Memphis Farmers Market Stroll

A Pup-Friendly Adventure

We have really enjoyed our (mostly) weekend explorations of Memphis, Tennessee, while we are snuggled in here for a bit. We have been planning to go to the farmers market held downtown every Saturday (in season) but have been otherwise engaged on Saturdays thus far. This past Saturday, we finally made it! The pups were allowed, which made it very appealing in the first place. We make sure they get out and go, too, to prevent cabin fever. A squealing child means too many kisses from Miss Liberty and lots of ohmygoodness look at those blue eyes comments when people see Layla. They are both sweet on the kiddos and happy to give and receive buckets of love. I am positive that this encounter was the high point of their day, although there were several others. They were very popular that day!

The fresh flowers called to me, as they always do. I scooped up a handful of sunflowers that have enjoyed their plastic pitcher vase and are still stunning as their petals drop. I longed for a real vase, but road life will be our blessed reality soon enough and it would be an impractical purchase for that phase of our life. Every ounce counts while rolling down the road, and every purchase has to have multiple uses. The flowers are the movie stars, anyway.

I am still kicking my own behind for not snapping up some fragrant peonies from this friendly vendor. Peonies are my favorite ~ what was I thinking? Surely we will be back and I will gather a big handful for sure. I saw no ants. Where are the ant-y accessories?

So many smiling faces that day, and so much fresh and colorful produce was available! It is a small farmer’s market but there was plenty to choose from. I snapped up two homemade coconut cookie samples and promptly lost one. Oh, the joy of later finding it (with chocolate melted) in my purse, luckily still in its cellophane wrapper, which I shamelessly licked. I have mentioned that I am the original Cookie Monster at least once, so you can’t be shocked about that one. Plus, coconut, and not baked by yours truly. I had to. I am proud that I did not actually buy more cookies to take home. The delectable food in this town has me picking my battles because it is all drool-worthy and delicious and I will waddle out of here if I don’t watch it.

I love that there are many small local businesses represented at these type of events. What a nice mix!

I love that some kids got to taste and see and smell and maybe find something different to enjoy. And maybe some adults, too.

There is live music happening every Saturday at the Memphis Farmers Market, brought to you by Mark Parsell of South Main Sounds. I met Mark on one of my solo Groove-on-Demand rideshare van trips, the subject of an upcoming blog post (I am getting caught up, little by little). Dan was highly impressed when Mark recognized ME on yesterday’s Groove trip to Central BBQ. I know someone in the music business in Memphis! WE know someone, since Mark and Dan met yesterday. Generally people recognize Adventure Dan first. I tend to be recognized as his pleasantly smiling accessory. You can find out more about Mark and what he does to promote musical talent here in Memphis if you watch for my next soloing adventure post.

Sarah Spain’s full, resonant voice floated on the summer breeze and reminded us that music is everywhere in this historically significant river town. Sarah is a Memphis-born musician and singer-songwriter who is influenced by the sounds of the 60’s and 70’s. Tapping her name will take you to an interview with Sarah on the Canvas Rebel website. We will certainly be looking for more chances to enjoy her sound while we are in Memphis.

My favorite of the handmade items available were these bird houses. Adorable! I used to paint birdhouses for craft shows many moons ago. Ahhh, the memories!

Sadly, our farmers market adventure was a last-minute decision. I had already filled the fridge with this week’s produce, so we had to look but not buy. Next time we will load up locally, as is always our choice, if given the choice.

Well, that’s about it for Saturday’s adventure! I have loaded up pics of yesterday’s lunch and live music adventure at the legendary Central BBQ, so watch for that entry which will be coming up next.

Until then, shop locally, eat your veggies, and save me some cookies. As always, thanks for following our adventures!

See ya down the road,

Brenda Cordray

The Desert Rose