Enjoying Early Summer at The Farmer's Market

Summer, my favorite season, is almost officially upon us. and one of the things I love in the summer is going to the local farmer's markets for produce and a pleasant morning out with music and nature.   

June 20 marks the official date of summer despite a severe heat wave on its way for the entire east coast starting June18. Luckily, for the past few weeks our mornings and late evening have been in the crisp and cool in the low 60's, despite rising to the 80's and 90's during the day.

Summer for me means trips to the farmer's market, since I no longer grow my own vegetables. I made my first trip to the farmer's market in Wrightstown, Pa. this week, which is about a 25 minute ride from my house through Bucks County.

It's always a magical morning for me when I go there. The little outdoor market boasts about 20 stands composed of 2 organic farmers, 4 regular famers, fragrant soap makers, honey farmers, homemade specialty foods, food trucks, and a few other kiosks with people selling things they have made. In fact, during the covid years, I rented a spot and sold my healthy plant-based soups cookbook (link to see my cookbook on Amazon).

The make-shift weekly market is located in a big field out in the countyside. 

The merchants and people are very congenial. and it feels like everyone is there to hang out, socialize, and of course buy the wholesome goods. There is always live music with a singer too. I enjoy the solace of the ride out to country area, enjoy walking around in the big grassy field, talking to people - some that I now know and some that I don't. 

After I finish at the market, I drive about 1/4 mile further to a little store area. There are about 6 large stores all sharing the same Parking lot in the middle of no where.

First is a large beautiful natural market (Organnons Market) where I usually get a brown rice vegetable sushi with fermented vegetables and any packaged goods that might be on sale that week. While I'm there, I read all of the local business cards posted on their bulletin board (most are holistic or homestead minded)  

Next store is an ice cream store called,  "OWOWCOW" which makes small batches of ice cream using many locally grown ingredients, including milk and cream, honey, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and lavender from the surrounding farms.  Their lavender honey flavor is my favorite. Thank goodness it isn't open yet when I get there around 10 am each week. (I don't need to be eating ice cream every week) . 

 

In the same shopping area is a local nursery that sells all kinds of plants, trees, shrubs, hanging baskets, flowers, and has starter plants for herbs and vegetables. 

 I bought a small pot of each : organic oregano, basil, and lemon verbena. 

 I will attempt to plant the herbs this week which may be difficult with my beautifully long and polished nails.

 

New Store !

I'm excited about the new store that recently opened in that shopping area: "Rainbows of Healing" - A Metaphysical Boutique . It is charming and exudes a peaceful atmosphere with lovely engaging people working there.  Inside I found unique gifts, crystals, jewelry, singing bowls, books, etc. They also give classes and provide services such as Reiki, sound healing, and reflexology. 

(http://www.shoprainbowsofhealing.com). It was my first time in the store. I didn't buy anything but will keep it mind for gifts. I just loved being in there.

Do you go to farmer's markets and countryside stores? What do you buy?