Spending summer Saturdays at the West Chester Growers Market is a beautiful thing. Last Saturday, Hubby and I meandered around The Market with Little Chica. Now that Little Chica is almost 2 (in 2 weeks!), we've been attempting to walk around The Market sans stroller. If you have visited the WCGM at all this season, you will have noticed the increased traffic in the Market parking lot. I thought this might make Little Chica either overwhelmed or totally wired. But, it turns out, she loves the sights and sounds of The Market! She points out pretty flowers, names fruits, and is overjoyed when she sees a doggie. It makes walking around from vendor to vendor more fun and less stressful! For any Market Goers with kids, I'm sure you understand!
With North Star Orchard making their first appearence, we made sure to hit up their stand. I managed to snag some yellow peaches (which are currently in a Crisp I baked last night. Do I even need to write that it is DELISH? Thanks to awesome farm fresh peaches?), as well as some tiny plums. Lovely! Want to know how to pick a peach? Check out this blog post from North Star Orchard for helpful tips: http://northstarorchard.com/blog/2010/07/19/how-to-pick-a-peach/
Paul, our Market Director, talked to me about heirloom potatoes. I left with a bag full of beautiful variety of small heirloom potatoes: tan, brown and purple! I will be making them into a side dish this week - and I will be sure to let you know how it turns out!
Lastly, Hubby and I each tried an Iced Tea from Pureblend Tea. I stepped out of my comfort zone and sipped the Iced Matcha Tea latte, which was unique and tasty. Hubby tried the Iced Black Tea with strawberries and nettles. Both were delightful! When it's so hot, nothing feels better than to sip an Iced Tea around the Market!
I love that even though July is almost through, and the end of Summer is almost in sight, there are plenty more Markets to attend over the next few months. Don't forget next week's ICE CREAM SOCIAL! Free Ice Cream? YES PLEASE!
With North Star Orchard making their first appearence, we made sure to hit up their stand. I managed to snag some yellow peaches (which are currently in a Crisp I baked last night. Do I even need to write that it is DELISH? Thanks to awesome farm fresh peaches?), as well as some tiny plums. Lovely! Want to know how to pick a peach? Check out this blog post from North Star Orchard for helpful tips: http://northstarorchard.com/blog/2010/07/19/how-to-pick-a-peach/
Paul, our Market Director, talked to me about heirloom potatoes. I left with a bag full of beautiful variety of small heirloom potatoes: tan, brown and purple! I will be making them into a side dish this week - and I will be sure to let you know how it turns out!
Lastly, Hubby and I each tried an Iced Tea from Pureblend Tea. I stepped out of my comfort zone and sipped the Iced Matcha Tea latte, which was unique and tasty. Hubby tried the Iced Black Tea with strawberries and nettles. Both were delightful! When it's so hot, nothing feels better than to sip an Iced Tea around the Market!
I love that even though July is almost through, and the end of Summer is almost in sight, there are plenty more Markets to attend over the next few months. Don't forget next week's ICE CREAM SOCIAL! Free Ice Cream? YES PLEASE!
This week, there will be plenty to try, buy and enjoy! Here are some notes from a few of our vendors (to be updated as I hear from more vendors!):
Lindenhof Farm will be there with lots of fresh chicken, eggs, fresh turkey. This week also expect some fresh lamb items like, loin chops, rib chops, boneless leg of lamb, lamb cubes, shanks and ground lamb. Lots of beef steaks, patties and sauages for the outdoor grilling will be available.
North Star Orchard will have yellow and white peaches, awesome nectarines, some plums and apples. Plus, some assorted veggies such as Swiss chard and perhaps a few heirloom tomatoes.
Ellen from Ellen April Handcrafted Soap says, "I'm looking forward to being back at the market Saturday. I missed everyone. I'll be bringing a wide variety of soaps This week along with our wide selection of luxury soaps we'll be bringing some "orphans and uglies" priced to sell fast. We'll also have cooling hydrofoil sprays...perfect for these hot hot hot summer days!"
Bryer Apiary will have a great harvest of honey at the Market tomorrow! Be sure to stock up and add a little sweetness in your life :)
Another great Saturday - you won't want to miss it! And don't forget to VOTE for the WCGM as your FAVORITE MARKET (and spread the word!)
I'll see YOU at the Market!











