Farmer's Market and much more...

Yesterday was an adventure to say the least. We had the first great day of the year with temperatures rising into the 70s and not a cloud in the sky. Although I had a soccer kickaround scheduled, I blew it off and Courtney and I decided to take on our first new activity of the year - the Dallas Farmer's Market in Downtown Big D.

Farmer's Market entrance

11:00 a.m.

This is something we'd been wanting to try for a while and although the most desirable fresh produce isn't available in the winter, we figured it would be fun to check out the market. When we got there, we weren't sure of the parking situation so we just drove around until we ended up in Shed 1. After confirming that we were, indeed, allowed to park there we were on our way. Who knew parking would be so easy?!

After checking out the 20 or so vendors in Shed 1, we decided to venture on over to the indoor shed. Apparently they are in the process of renovating, but the appearance was very nice (at least much nicer than I expected). After tasting some locally produced olive oil and blueberry vinaigrette, we wandered over to the tamale stand. We chatted it up for a bit with the guy running the cash register and ending up buying a plate to share. Three tamales, rice, beans and chips for $5. Not a bad deal (plus the tamales were delicious).


Once we had some food in our stomachs, we figured it was time to check out the wine. After tasting all four varieties the wine guy had to offer, we purchased two and went on our way.

Now we were ready to get into the heart of the market and check out the local produce. This time of year, the only thing that really interested either of us was: melon, oranges, bell peppers and tomatoes (for Courtney). Every vendor had a sample to offer and we rarely turned one down. All the fruit was so fresh and flavorful. We made a few small purchases before rounding out the trip with a giant pickle. As intriguing as a kool-aid pickle was, we opted for a regular one, which turned out to be one of the best pickles either of us had ever eaten. Didn't expect to go for pickles, but that's just what happens I guess.

1:30 p.m.

Courtney outside 6th Floor Museum

We were ready to call it a day at the Farmer's Market but it was just too beautiful outside to go home, so we drove further into Downtown Dallas until we ended up near Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum. We parked and wandered around the area for a while, opting to bypass the actual museum. Instead we sat on the grassy knoll for a few minutes before meandering along.

Without really having a plan, we began to follow signs to the Aquarium. Courtney was convinced that she wanted to go, but I was reluctant. After passing by a number of bars and restaurants (all of which sounded very appealing to us and our tired feet), we stumbled across the Aquarium. Weirded out by the street performer jamming on his sax, I shuffled Courtney up the long, winding ramp to the entrance. About halfway up, we gave it a second thought and decided that the bars were calling our names much louder than the fish were.

3:00 p.m.

So we made our way back to a bar and sat down for a couple drinks. Once we'd beaten the computer a few times on my phone's version of Words with Friends, we closed out and decided to head back to home base in Addison Circle.

5:30 p.m.

Q and Levi at Astoria Cafe

Figuring we were done for the day, we grabbed Levi and went for a stroll in the park. On our way home, we spontaneously decided to check out the neighborhood wine bar we'd been meaning to try. So we sat down (with Levi) for a few glasses of wine and some cheese trays for what ending up being two hours or so.

After meeting up with a friend and making some new ones, we had somehow made plans to continue out for the night.

10:00 p.m.

After trying two new places today (Farmer's Market & Astoria Cafe), we set out to an old favorite (?) and the place Courtney and I first met, Black Finn in Addison. It was a typical night at Black Finn: loud music (mostly bad), smoke, overpriced drinks and cover charge. We somehow had a pretty good time, though, and around 1:00 a.m. we were finally ready to call it a night.

I'm not sure when Courtney and I came up with the idea of trying new things, we imagined it would involve all day drinking affairs taking place across the Metroplex, but nonetheless I'd say we both had a great time.  I definitely recommend the Farmer's Market as well as Astoria and plan on returning to both in the near future so I think in that sense yesterday was a huge success!!