The Binford Farmers Market is a unique experience for me. I dodge shopping in general like it’s a debt collector and my poor husband is often stuck doing it for me. And with the rise of the green movement comes an inundation of ads and articles about eating organically, nitrate-free, or all natural to the point that going to the grocery feels a little like running a gauntlet.

But not the market. There I’m free to stroll and peruse and do our favorite thing: try new foods. I feel like we sampled everything available. And vendors love to give samples, making them my favorite people! We had the chicken salad from Dee's Signature Salads, which was deliciously creamy with a beautiful balance of dill and spices. We tried the lamb sausage from Viking Lamb, which if you haven't had lamb or think you don't like it please, go to Viking Lamb and try it again.

And the lemon curd from Delicious Additions was a particular favorite of R. We nearly had to pin her down to keep her from running back for more.

Saturdays have quickly become a relaxing break from our hurried routine of work and school—a time that we can gather as a family and take a moment to slow down and enjoy what summer has to offer. I can't wait for next Saturday to see what new vendors have hopped on the market train to show off their wares. In the meantime, we’re enjoying the Lemon Chive Angel Hair pasta from Pappardelle’s Pasta. We just tossed it with a simple pepper butter and served it with yellow squash and broccoli. It was scrumptious and perfect for a warm summer evening.

By Britney Earwood, Binford Farmers Market customer and volunteer