Ocean Springs Fresh Market

As I sit here enjoying my cranberry oat scone with a glass of cold milk from this morning's Ocean Springs Farmers' Market, and my 2-year-old is eating goat cheese like it's going out of style, I am starting to feel a little more "at home!" We just moved to the area, and I've been searching for grassfed beef, dairy products free from added hormones, fresh bread, and locally grown produce. The Ocean Springs Fresh Market did not disappoint, and although we are from Madison, Wisconsin, which boasts the biggest producer-only market in the country, what's neat about this market is that you can have conversations with the farmers and vendors without feeling rushed or that hustle and bustle that is sometimes present at the Madison Farmers' Market. Now don't get me wrong...nothing will ever be quite like home with Stella's hot and spicy cheese bread, mozzarella whips from Farmer John, and plenty of organic produce to choose from, but I talked with the market director this morning as well as learned all about Country Girl's Creamery's cattle practices. I was impressed. I also appreciated the explanations about "growing seasons" in Mississippi and when we can start to expect new batches of fall produce. Now these vendors may not be "certified" organic, but when I can chat directly with the farmer who looks me in the eye and says he won't sell me anything that he wouldn't eat himself, I'm okay with that kind of organic! Thanks Ocean Springs Fresh Market for a delightful morning. Cheers to local food from people you can trust!