetown Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WESTERN HORRY COUNTY Conway Farmers Market 217 Laurel St. Open Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Loris Farmers Market Meeting Street Open Thursdays, 2-6 p.m.