Going Local-Murray's Mill

 

 

This past weekend,

we ventured to a place we'd heard about,

but hadn't yet gotten around to visiting.

We were lured by the promise of a farmers' market,

but were a bit disappointed when we found only a few vendors.

Nonetheless, it was a chance to get out and about.

 

Murray's Mill is situated in Catawba, NC,

 and hosts several historic structures.

The mill itself was built in 1913 by John Murray,

 who was the son of the original miller in the area.

The mill is open for tours most days.

For days and times of availability,

call (828) 241-4299.

 

 

 

 

 

Located near the mill were walking trails,

bordered by a perpetual running stream.

The moving water was such a relaxing sound.

 

 

 The Murray and Minges General Store across the street from the mill 

was worth a look see.

 

 

 

There's nothing I love more than an old school screen door.

The store hales from the 1890's

and makes visitors feel like they've stepped back in time.

When was the last time 

you saw a soda dispenser like this one?

 

The beautiful wood floors add to the experience by creaking ever so slightly

as you make your way around the mercantile.

All sorts of old fashioned candies, local jams and honey,

as well as gifts galore can be found on these shelves.

In another section of the store is the soda fountain,

where many a sweet treat surely was shared.

 

I'm glad we took the time to discover another local treasure.

You can learn more about Murray's Mill on their website,

found here.
 

Farmers' Market Opening Day

This past Saturday was the opening day

of the farmers' markets here in Lincoln County.

The market in Lincolnton is small, but growing,

and hosts an array of local goodies for shoppers.

Many folks eschew the grocery store in favor of fresh,

locally grown produce.

Starter plants and flowers in lovely displays were also available.

A few beauties were picked up at this table for some of my beds at home.

Members of the Rose Society donated plants from their personal gardens

to raise money for their organization.

Most plants were $3, quite the bargain!

At this booth, organic personal care preparations could be had.

A multitude of lip balms, lotions, shampoos and beard products was offered.

All items at the farmers' market must be grown or made

within a 50-mile radius of the downtown location.

Can't get more local than that!

One of my favorite vendors, 

Black Sheep Farmstead,

always furnishes a wonderful collection of soaps.

A couple of things may have made it into my bag.

The Master Gardeners set up a booth once a month

to answer gardening questions, share gardening experiences,

and provide an interactive activity for visitors.

My friend Jannah and I,

who both graduated from the Master Gardener class last spring,

were giving away seeds so that folks could get their gardens started.

The seeds were generously donated to the Extension Center,

and we are giving them away every chance we get.

Just look at all the potential in that basket!

We also created a seed sowing station

for kids to understand the value in recycling 

and using what they already have at home.

The basket of paper towel and toilet paper rolls

was readied for them.

We simply made mini pots by slitting and folding the bottoms.

This is a great way to repurpose an otherwise throwaway item.

The whole kit-n-kaboodle can be planted in the ground.

A little soil and their choice of seed was all it took.

It was so encouraging to see these wee ones excited about planting.

The first market of the season went off without a hitch.
We had plenty of visitors and the vendors had many repeat customers.
Feeling blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community activity.

Do you frequent the farmers' market where you live?

Garden Friday

It's Garden Friday once again.

We've been busy with all kinds of gardening projects and plans.

Here are a few of the things we've been working on this past week.

 Seed potatoes were cut into pieces and placed in a box to dry.

These are Yukon Gold potatoes,

the same kind I grew last year.

They are our favorite all-around potato to eat.

 This is about after 4 or 5 days just sitting on top of the fridge in the garage.

They are ready to be planted when the surface becomes "scabby".

This is supposed to ensure that they stay free from rot or disease.

 Next week, I'll show step-by-step how easy it is to plant these.

The potato towers will be used again this year,

although I am trying a different technique.

 My "indoor greenhouse" is keeping the cucumbers,

green beans, herbs and tat soi fairly happy.

This room gets indirect morning light

and has just enough humidity to keep them moist.

I'm planning on hardening off the crops over the weekend,

so that they'll be ready to plant.

This year I'm growing my own sweet potato slips,

although I think I may have started a bit late.

