Our Farmer's Market Date Ended On A Delicious Note

For the first time in 7 years, we've had to purchase all of our seasonal produce at Farmer's Markets. In the past, our neighborhood friends provided us with freshly picked fruits and vegetables throughout the Summer and early Fall. We had our own little Neighborhood Farmer's Market. Our refrigerator was always stocked with fresh produce. In exchange, I baked and cooked using the seasonal produce and shared it.

We still purchased items from local Farmer's Markets like cheese, honey, relishes, and other yummy stuff. 

Lisa and I ventured out for a few hours on Saturday to visit a couple of local Farmer's Markets. It was the first time since last year. It was kind of a big deal because of COVID-19.

As the wife of an essential employee, I've kept myself quarantined since the first week of March. This is the first time I've gone out in public since then.

The only exception is visiting with friends on a couple of occasions. Outside. Briefly. 

The first Farmer's Market we went to is rather small. It was my first time there. We bought produce from various vendors. There wasn't much else to choose from.

We wore masks and respected social distancing.

The second Farmer's Market we visited is one we've gone to year after year since 2011. It's not huge by any means, but there has always been a decent amount of vendors selling goods other than produce.

When we pulled into the parking lot, we noticed a drastic change immediately.

Instead of being able to go under the pavilion, the vendors were faced outward. Patrons had to walk around the pavilion counterclockwise. Masks were required and only one customer was allowed at the vendor table at a time.

Exhale. 

A few of our favorite vendors were not there because they largely depended on "try before you buy." This included the wonderful lady who sold fresh goat and cow milk cheese.

Although we came home with fresh produce, our Farmer's Market experience was very disappointing. We missed the other vendors. It was a sad reminder of how COVID-19 has effected our community. 

Our Farmer's Market date ended on a happy note. 

At a local ice cream stand that sells fresh, homemade ice cream.

Can you guess what we had for lunch?