Feel Good Shopping!

I feel like I’ve been living under a giant, organic rock this summer!   For a few years now, I’ve heard of the Seaside Farmers Market where local vendors sell local goods, but, had yet to attend.   Last Saturday, I went and have been talking about it nonstop (to anyone who would listen) since.

I brought my own organic cotton tote (a girl has to dress the part, right?!) and off I went from booth to booth looking at fresh produce, dairy, and meat.   The farmers were so kind, talking in detail about when/where they picked the produce, how to cook it, how long it stores, etc.   I purchased locally grown okra, tomatoes, peaches, strawberry preserves and fresh, organic eggs.   I was especially intrigued with the eggs.   The farm that sells the eggs, located in Bonifay, FL, raises chicken and duck that are fed USDA certified organic feed, are not given antibiotics or growth hormones, and are able to roam freely and live to maturity (if you’ve seen the documentary Food, Inc. you’ll understand my appreciation with this).   If you haven’t had the chance to taste an egg like this, I encourage you to do so.   Besides being healthier for our body, the egg taste like…..well, an EGG!   I was so intrigued that I actually signed up for the mailing list, which I rarely do.   The owner (whom I recently spotted online) sends out an email toward the end of the week and let’s her returning customers know what is fresh and what she will be bringing.   And return they will!

For the last few days, the tomatoes have been excellent in guacamole, the okra in gumbo, and the peaches have been sliced and soaked in just about been in every drink I’ve consumed.   If you’re looking for a unique experience while vacationing in the Beaches of South Walton, Panama City Beach, or Destin, stop by Seaside next Saturday from 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.   Side note, we also picked up a freshwater pearl bracelet for my daughter and lip butter from a local soap vendor.   See, there’s something for everyone in the family!

See you at the market!

-The Hometown Tourist