A few weeks ago, I woke up bright and early at 8 a.m. on a Saturday to attend the Waverly Farmers Market. I am usually tempted to sleep in and rest on Saturday mornings; however, this particular Saturday, my friend Reese and I were motivated to go to the Bramble Baking booth at the farmers market, which always sells out before 9 a.m.
After weeks of trying to get there before it sold out, we excitedly showed up at the Bramble booth while it was still open. We tried some amazing pastries, like their cardamom buns, peanut butter cookies and chocolate chip scones. And we even got their cool T-shirts!
Afterward, we also visited the Blacksauce Kitchen booth, where I tried an incredible buttermilk biscuit and a pulled pork sandwich. I left the farmers market that day filled with happiness and satisfaction for the two new booths I had explored.
What I truly love about the Waverly Farmers Market is that no matter how many times I go, I can always have a completely new experience, visiting new vendors and trying new items.
As I reflect on my experiences, I think back to the first time I went to the Waverly Farmers Market. I was in high school, visiting my sister at Hopkins for the weekend. We walked over to the market, and I was immediately entranced by the various options and the setup. Although the Waverly Farmers Market looks like any other parking lot on any other day of the week, on Saturday mornings it transforms into a culinary hub bustling with people.
On that day, I remember I got an apple cider and a waffle with Nutella, and we then walked back to campus to sit down and eat. I was so impressed by how close the farmers market was to campus and how accessible it was to Hopkins students.
Now, as a current student, I try to go to the farmers market as often as I can, as it is a great opportunity to explore new foods, hang out with friends and learn more about local vendors here in Baltimore!
Currently, I’m a huge fan of Little Paris, a booth that sells a variety of crepes, French breads and pastries. Even though its lines can be long, it’s worth the wait, as the vibes are lively and there is always music playing nearby! I always love getting the Banana and Nutella crepe and taking photos at the booth for my food Instagram page (follow @foodworldeats!).
Another booth that I love to visit is Taco Loco, which sells a delicious mix of tacos, quesadillas and burritos. I especially love their chorizo breakfast burritos, as well as all of their drink options — I definitely recommend the lemonade, limeade and sandía (watermelon) drinks to anyone thinking of going there!
Another reason I love the Waverly Farmers Market is because of how kind all the vendors are. They’re not solely interested in selling their products but also in engaging with customers and getting to know the community.
It was at the Waverly Farmers Market that I first learned what “chulsa” is: a mixture of chutney and salsa. A vendor introduced me to chulsa and gave me three different samples to try, which further sparked my curiosity. Similarly, I visited another vendor, where I tried a pineapple salsa for the first time and instantly fell in love with the mix of flavors.
The Waverly Farmers Market has given me the opportunity to try new foods from so many different cuisines and to even try plant-based options. I recently tried vegan Ethiopian food from Korarima, as well as the falafel wraps from Farm to Face Café. The farmers market is also a great place to try fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and kombucha (you can bring back a refillable bottle for a discount on kombucha!).
At the end of the day, the farmers market has wholeheartedly changed the way I view my Saturday mornings. Instead of utilizing Saturdays as a time to oversleep and procrastinate, the farmers market gives me an opportunity to get up early, get excited and start my day with a positive attitude.
The market is not just about food. It’s about stories and memories shared between vendors, customers and friends. People may come to the farmers market from all over the place, but we all share a common purpose: to celebrate the variety of foods from so many rich cultural backgrounds and to have a good time with one another.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you check out the Waverly Farmers Market. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new foods, engage with the community and spend time with friends on a Saturday morning.
