I don't have much of a green thumb and sometimes I worry that my children are going to grow up thinking that most vegetables and fruits grow in cans. So I packed up the family and brought them down to the Downtown Market Place to expose them to fresh produce, music and art. I figured the kids and I would walk around a little bit and maybe grab a few tomatoes. Heck, I was even thinking I might try and find the inner Martha Stewart in me and perhaps get some fresh peaches to make a cobbler.
The Downtown MarketPlace is open every Saturday from March through November from 9 am until 2 pm in Ponce De Leon Park. It is easily accessible from all sides of town. I was thrilled to see that there was plenty of parking and from the moment we got out of the car, I realized that this was going to be so much more that just a trip to buy some tomatoes. Local artists display and sell their work along the walkway of the park and my girls feel in love with the beadwork done by one of the woman. Her jewelry was beautiful and affordable. The kids stopped to watch one of the artist who was in the middle of painting a picture. He was so engaging and let them ask all sorts of questions about his work. The passion he had for his work was evident in how he took so much time to talk to them and he ignited an interest in my children for artwork.
It didn't take long before the smells of some amazing food made the first one ask if it was time to get something to eat. Various vendors and food trucks surround the park tempting you with a variety of foods. My recommendation...get a little of everything! We sat by the fountain and listened to the music while sharing kettle korn, homemade fudge, gyros, sweet tea and boiled peanuts. But we weren't done yet!
There at the end of the park was what I had come to get. Some of the most beautiful fresh produce that you will ever find. We loaded up on fresh corn in still in the husk, field peas, peaches, blueberries and an eggplant. There are a few different booths selling produce, as well as fresh eggs.
Since I am not fully comfortable with my inner Martha Stewart, instead of a cobbler I made fresh blueberry pancakes the next morning. Over our pancakes we decided that every Saturday we would make a trip to the Downtown MarketPlace. The great thing is that each week has a different special event going on, so each week we will see something new. Be sure and check out their website, www.tallahasseedowntown.com/events2.shtml to find out what is going on!
Whether it is a football weekend and you are looking for something to do before the game begins or you are looking for a way to leisurely spend a Saturday, be sure and head to the Downtown MarketPlace.
Tags: Arts, Crafts, downtown, Marketplace, Produce, Tallahassee
Blythe NewsomeBlythe Newsome is a single mother of six children ages 6,8,10,12,14 and 16. While a morning radio show host, her family was featured on an episode of the Supernanny in 2007. The reality of this single mom who spends her days getting GI Joes out of the toilet, explaining to her girls that you can not cut your hair like you do your Barbie’s, convincing herself that ketchup on a hotdog counts as a vegetable and letting America see what hides underneath her couch cushions made her family one of “America’s Most Asked About Families” from the show according to producers. ABC came back to film the 100th episode which aired in March 2010. When not playing the role of nurse, teacher, chef, referee, taxi driver, coach, or housekeeper, she writes a syndicated column called Flirting with Forty.
“As a Tallahassee native, I am passionate about this city, raising my children here and I am always searching for new adventures for us. When people think about a vacation, this is the place to come. The city is rich in history, annual events and provides people of all ages with something to do”. Each week Blythe and her children will share with you the stories and pictures of the adventures that are waiting for you in Tallahassee!
