Photo by Danny Fulgencio.
Autumn waves goodbye and good riddance to one of the hottest summers on record, and I can hardly contain my exuberance. Cooler temperatures and changing color in the trees entice neighbors back outdoors, walking and waving in celebration of a new season. The Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake draw many to East Dallas every October, but there’s nothing quite like our neighborhood farmers market to experience all the feel-good fall nostalgia.
I like to get up early and hit the White Rock Farmers Market when booths open at 8 a.m. to grab a cup of Fair Park coffee or just-squeezed juice. If I can’t decide between a cheddar, sausage and jalapeño kolache or a freshly baked pumpkin muffin, maybe I’ll just get both. I’ll need the extra fuel to fully embrace everything the market has to offer. Spending a morning wandering the aisles of goods is my idea of happy, and the fun is exponentially increased when I bring the dog and the children.
Artisans showcase hand crafted cheeses, uniquely designed jewelry and organic soaps. Creative talent and culinary inspiration abounds. Endorphins flood my system; it’s the best kind of sensory explosion.
We can all get behind sustainably sourced products, and eating locally is a great way to support our local farmers and economy. Who doesn’t feel good about reducing our carbon footprint? Eating seasonally and creating economic opportunity is a clear win-win.
But the real magic of our farmers market may be the connection it fosters. A gathering place for neighbors and a platform for creatives, every vendor you meet has a special story. Each one is an entrepreneur who started with a dream they couldn’t deny and the tenacity to follow it through.
Take a minute to get to know your vendors. You’ll fall in love with the infectiously enthusiastic McBride team at Froot Kaves. They’re all about strong family spirit. Another inspirational vendor to check out is Brent Barry who, alongside his wife Susan, started out as a city slicker with a dream. Barry took the leap into ranching and farming five years ago, and remains committed to regenerative agricultural practices.
In an increasingly impersonal and automated culture, it is gratifying to interact directly with the artist who handcrafted a one-of-a-kind piece, to buy the flowers directly from the grower and to meet the farmer who grew the vegetables your family will enjoy at the dinner table.
Market goers experience an average of 17 social interactions while at the Farmers Market, Good Local Markets Executive Director Isabella Chamberlain says. Those interactions work to increase community connections, and Chamberlain promises an abundant October market with beautiful produce and a variety of handcrafted items and art, perfect for holiday gifts. The White Rock market is open every Saturday and the Lakewood location is open seasonally on Sundays.
For an extensive list of vendors refer to goodlocalmarkets.org. The White Rock location is located at 1450 Old Gate Lane, and the Lakewood location is at 6434 E. Mockingbird Lane.
