Pepper Place Saturday Market

Today, we got up bright and early to head to Pepper Place Saturday Market near downtown Birmingham.  I heard about this charming farmer's market from a good friend that lives in the area.

(side note:  In case you do not know, my family lived in Columbus, MS for 4 years when I was in 4th-7th grade.  It was a wonderful season of my life and through the beauty of Facebook, have kept up with my friends from the area.  Several now live in Birmingham (just a 2 hour drive from Columbus) and have been super helpful in giving me tips on the best places around town to shop and eat locally, which I prefer versus 'chain' stores and restaurants.)

Anyway, she told me I HAD to check it out sometime, so that was on our agenda for this morning!  The market is located in a hopping area of local arts, furnishing stores, and restaurants called Pepper Place.  There were lots of people out and about and plenty of families and strollers.  I loved the great feeling of community in the air!  There were 3 sections with 2 having food and flowers and another with booths of jewelry, clothing, art and other odds and ends.  Snow cones, homemade ice cream, sausages and some other food items were being sold.  Next time I want a snow cone!  Also, each section had a local musician and/or band providing some ambiance.

I was happy with the selection of in-season, locally grown fruits and vegetables.  The market was not too big, but not too small-- it was juuuust right. :)  We are blessed to now have many great farms in the area.  James and I have both decided it would be good to try and get our produce and vegetables from the market.  I priced it compared to what we've been paying at the store and the market was cheaper!  I'll be the first to admit that I am not a big eater of vegetables-- never have been.  But, I'm going to pick one vegetable each time we go and find some recipes and give it a try.  James has promised to try it, too. :)  We looked into buying locally grown and processed meat.  We may order some of that next time.

I have a feeling we will return often!  Especially when it gets cooler outside!  The market runs April-Dec every Saturday 7am-12noon.  Come visit and we'll take you!  ;)

Part of the market with people milling about.

My  handsome husband buying some peaches!

Some more booths

Two person band playing some folk music.

Georgia Kate's first time at the market.  It was a tad warm, but she was a trooper as always.

Our goods-- a basil plant, some kale, and peaches!

I bought a basil plant and plan to use it in some recipes I found, including this one by Pioneer Woman.  After seeing several shows discussing kale and using it to make kale chips, I decided to give it a try using this recipe from foodnetwork.com.  I am cooking some in the next couple hours, so I'll let you know how it goes.  And, of course, I had to get some peaches!  This area is teeming with them!

Now, I've made myself hungry.  I'm gonna go bite into a big, juicy peach.  :)