Farmers Market Nashville TN

Steve and I were very happy to be back in Nashville to experience more of what this fabulous music city had to offer. One of the things I was most excited about was a visit to the 12 South Farmers Market at Sevier Park in Nashville TN.

When we set out on our journey as full time RVers, I was looking forward to visiting farm stands and markets all across America. As a chef I find it inspiring to see what fruits and vegetables are at the peak of their season and plan my meals around those items. Unfortunately there have been far fewer of those markets open due to COVID-19. So when we do have the opportunity to shop at these outdoor meccas of beautiful produce, we jump at the chance.

And we were in luck. It was mid-October, and the farmers markets in Nashville were open until the end of the month. So off we went to Sevier Park in the 12 South neighborhood of Nashville TN. The main street leading to the park was bustling with people shopping at the boutiques and galleries along the route. I also noticed several adorable little restaurants that I put on my list to check out for the next time we visit. 12 South seemed like a very tony little area that was certainly worth a day of exploration on our return.

But our focus was the farmers market. We arrived a little early and followed the trail through the park to the designated area to watch everyone busily setting up their booths. That brought back a flood of memories. Not memories of farmers markets, but of the many, many art shows that we set up for.

Back in 2006 we were forced to close our thriving catering business, Affairs to Remember Catering in Wellington FL, due to the financial destruction that Hurricane Wilma forced upon us. I had been hand making jewelry for about a year as a stress relieving hobby. But I had created more pieces of jewelry than, even I, could wear. So Steve and I decided we would try to sell my artistic creations on the art show circuit.

We went to an RV show “just for fun”. In fact Steve warned me that “we are NOT buying an RV”! And about a half hour into looking at the inside of several RVs, Steve is suddenly talking financing and pricing. By the time the afternoon was over, we were the proud owners of a brand new 2005 35-foot Class A Damon Intruder with two slides. Perfect for traveling and doing art shows.

We did a handful of shows on the Florida circuit and in the beginning of June 2006 we drove off for a 6 month road trip. Each weekend we did an art show. Setting up the tent and display took a good 2-2.5 hours and break down was done in about an hour and a half. While at the shows I make jewelry. That left the remainder of the week free for sightseeing. It was so amazing seeing so much of the country. We covered 23 states and with the exception of Helena, Arkansas and New Orleans, Louisiana we stayed east of the Mississippi. By the time we got to New Orleans we knew we would someday be full time RVers. It did take 14 years for the stars to align, but it has been a thrill to see where this journey takes us.

Sorry, I know I got a bit off track here. Finally, all of the vendors had opened for business at the Farmers Market Nashville TN. The produce was just gorgeous. It looked good, smelled good and tasted even better. I decided that I would make a big salad for dinner so I could use the biggest variety of veggies that I purchased. It was so fantastic to buy directly from the people of grow the produce and see the pride they take in the end result. Who wouldn’t want to eat a meal that looks as colorful and fresh as that melange in my wooden salad bowl?

Now fast forward a few months to present day. As I write this it’s Monday, January 31. We are in Castaic CA to visit dear friends. Love you Preston and Jan! We almost didn’t get here. About 15 miles from our RV park the brakes failed!!! Yikes. We inched along to make sure we could stay far enough from any vehicles and managed to make it to our site. The RV is being towed to a repair shop bright and early in the morning. That’s scary in itself. After all, Ladybug is our home. If all goes well they will be able to fix the brakes the same day. Praying that by the time you read this we will be back at our RV park and not need to stay in a hotel. Fingers crossed.