Athens Farmers' Market.

This is one of the highlights of our week.

Something I always look forward to--

Saturday mornings at the Farmers' Market in Athens.

Our weekly trips over the past couple of years 

have helped reform the way I view food and cooking.

There is nothing like knowing the name of the person who

raises the beef you're having for dinner

or asking the farmer from whom you are buying okra

what his favorite way to prepare it is.

We have tried things I never would have been brave enough

to buy at the grocery store

(rutabagas or sunchokes, anyone?)

and ended up loving them all.

And my cooking has become more simplified,

healthy and mindful.

Here's an idea of what our summer Saturday mornings have looked like:

Pancakes with peaches at home first.

Or (on a very rare occasion) a stop at Ike and Jane's

for one of these on the way.

There's also this option at the market.

(Check out the scrumptious menu here.)

All perfect ways to start the day!

Isn't it just lovely?

I find it so energizing and inspiring to be there!

I love supporting folks who are investing in this return to the land,
people commited to serving our community by raising food with love
and sweat equity rather than pesticides.
It's also pleasing to know that these things were picked mere hours ago!

This is where we get most of the meat that we buy.

Russ and his family raise beef, pork, and lamb as well as 

making artisinal cheeses in nearby Madison.

Local musicians add to the charm, as do various craft vendors,

whose presence will continue to increase as we get further into fall.

So if your town has a market that you haven't visited before,

try it!

I think you'll like it. :)