From the shuffle of feet and cheerful voices, to the scents of fresh bread, flowers and cooking food, the 2nd Street Market is a place with a flavor all its own.
I first began going to the market as a kid with my mom; it was one of my favorite times of the week. Every Saturday morning we would walk through the crowd and along the sides of various vendors, and I would wander through the booths while my mom bought local milk and eggs.
As a kid, I loved it for all the smells and happy people; the lovely aromas coming from the dessert vendors, and the farmers smiling and laughing with their customers. I liked it much better than when my mother brought me to Kroger and everything seemed cold and impersonal.
Now I have grown to love it for even more reasons.
About a month ago I returned to the market after a long hiatus due to work, and I remembered how great it was. Now starting to shop for myself, I loved the variety of options that I could fit into my lifestyle: local produce and dairy, local made bread and jams, more types of flour than I even knew existed and so much more.
I love knowing where my food is coming from and actually being able to see and talk to the farmers and bakers that produce the product. It struck me as a far better experience than having to pick between 14 supposedly different types of tomatoes, from halfway across the country.
The best part about 2nd Street Market is the atmosphere. Along with the vendors selling grocery type items, there are jewelry vendors, artists of many mediums, mini boutiques, and a myriad of others.
Lining a section on one side of the market, which is laid out like one huge aisle, are food vendors ready to serve hungry shoppers. From savory Greek or Thai, to sweet or salty crepes, there is a little something for everyone.
The market has clumps of seating spread out near the food vendors and a large section of nothing but tables near the back. Many mornings they even have local performers playing in that back section.
It’s a great place to bring a friend and have lunch while you explore the local vendors and food.
It’s a place where you don’t just run in and grab what you need, it’s an experience of its own. It not only has that unique farmers market feel, but the community aspect that is all around Dayton.
All and all, the market has reclaimed its spot as one of my favorite places in Dayton.
Cerridwyn Kuykendall
Associate Editor