Off to the market!
Whilst I love the warmer weather, I don’t always appreciate the very early mornings it brings! My barn is abuzz with happy calves at what feels like sunrise – leaving Bill and I not quite ready for a full day ahead! However, we do appreciate the serenity farm life affords us – birds chirping at the crack of dawn, herds grazing in the lush green fields and the buzz of activity as our renovations are quickly taking shape. Not to mention the many places to visit and things to do that living in Destination Irene offers us…
Just last Saturday morning we decided to herd off to the Irene Village Market at the Big Red Barn for our dose of creative inspiration and some good ‘street food’ of course!
On arrival (which was fairly early as the calves had been up for hours already!) the market was already bustling with visitors from near and far. First stop for Bill and I was the coffee vendor – with a hot cappuccino in hand, we were ready to explore the original wares that this arts and crafts market has to offer.
Trading since 1989, I wasn’t disappointed with the variety, originality and high quality goods for sale. From beautifully made clothing to exquisite jewellery and handbags, Irene Village Market is a must for the ladies. Wooden toys, wire cars and swings meant that the calves were intrigued too – not to mention all the extras that were added to their Christmas wish lists once we returned to the barn.
For Bill, whose most often the hardest to please, the wood cutting gadgets, fabulous paintings and craft beer kits were enough to keep him happily wondering around.
As I find at most markets, the vendor folks were all very friendly. Chatting away about their products, greeting regular visitors and helping each other out at their stalls, it’s a welcoming atmosphere adding to the enjoyment of the visit. Being a dog friendly market, it was wonderful to see four-legged friends being a part of the morning with one stall even offering a doggie drinking station!
Once done browsing, we herded over to the food section which too did not disappoint. From a selection of various culinary offerings, not only did we thoroughly enjoy our brunch but we happily sat around on the wooden benches and listed to the local musicians playing their favourite tunes.
All-in-all, our family morning out was well enjoyed and one we plan to do again soon. (Well, I’ll have to head back next week to do some Christmas shopping for the kids!).
Chatting to Bill on the way home, we both agreed that having such a fabulous market on our doorstep is something many of us locals under-appreciate. Much like living at the sea and never really going down to the beach, we don’t visit this local icon often enough.
I’ve liked their Facebook page and will certainly diarise their 2018 dates once available – making it a new year’s resolution to enjoy a visit to Irene Village Market more regularly…
Till Next Week,
The Dairy Cow.
