Tag: New York

ECONOGAL > New York

Saratoga Springs Farmers Market Fun

Posted on by Econogal

One of the best things about summer is the abundance of Farmers Markets. Just spotting them from the road gives me a smile and a lift in spirits. But getting a chance to wander around one takes the enjoyment to a higher level. Last weekend I happened upon a great Farmers Market in Saratoga Springs, New York just loaded with fun.

Fresh Produce

The first thing I love about Farmers Markets is all the fresh produce. Ears of corn, tomatoes of all colors, beets, carrots and peppers are all standard at a market. The Saratoga Springs Farmers Market had all of these and more. Fresh milk, cheeses, honey and mushrooms were spotted, sampled and purchased as I wandered through the stalls. Other goods such as jams, flowers, herbs and home-made spirits were fondly looked at, but hard to fly home with, so just admired.

Ramble Creek Farm

Most often I see beautiful examples of farm product I am familiar with. But at the Saratoga Springs Farmers Market I found a new to me item, a mushroom called Lions Mane offered by Ramble Creek Farm in Greenwich, NY. As you can see from the pictures, this mushroom has both a textured top and bottom. An unusual seafood-like taste makes this mushroom unique. But what intrigues me the most is the health properties. Lions Mane is thought to have positive effects on brain health. Visit this website for more information. Those new to Econogal can read the About Me section for a glimpse into why I focus so much on the brain.

I wish I lived closer to Ramble Creek Farm so I could purchase more of their organic food. I loved visiting with one of the owners. They have an approach to farming that I commend. Please visit their website by clicking here. If you live in New England you may live within their delivery area!

Saratoga Suds

Another entrepreneur I chatted with at the Saratoga Springs Farmers Market was the soap lady. These were not just your ordinary hand-made soaps. These soaps had style! The cupcakes looked good enough to eat and were what first caught my eye. Saratoga Suds originated over 45 years ago. Of course the company offers traditional styled soap, but the creativity in the shapes and the scents sets this company apart from the rest.

Furthermore, this Farmers Market find is once again a natural product. Visit the website for Saratoga Suds by clicking here and order some soaps today. I think you will like this mineral water soap as much as I do.

Food to Go

In addition to farm products to take home and prepare, there were many vendors with food to eat right then. The piping hot dishes looked great but I opted for my traditional travelling fare, bread and cheese. I washed it down with some delicious lavender lemonade although the fresh bottled milk was tempting.

The croissant purchased from Mrs. London’s Bakery paired nicely with the kunik cheese and honey purchased from Nettle Meadow. The French style bakery and café has been treating the residents of Saratoga Springs for over 20 years. Few food operations last past the first five years, thus Mrs. London’s Bakery is an exception as well as exceptional. The croissant melted in my mouth.

Nettle Meadow had an engaging spokesperson and an informative display. The operation is a farm and a sanctuary. While goats are the star of the show, sheep, llama, chickens and ducks share space on the farm which is open to visitors. This popular stall at the farmers market offered a variety of goat cheeses. Their kunik cheese is an award-winning blend of goat’s milk and cow cream. I now have a new addiction.

I did not discover the stall for Saratoga Crackers until after enjoying every bite of kunik. But these crackers are delicious just on their own. Like many of the farmers market booths, samples were available. I could not decide which I liked best, the Garlic Parmesan or the Rosemary Olive. Both ended up coming home with me. I love the fact that Saratoga Crackers is focused on healthy natural ingredients and would love to someday meet The Cracker Master and learn of her ties to the Saratoga horses.

Farmers Market Music – Running The River

Another first for me at the Saratoga Springs Farmers Market was the live music. Two trios were performing at a far enough distance that the tunes did not conflict. While I liked the group playing music from my younger years, I loved the group Running The River. Their schedule indicates a regular appearance on market days along with many other events in the surrounding area. They have two new CDs Longbow and Riverside which showcase some of their original work as well as favorite cover songs. Their website which can be accessed by clicking here has a calendar with performance dates and locations. Running The River members are great entertainers. Make sure to watch the short You Tube Video of Running The River below.

The Saratoga Springs Farmers Market is superb. I think this ranks as the top farmers market I have wandered through. From glancing at Running The River’s performance schedule, the market seemed to be open longer than the traditional months. So I scoped the Internet and learned that this particular farmers market is open year round. If you are ever in the area, make sure to stop by. No matter the time of year!

Summer Street Fair

Posted on by Econogal

One of the best things about travelling through New England in the summer is stumbling across a street fair. Recently I enjoyed one such event in Garden City, New York. The main street gave way to numerous bands, vendors and many families. Sidewalk tables spilled from the restaurants and the weather was perfect.

The biggest change from my college days of New England Summer Street Fairs was the extent of the blockades and the heightened security. Unfortunately this is a sign of the times. However, the extra measures were reassuring. One still needs to be aware of the surroundings, but I felt quite comfortable in this setting.

As you can see from the pictures, all ages were involved. The youngest attendees surveyed everything from the comfort of their strollers. Then, the next age group bopped to some classic rock while their grandparents sang along as the bands played.

I loved the number of teenagers in the crowd. They participated in the singing and dancing as well. Further, it looked like things haven’t changed much since I was young. As the night wore on the cluster of girls edged nearer and nearer to the group of boys.

Street Vendors

The vendors ranged from pony rides to snow cones and diet aids to safety tips. While there were hot pretzels, I missed the cold pickles and ice cream of yesteryear. The group I was with dined on lobster instead. My lobster roll was almost as good as home-made. Unfortunately, I had no room for dessert.

Old fashioned glow sticks have been replaced by fancier devices. Unfortunately, I did not spot the vendor selling the lights. So, I missed a close inspection. These globes and sabers reminded me of light-up sneakers with their pulsing light. The kids loved them and I’m sure the parents had an easier time of keeping track of the youngsters.

Street Music

The music varied among the bands, but several played classic rock. Since I live in a part of the United States that prefers country music, I enjoyed the change of pace. The audience sang along and the performers were great interacting with the crowd.

Live music is a treat. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor concert. I hope the Scottsbluff High School Choir which shared our plane sang outside when performing in New York City. However, they were not present at this particular street fair.

You don’t have to live in New England to enjoy a summer street fair. Look around. Street fairs can be found in cities, suburbs and small towns. A search online will garner lists in each state. If you can’t find one nearby, then organize one for your community. Celebrate summer. Attend a summer street fair soon!