I try to be among the first shoppers to arrive at the downtown train station at around 7am on Saturday mornings.
Last season I headed there at noon after teaching the morning yoga classes. But I had a sense that I was missing out by going so late in the day. So this season I’m showing up at 7am sharp to get the first look at the goods.
First thing in the morning, the vendors’ tables are full to overflowing with veggies, fruits, flowers, plants, and crafts.
The goods are one thing, but the people! Ah, the people! Some of the coolest peeps you’ll ever meet. Kinda like the people who practice yoga….just good people. Friendly with a sense of calm optimism. These people are just plain easy to be with.
The lettuce man (on the West side of the market wearing the overalls) has all kinds of greens. And this week we got some of his beets and beet greens.
Bonnie Blue Farms award-winning goat cheese
A favorite purchase this past week was the rich goat cheese from Bonnie Blue Farms (“award-winning goat cheese,” the man will surely tell you).
The lady from Westwind Farms with the long ponytail and glasses. She always has lots of organic meat. You can get pork, chicken, turkey, and more. If you’re lucky enough to get it before it’s gone: lamb.
And my husband and I always stop by the Whitton Farms booth to buy a big bouquet of flowers — the past 2 weeks, big multi-colored tulips. He carries the flowers and I carry the food.
The Memphis Farmers Market vendors must offer only locally-grown, locally-produced and locally-raised stuff.
I have more fun cooking up healthy meals during the Spring and Summer months because I love my Saturday morning market adventures. Standing in my kitchen hovering over the stovetop, I enjoy turning the raw goods into delicious creations.
Check out the Memphis Farmers Market site. And come shop the market with all us early birds this Saturday!