That time a parrot tried to take my matcha donut

...only at Soda City.

When you think of Soda City (our every-Saturday farmer’s market on Main St.) – or any market, really – you probably automatically think fresh fruits + veggies, homemade foods and crafty trinkets that your desk (or back porch) was totally in need of…

I admit I’m very routine in my Saturday morning Soda City schedule: first stop, Drip Coffee for my staple dirty chai. Then to Avocado Toast to get fresh corn on my toast before they run out in the first hour. Next, wait in the long line for my $10 box of veggies. After that, a snack for Karl from Truesdale Barkery for being so patient. Then just kinda wander around perusing all the arts + crafts.

So last weekend, I set out to break my routine + find new/awesome/weird (in a good way) things that make our market one-of-a-kind. Here’s what I found. 👇

Gorilla Boost Co. | plant-based/allergy-friendly foods + drinks (a.k.a everything at their table is made without eggs, dairy, wheat/gluten or nuts). They’re pretty new to the market. Do yourself a favor and try the matcha donut – your taste buds will thank you very matcha.

The parrot guy | He’s not a vendor, but he has a pet parrot he’ll let stand on your shoulder, and that’s pretty awesome.

Against the Grain | “OOAK pieces from great woods.” Hand carved tables, cheese boards, shelves + more. (I’m the master of acronyms + Chuck stumped me on OOAK, so I’m already sold on his woodworking skills.) Plus, these are kind of perfect for gifts.

Boiled PNUTS Yall | Their funky little cart isn’t just filled with boiled peanuts; they also have layered cake pops + a sweet tea keg, complete with a toppings buffet. Think build-your-own mimosa or bloody mary bar, but kid-friendly.

Easel Cathedral | Another person who’s not necessarily a vendor, but you can hire him (real name = Trahern Cook) to “live paint” your event, wedding, house, etc. We’re kind of obsessed.

Plum Ties | handmade cotton ties + bow ties for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, genders… and number of legs. They have adorable bow ties for the pups, too. Karl is about to get much more dapper.

Photo by @plumtimes

Kyle Smith Pottery | Former Richland One art teacher for 11 years, Kyle now works full-time in his own art studio making custom ceramic pieces for the market every Saturday + for the S.C. State Museum gift shop. Buy one of his face mugs; they’re weird + you’ll love it.

Lil Duck Kombucha | Southern-brewed, organic, probiotic drink. If you knew all the health benefits of this stuff, you’d be buying a jug every weekend. Plus the little kid always handing out samples is impossible to say no to.

Perfect Pallet Pieces | Rustic pallet decor, corn hole boards, cooler holders, wine holders, etc. If you don’t have the patience for DIY Pinterest projects, these people have your back.

Sundara’s Soul Creations | Handmade creations from the soul, like dream catcher tapestries, jewelry, clay bowls + more. I love the mini-tapestries for small spaces like a desk.

You’ll probably still find me following my avocado toast-dirty chai-dog cookies routine tomorrow morning, but I’ll also probably be hauling around a bunch of funky finds for Christmas presents. I mean, we do only have 8 shopping weekends left…

See you at Soda City,

– Sam