Stories Plus

Okay, I suppose we’re assuming I have money to actually go shopping. I would love to go to one of those little markets like a farmer’s market or an Amish one and just splurge!

I love trying new foods and going to a market with freshly made food and just sitting down to enjoy the atmosphere is very relaxing. There’s a little farmer’s market near where I live but it’s only open in the mornings when I’m at work and I spend the few mornings I have off catching up on housework and errands. My parents used to go every Saturday morning and they’d wake me up early to watch my younger siblings. In return, they’d buy me a small dessert like a brownie or a cinnamon roll. I ended up going myself a few times to sell Girl Scout cookies or just for fun and the food has always been good. I particularly love this Filipino stall which makes a delicious pancit! It’s one of my favorite dishes and luckily one of the workers there goes to my church and brings that very dish to every potluck!

Small markets like our farmer’s market have a lot of very creative artists selling handmade jewelry, knitted hats or pot holders, etc. It’s a lot of fun browsing all the art and homemade pieces! A lot of the people there are very friendly and willing to strike up a conversation with you to answer any questions you might have! When my troop was selling cookies there was a man selling homemade jewelry his wife made. He ended up giving us a small piece for free. I got a brown braided headband with orange flower decorations around it! I still have it somewhere in my room!

One of my favorite places to go are county fairs or festivals. All the smaller local businesses set up a booth and I got to learn so much about my community! A lot of them have some really good food, beautiful jewelry, homemade soaps (for people and pets!), and so much more! I even got my turtle from one of the county festivals! I used to work the face painting booth at some of the festivals the school hosted and one year we worked next to a man selling fudge and he would always over-portion for us and let us have a sliver of something else for free. He was such a sweet old man and his fudge was amazing!

I love supporting local businesses and shop what I have a lot of options and friendly people. Sure the prices are higher and it takes a little longer to get your food, but the quality makes the difference! Not every place is going to be high quality so don’t quote me! But a lot of smaller businesses are worth the little extra trouble and it boosts the local economy. I just find these places to be an overall positive experience and a lot of fun! Exhausting, but fun!