Crumb Trail

South Side Market, Barr Street Market, Roanoke Farmer's Market, Saxton's Farmers Market

What started out as a much needed rainy day Saturday, turned into a beautiful sun-filled day for the Three Rivers Festival events and for visiting farmer's markets.  We started by the day at the South Side Farmers Market because it was indoors and the rain was still coming down.  By the time we left there, the clouds we starting to clear and  by the time we arrived at the Barr Street Market, things were very wet but the rain had stopped and the vendors were in good spirits.  They have 14 farm vendors this year and 19 non-farm vendors.  My favorite vendor is Naturally Homegrown Farm.  I love what this young couple is doing and how they take the time to write a bit of information down regarding an unusual item they have for sale.

From Barr Street's Market we moved on to the art in the park, Three Rivers Festival event, and although the vendors where just opening up their stalls, which were exceedingly wet, we enjoyed our walk and the beautiful displays of artwork in all forms.

We left downtown and drove to Roanoke to investigate their market's first day of the season.  Located on a closed off to traffic block of Main Street, it was great to see the vendors who have returned as well as check out two of the new businesses that have opened their doors on this section of Main Street.

From Roanoke we moved on to Saxton's Farmers Market and I was pleased to see more produce vendors this year.  I so wanted to purchase something from them, but by now I had more than enough produce to get me through the week and it was time to head home. 

Please check out the market closest to you or enjoy making a morning of it like we did and visit several.  We need to keep a good thing going and not take our opportunities to purchase fresh local produce, meat and dairy for granted.

Barr Street Market to open this weekend

Everyone is ready for the opening of the Barr Street Market in Fort Wayne and it is happening this Saturday, July 11th. The market is located at the corner of Wayne Street and Barr Street.  I can't wait to be there and see which vendors have returned and if there is anyone new.  The hours this year are from 8am to 12noon.  Be sure to make this a part of your Three Rivers Festival outings.

One Day Only, Red Raspberry U-Pick

Blueberry Acres will have a one day only, red raspberry picking, on Saturday July 11th.  There will also be pre-season blueberry picking allowed on that day.  Picking hours are from 7am-5pm. The raspberries are $2.75/pound and the blueberries are $1.75/pound.  As always be sure to take a container with you to take your fruit home in.  Blueberry Acres is located in Laotto at 5393 S  800 E.

Nelson's Farm Produce, Huntington, IN is open!

Nelson's is open Monday thru Friday from 10am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.  Right now they have available onions, red potatoes, zucchini, summer squash, beets, and beans.  Everything is coming on beautifully and in two weeks corn and much more will be available.  Nelson's Farm Produce is located at 6114 N  Hwy 24 E  Huntington, IN.  If you have questions about what they are offering prior to your going there, given them a call at 260-672-9618.

Black & Red Raspberries ready for U-Pick

Blueberry Acres in Laotto, IN, will have Black and Red Raspberries ready for U-Pick starting on July 3rd & 4th.  The price for the raspberries is $2.75 per pound.  Picking times are from 8am to 1pm.  Remember to bring a container or containers to take your berries home in.  Pre-picked red raspberries are available for $4.00/pound, but you will need to call ahead to place an order for the pre-picked berries.  If you have any questions, please call 260-693-2080.

They will also have some early variety blueberries available for picking.

Blueberry Acres is located at 5393 S  800 E, Laotto, IN

U-Pick Red Raspberries available at Cedar Creek Produce

Red Raspberries are now available at Cedar Creek Produce, 11709 Clay Street in Leo, IN.  U-pick hours are from 8am to 7pm daily and they are $3.65/pound.  They also still have strawberries available for u-pick.  If you have any questions please call Amy at 438-1257 prior to your picking extravaganza.

U-Pick Organic Strawberries at Graber Farms

Looking for organic u-pick strawberries?  Hurry on out to Graber Farms, 26409 Springfield Center Road, in Harlan, IN.  U-Pick hours are Mondays, Wednesday, and Saturdays from 6:30am 'till 5pm

U-Pick Strawberries at Cedar Creek Produce

Cedar Creek Produce, 11709 Clay Street, in Leo, still has u-pick strawberries available at $1.13/pound.  Their produce is plentiful (they also have peas right now) and you won't be disappointed if you make the trip.  Their u-pick hours are from 8am to 7pm.  You may want to call before you go, just to be sure that picking is still available.  Their number is 260-627-5239. 

Jefferson Pointe's "Vegetable Garden"

Has anyone else noticed this pot at Jefferson Pointe?  Very creative.  The outer lower ring is parsley, then there is a ring of Swiss chard, and then tomato plants all around.

I think this could be considered a different version of a community garden.  Actually, I think it's pretty prime for u-pick.  Just kidding!  I so appreciate what Jefferson Pointe's landscaping service has done here.

Eating Only Sustainable, Local, Organic, or the Ethical Alternative on $124.00/month

Here is a fascinating article, entitled, "Can We Afford to Eat Ethically", written by Siobhan Phillips for Salon's online magazine. The author poses the question at a time when our economy has many of us squeezing our budgets.  She then devises an experiment for herself and her husband to see if they could, for one month, purchase only sustainable, local, organic, or the ethical alternative, using the government-defined food stamp allotment for 2 people living in New Haven, Connecticut of $248 per month. 

It's amazing what can be done when we put our minds and our pocketbooks to it.