Decatur Farmer's Market

This market is small but nicely placed across the street from the courthouse, in the government triangle that also houses all the county courts and offices. It is set in a tiny green space with a huge magnolia tree with wide-spread branches and tons of shade. The vendors get to set up their tables on the nice soft grass and benefit from a steady cross wind that comes from the unique angle of passing traffic on the streets. In one corner there is a twisted apple tree covered in tiny little fruits that may or may not make it to maturity. I think the tree just grew there, one of the many wild apple trees that pops up in unusual places.

There aren’t many vendors, but it is almost all food. One woman was selling soaps and lotions, another home-made pottery. One table was covered with colorful and misshapen heirloom tomatoes, two people were selling goat cheese made from local goats. The peach guy was there and I bought another week’s supply of peaches. He confirmed that next week would be the last week he would be at the markets. The peach harvest is moving north now. There were bread and salsas and pickles and a two-man band playing blues and oldies rock songs. It took about 10 minutes to circle the few vendors and see everything, which was a little disappointing because I thought Decatur, which is a much more green and bohemian-type town, would have a bigger and more vibrant market. I stretched out the time by chatting with a few vendors and standing in line for several minutes for peaches.

My friend Jenya was going to be doing a raw food demo at the market. I wanted to attend but my schedule prevented it. I did see her pull up and start unloading and went to say hello. I haven’t seen her since she left for Arizona but now she is back and looks great. I was sorry I couldn’t stay, but promised to contact her and catch up.

A quiet and shady and southern with some unique elements. I may go back later in the early fall and try again.