Get Fresh Produce, Gifts and Good Advice at Fresh South Market

We live in such a great community in Fayette County and the addition of the Fresh South Market makes living here just that much better! Each Wednesday and Saturday through November, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., local vendors are selling their goods at our newest farmer’s market, located at the Peachtree City Crossings Center on the corner of Hwy 54 and Peachtree Parkway. At the market you will find locally-grown fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as spices, breads, plants, cookies, soaps and gift ideas galore.

Becky Douville, owner of Able 2 Farm in Fayetteville, said she has been attending farmers markets for about three years including traveling to Atlanta but she appreciates this market the most. “People are so friendly and the vendors all support each other. The people who attend really want to learn about fresh food and enjoy exchanging recipes and ideas.” Becky, as you might recall, was the Fayette Woman cover girl in August 2009. She and husband John are applying organic principles to their farming.

One of my favorite local nurseries, Country Gardens Farm & Nursery in Newnan, has a big presence at the market with a variety of fresh goods. You can purchase grass-fed beef items, pastured pork, whole grain breads, free range eggs, raw milk and certified natural-grown produce.

I tried to talk to Larry and Twila Dove of Two Dove Farms but they had so many customers when I was there that I didn’t want to divert them! They farm in Fayetteville and their produce is all certified organic. This week they had tomatoes, okra, carrots, yellow squash, peppers, blue berries, onions, red potatoes and much more for sale.

Mildred and Swain Hunt, owners of the Hunt’s Family Garden “where our garden is a work of heart,” had sold most of their inventory of vegetables when I met them last Saturday. Fresh, locally grown peaches were being gobbled up at English Farms out of Zebulon Georgia.

In addition to veggies and fruit, you will find a variety of other food items, products for your home and great gift ideas. I talked to Andi and Al Papp of Peachtree City who own My Spice Stop. They have in stock over 120 spices and blends for every cooking need. What I like especially is that you can purchase small quantities of their spices. I hate to buy a big quantity of a spice and then have to discard it when the freshness deteriorates.

Daddy’s Home Bread, Inc. is owned by Bernard Oparah of Fayetteville who bakes hand-made bread with no artificial preservatives. His selections include whole wheat, 7-grain, banana nut and classic nut. You can order gift bread baskets as well.

Looking for other gift ideas? Stop by Dan’s Plants of Tyrone for a great selection of potted plants. I bought a deliciously scented bar of soap at Earth’s Essentials, owned by Bryan and Shannon Vaughn of Jonesboro. They have a variety of soaps and shampoos and even products for pets. I sampled the delectable cookies at Victory Cookies, Inc. whose slogan is “Taste the Victory. Savor the Reward.” Their cookies make great gifts for any celebrating victories in their lives.

Tricia Mahoney, a local realtor and self-professed “foodie” is the inspiration behind the Fresh South Market. Asked about the venture, Tricia said, “The market, showcasing some of the best and hardest working farmers in the area, has been an inspiration to the community and to me as well. I love hearing people discuss fresh food and recipes, listening to jazz. You can just taste the summer in your salad and fruit! We intend to spread the benefits of eating local by adding some educational opportunities and a community garden.”

Yes, there is live music to entertain you while you walk around and enjoy the vendors, the good conversation and the smiles!

For more information about Fresh South Market and a complete list of vendors, go to: http://www.freshsouthmarket.org/