Saturday mornings mean Farmers’ market

Every Saturday morning in Troy, NY local farmers put up their stands and sell their goods to locals who come out to enjoy some fresh air and fresh goods. Not only can you look around at all the stands but all the local businesses are open as well.

Some of my purchases this week included a fresh pressed lemonade, a delicious seared tuna and avocado salad from The Illium Cafe, a new air plant at The Botanic Studio and a rug for my new apartment at Funcycled.

I love going to the Farmers’ Market because the purchases you make can help give back to your local community and also contribute to the local economy. Even if you don’t make any purchases, it is still a fun time and a chance to see new things and get out of the house. So if you have one by where you live I encourage you to go!

This is Troy.

I write this post from Spillin’ the Beans coffee shop in Troy, NY. This is just one of the many local thriving shops you can find downtown. This week I am on spring break and even though I wish I could be somewhere warm and tropical, it’s good to be home.

Troy is just 13 minutes away from the state capitol of Albany and located on the Hudson River. When you walk around downtown you get the feel of a smaller Brooklyn. With brownstones side by side, cobblestone streets and old architecture, it’s a beautiful place to be apart of.

Downtown Troy is made up of locally owned businesses, restaurants, cafés, bars and breweries. Every season there are events that take place to get people wanting to be apart of. The last Friday of every month is Troy Night Out, where businesses will have special hours and stay open later and have special sales.

In the spring, summer and early fall the riverfront farmers market will take place. There you can find homemade goods, fresh produce and other unique trinkets.

In the summer every Wednesday is Rockin on the River which has live cover bands, food and beer vendors. In the fall there is the Chowder Fest where you can try all kinds of chowder from local restaurants and vote for your favorite.

The first Sunday of every December is the Victorian Stroll (my favorite). Going back to Troy’s victorian age people dress up from that time. Stores have hot drinks out for people and live music and caroling goes on all leading up to the tree lighting in Monument Square.

And no matter what season it is Saturday is small business Saturday when I like to go shopping and support the local businesses rather than go to the mall with chain stores.

Every time I go back home there is a new delicious café or business that has opened that I have to try and it makes me very happy to see that Troy is building and growing as a community.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument (Monument Square)

Banana and Nutella crêpe at The Whistling Kettle with a pot of tea.

One of my favorite stores in Troy, The Botanic Studio. Here they have everything you need to get stated on building your own terrarium, or just any unique plant in addition to candles and jewelry.

Hot dogs at Famous Lunch in Troy.

Wood fired pizza at Bacchus.

These pictures show just a few of my favorite places to shop and eat at.

If you ever find yourself in the upstate area I highly recommend stopping through and exploring Troy for yourself.