I love Farmers’ Markets. Even if I don’t really need anything, it is just such a pleasure to wander from table to table, examining the exquisitely crafted items, sampling the incredible foods, listening to the live music, and examining the fresh meats, dairy and produce. I love everything about them.
Last Sunday, I stopped by the Spa City Farmers’ Market located at the Lincoln Baths. I tried to visit with each vendor, explaining that I was taking photos for my blog, and having many, many interesting conversations. Everyone was incredibly nice and more than willing to let me photograph their displays or sample some of their products (moonshine, candy, pickles, horseradish, brussel sprouts…).
It really is a feast for all the senses.
My plan initially was to try to write a little bit about each of the vendors and show a couple of pictures for each, but as I started going through the photos, I realized that this would comprise an incredibly lengthy blog post. I was not inclined to write a novel of an entry, and I figured most people would not be inclined to read all of it either. My solution was to just try to give a picture tour of all the products offered at this particular Market and then go back in future posts and highlight some of the individual vendors and their wares.
I hope my photos do them justice. Unfortunately, the only sense I can try to portray here is the sense of sight…showcasing the colorful and artistic product displays, the vibrant colors of the fresh fruits and vegetables, and the savory trays of prepared foods. What I can’t share with you are the wonderful smells, the music, or the feel of the woven scarves…or the taste of those curly fries. You will have to visit yourself to experience the joys presented to all your senses.
To all of the vendors I spoke with, please forgive me for not going into more detail about you here but, as you can see, this is a realllllly long post with just the photos! I promise I will try to get back to you to do a more in-depth post. And to all of you potential Farmer’s Market visitors, if you were undecided as to what to do with your Sunday today, take a look at the photos and grab your car keys. You won’t be disappointed.
Notice all the colors? Nothing bland or unimpressive around here! The colors are alive and vibrant, regardless of where you look.
As I had mentioned on my Frozen Moments Facebook page, I DID sample some of the Apple Pie moonshine and Cinnamon Stick whiskey…before 11:00am! Just tiny sips. I’m not much of a moonshine person, I guess, but I suspect, for those of you who do like it, this was probably delicious. As for the Cinnamon Stick whiskey, while I am not really a whiskey drinker either, I do love Fireball and this stuff may well have been better. It was delicious.
I also had a sample of a red wine truffle from the vendor below. I am a GREAT fan of chocolate who is, unfortunately, always on a diet…but I am glad I ignored my vow to avoid all sugar and give this a taste. It melted in my mouth and made me very, very happy. Really happy. So, so happy. Happy. Happy.
I just thought this was a cool picture of eggs. Sometimes I am lame like that…
Obviously, those are cider donuts on the left below but, on the right? I think that was a maple glaze with crumbled pieces of bacon on top. I saw a friend out in the parking lot who was enjoying one and said they were incredible.
Curly fries. Enough said!
If you come hungry, there is not a shortage of choices for a good, hot lunch. I was headed out snowshoeing after my visit so I didn’t get anything but, if I had, it would have been a tough decision.
I am a freak for horseradish. The hotter the better. So many varieties here…and all so very good.
I received an invitation from the woman who creates the gorgeous items below to visit her alpaca farm this spring and I am so excited! She has 18 alpacas, and wildflowers over acres of farmland. It will be a photo frenzy! I’m going to visit her twice; once in the spring before they shear the animals and once later in the summer when the flowers are in full, glorious bloom. Lots of great pics to post after these visits!
Never let it be said that I passed by a table full of jewelry without stopping to look and admire…
Wow, longest blog post EVER. Hopefully, if you were considering visiting the Spa City Farmers’ Market today, this will help you make the decision to get over there and enjoy it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed. It is open Sundays (that’s today!!) from 10am-3pm at the Lincoln Baths.
