My early Saturday morning yoga class wasn't being held today. So, I opted to do a morning run instead. Before the run, I decided to slip over to the Farmer's Market on Riva Road in Annapolis for a few, fresh organically-grown vegetables.
The place was busy but not overly crowded so that you couldn't move from vendor to vendor. I like to walk the vendors to see everything offered before I decide what and from whom I will purchase. This is that time of year that everything is coming to market, fresh and bountiful. From fresh baked breads, pastries, cookies, fresh cut flowers, local beekeeper honey, preserves, to the local artwork & cards, coffee beans, berries and bushels of vegetables. I was taking in the fabulous colors of the fruits and vegetables. I was enjoying the aromas of the flowers and baked goods.
Honestly, I didn't expect to do more than stop off to squeeze a few eggplants, fondle some cucumbers, grope apples and maybe a touch a few hot things to take home before heading out for my run. Instead, I spent three hours socializing with new faces and ran into some familiar ones.
Shari of Old MacDonald's Farm, (I'll call her the "Grande Ambassador of the Annapolis Farmer's Market") was there as a vendor selling her decidedly delicious pecan pralines and spiced nuts. She certainly has some good nuts but she also has the warm, welcoming personality that you'd expect at a Farmer's Market. Then, there was Julie who makes the most interesting jewelry and organic soaps. The "old apple man" who has grown apples in the Maryland area for generations using seeds from some 100 years ago. So many to see and so much produce from which to select!
Having lost track of time chatting, the market closed up around me. I came away with a sense of community and connection that I didn’t expect, a bag of fresh veggies, a sweet for my sweetie and new friends. I'm looking forward to heading back. But first, enjoying the bounty I brought home!
(The Annapolis Farmer’s Market runs from April to the week before Christmas every year. Hours are 7:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturdays. And, Tuesdays June to October from 7:00 am to 12:00 noon. Vendors and products change based on the season. Click Here for more information.)
