Earlier this summer, the Eagle Tavern got a face lift - sod and shrubbery on the front lawn and the Oconee Farmer's Market which had been meeting there moved to the area behind the Tavern. It worked out fine because the "backyard" is larger with more shade with ample parking spaces close by.

Some had feared that moving from the main street location to the backyard would render the market "out of sight - out of mind" but so far the space has been packed with regular vendors and new vendors some with much bigger displays. Colorful signs on Main Street leave no doubt that the Market is thriving.

The customers seemed to have increased also, some even out of the county. The word gets around that quality goods and service greets the customer each Saturday.

Some of the items and produce are as follows: fresh veggies (tomatoes, squash, cukes, peas, okra, beans, egg plant, onions, potatoes - all types, corn on the cobb, peppers): fruits (figs, blueberries, peaches, watermelon, canteloupe): pastries (various flavors of pound cakes, various fruit pies, jellies and jams from a variety of fruits, muffins, cookies, etc.): crafts (jewelery, hand made covers, knick-knacks, wood carvings, gourd art, etc.): cosmetics (organic shea butter, facial creams, lotions, fragrant soaps).

The Market is open each Saturday from 8 am to 12 noon starting in May and ending in October each year. A list of the vendors can be found on the Oconee Farmers Market (www.oconeefarmersmarket.org). Check it out and take a variety of good food home for the weekend.