A little RAM fun

A couple Saturdays ago (the 30th), I made my first official trek to the Riverside Arts Market (RAM). Now most locals know what RAM is and I was probably one of the last ones in my age bracket who had
never gone. I really don't know why. I am sure I have come up with a myriad of excuses, mainly being that I am "too busy" or "too much grading has to be done". This is really a lie because I usually spend most of Saturday doing a whole bunch of nothing. Don't get me wrong, doing nothing is one of my favorite "activities" but I don't really want to become a hermit either. Moving on...

The RAM is already one of my new favorite things to do. One visit is all it takes to appreciate this event. I really think there is something for everyone, but I could be wrong. Then again I am a sucker for markets. Recently I was enjoying lunch with a former athlete of mine who is studying in London this summer (as I write this). He wanted to hear about some of my favorite places in Londo

n, and one of my favorites is the Borough Market. The RAM isn't quite as large but then again the Borough Market isn't right on the river.

OK, so I am sure you want to know exactly what you will find at

the RAM. As the name suggests,

there is a variety of art to see and purcha

se. Most artists are local but a few travel from other areas of Florida and South Georgia for the market as well. You will also find lots of food at the market. Fresh produce, local honey, fresh pasta, bread, herbs and spices, jerkey, and of course food to eat there. You could easily eat a day's worth of meals here. A bagel or sandwich for breakfast. Some pizza for lunch. Ice cream or kettle corn for a snack. A veggie burger for dinner. Other vendors sold clothing, personalized items, cutting boards, etc. There is always free entertainment at the RAM as well. The market always features a couple different music groups/artists set up on a stage right on the river. On this particular day there was also a juggler and a palm reader (free).

Now what did I buy?

1) A lacrosse keychain and a couple gifts for a friend who is getting married from a vendor who's name escapes. It is one of those that sells lots of cutesy items like bows and headbands. The sort of things any sorority girl would love to have (ducking).

2) Some fresh ravioli and gnocchi from Tampasta.

3) A few peppers and a tomato from Black Hog Farm.

4) Creamed cinnamon honey from Queen Bee Company. Basically this is spreadable honey & they sell several flavors. Look for their stand or ask me for the phone number to order.

If you have not been to the Riverside Arts Market before, there are two main transportation options. The traditional one is of course by car. The RAM is located in Riverside (on the northbank) under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Free parking is available in the parking lot where Roselle meets Riverside. If you are feeling a little more daring or adventurous, I suggest you bike to the market. The market has a free bike valet courtesy of Bike Jax. You don't have to worry about finding a place to lock your bike because they will secure your bike until you are done visiting the market. I spoke with the gentleman who was working that particular day and found out that he bikes all the way from Bayard. Yes, I did feel like a bit of a slacker for not even being able to get up early enough to get the market before noon.

The Riverside Arts Market runs every Saturday, rain or shine, 10-4. If you want to bike down there one Saturday, let me know.