These are organic sweet potatoes I purchased at the store

and simply suspended them in tin cans.

Aside from the root growth,

the tops will soon start sprouting stems, or "slips",

which will be transplanted into the garden.

Speaking of sprouting,

(wow, that's the best segue ever!),

alfalfa sprouts are filling up my veggie bin

as I am starting a new batch every five days or so.

They are so fresh and tender,

a wonderful addition to salads, sandwiches or stir fries.

 

A little experiment is going on with the nasturtium seeds.

One package of seeds got soaked for a few days,

and the other package got "nicked" and soaked.

These will be sown in the veggie beds as a companion plant.

I'm curious to see if there is a difference in germination rates.

One of the biggest changes coming to the veggie garden

is the creation of a wattle fence.

I've been collecting grapevine for this very purpose.

Big K told me that he can get all the wood I need for the stakes

free of charge.

I told him to bring home as much of it as he can.

I've started creating the stakes on which the wattle will be wrapped.

This will really define the space,

and maybe even keep a few little critters out.

The look of the vines woven back and forth

always catches my eye.

It's been a very busy week,

so there aren't too many pictures of the veggie beds,

but I will remedy that over the weekend.

The sampling of kale, lettuce and other goodies

are my treat whenever I go to check on the garden.

By the end of they day, my energy is spent,

but it's a great feeling knowing that time has been spent

helping others, growing food and being creative.

If you're local,

I hope you'll come out to the Lincolnton Farmers' Market

this Saturday from 8-12.

The Master Gardeners will be doing a hands-on activity 

for folks who want to learn more about planting seeds.

Here's the information:
225 West Water Street
Lincolnton, NC 28092
Phone: 704-748-1518

Lincoln County Farmers' Market website

Going Local-Cobblestone Farmers' Market

Saturday was Big K's birthday.

We decided to go on a daytrip to Winston-Salem,

about an hour and a half from where we live.

One of our stops was at the Cobblestone Farmers' Market

in Old Salem.

(Look for additional "Going Local" posts later this month.)

This bustling emporium is open every Saturday 

from 9 to noon,

through the third weekend in November.

We got there mid-morning,

and some vendors were already sold out of their goods.

It was wonderful to see the array of organically-grown produce available.

One of the features I adore about North Carolina, is the requirement that all items

must be produced within 50 miles.

There were some things I'd never seen before at a farmers' market,

like these gourmet mushrooms.

Another mushroom vendor, Borrowed Land Farm,

offered up these "Shroom Cube!" mushroom grow kits,

that folks can purchase to begin their own foray into fungi.

The owner of Pascal Farms showcased her host of herbs, 

tinctures and body care products.

There is so much knowledge to glean from these artisans.

At fermentology foods, a variety of fermented foods was exhibited.

Free tastings sometimes lure even the most skeptic of samplers.

Kraut, anyone?

The beautiful breads and pastries offered up at 

Camino Bakery, made me stop in my tracks.

Each one was a work of art and very hard to resist.

Another bakery, aptly named

To Your Health Bakery,

focuses on making goodies available 

to those who have food allergies or sensitivities.

We will have to pay their storefront a visit.

C has never been able to get treats at a traditional bakery

due to his many sensitivities.

What a gift it would be for him to be able to order up anything!

At Farm Girl Arts, this artist not only sells her wool

and felted creations,

she is known for the incredible sculptures she creates

using this unusual technique.

Click on the above link to marvel at her artwork.

Local musicians serenade the crowed each weekend.

The town of Old Salem is fascinating,

with historic buildings and cobblestone walkways.

We are hoping to return in the future

to get a better appreciation of all this village has to offer.

The Cobblestone Farmer's Market can be found in Old Salem
at the intersection of West and Salt Streets,
and is adjacent to the Single Brothers' Garden.
(We will be featuring the garden next week.)
No matter where you live,
this market is worth the travel time.
Plan to spend the day or overnight,
because there is so much to see!

More in our Going Local Series:
Mount Holly Farmers' Market 
The Mundy House 
Hardware Upgrade 
Red Wolf Farm 
Davidson Farmers' Market 
Grier Truck Museum