Manchester Weekends: South of the James Farmers Market

It's the most popular weekend activity in Richmond for a reason.

If you live in or around the Manchester area, then you are probably familiar with Forest Hill Park, the charming, lush green park that mirrors Maymont on the other side of the James River. On any given weekday it seems like an ordinary park. On the weekends, it's a whole different story. From local artists and farmers to some of the best restaurants and food vendors in the city (and outside of it), the South of the James Farmer's Market is the place to be on Saturday morning. Foodies, Localvores, Artists, and More Though many of the booths rotate, there are more than a fair share of regulars whom you can count on to be there. Here's our usual path through park:

• First Stop: We make a beeline to the Blanchard's Coffee stand because if we're going to be up this early, we're gonna need caffeine. Hot or cold, get there early because demand is high and they will sell out.  
• Next: Victory Farms' stand is right next to Blanchard's and their produce always looks incredible. It's impossible to resist at least perusing that week's selection and we almost always walk away with something fresh and delicious. Check out their website and learn about their CSA (community supported agriculture) program. They'll deliver fresh veggies, eggs, and more to your home or to one of their pickup locations.  
• From there: It's only natural to wonder over to Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen, a mobile food truck offering GIANT, fresh hot donuts. These things (excuse our blasphemy) are better than Krispy Kreme. 

At this point we are fully caffeinated and have delicious, sugary glazed goodness in our bellies and are up for anything. A lap or two around the park typically reveals some new vendors with some cool and unusual wares and some great conversation with local vendors to the tune of blues and bluegrass from the live bands. We recommend wrapping up your day with lunch from one of the incredible food carts on site such as Boka, Nate's Tacos, Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream, and more. You can check out the list of vendors here [http://sojmarket.com/saturday-soj/]. Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page to keep up to date with what's going on in and around Manchester!

Photo Courtesy of kidzthatgroove.com