Don’t get me wrong. I heart Bardstown Road Farmer’s Market as much as the next person. But admit it, isn’t it more about being seen with your hand-crafted Ecuadorian re-usable hemp bag than actually buying some food for the week? I’ve been known myself to go and take photos but buy no food. We used to love to just walk our dog and chat—after all you see everyone you know there. But no more dogs! This may leave a few Louisvillians looking for a new Saturday market.
Well, I have a suggestion for you – you’ll have to drive to the South End, but come on, it’s not that far, and the lovely shaded Southern Parkway offers a perfect strolling opportunity. I stumbled across the Beechmont Open Air Market last year, and it was like I’d walked into an alternate universe. Accordion music filled the air, frying beignets tempted, and there was plenty of room to maneuver around the large lot shopping for produce just as good – and maybe a little less expensive – than on Bardstown Rd. The farmers reminded me more of my grandpa than of my friend’s hippy brother. Shoppers come and go purposefully, buying what they need and not blocking the walk in groups of Hummer baby strollers.
Since then I’ve preferred the calmer market. I like the free lemonade from the neighborhood association on hot mornings (and aren’t they all?), the easy parking and yes, the warm welcome my dog receives. Sadly there are no beignets this year (darn that health department) but Cake Flour [http://cakeflouronmarket.com/] sets up shop, offering cookie samples and selling sweet and savory goodies. As the season moves into full swing over the next couple of week other food vendors will be on hand as well. You can buy herbs, plants, homemade dog treats, and of course, plenty of locally grown produce. This weekend I bought half a dozen ears of corn, some savory shortbread from Cake Four, treats for both my dogs, some Yukon gold potatoes, a dozen eggs and had change left from a ten.
I’ll see you there.
Beechmont Open Air Market
http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M29625
Saturdays 8-Noon
Southern Parkway at Wellington
in rear parking lot of Beechmont Baptist Church, 4574 S. 3rd Street
