Every Saturday from 7 am to 12 noon an eclectic mix of merchants meet to sell their various wares in an old stone building in downtown Guelph. This is the place where many in Guelph start their weekend. Like many things about Guelph, the market has a sense of community to it. The market seems to capture much of what makes Guelph a great place to live.
We go there to buy organic veggies, free range eggs, fresh made bread and locally produced meats. Of course like many others we bring our travel mugs to enjoy a coffee and danish. Not just any old coffee and danish. The danishes and cinnamon buns are made fresh each morning and the coffee is organic fair trade coffee. While we sit with our coffees at the picnic tables the kids take their dollar over to the donut maker to buy a couple fresh made "little donuts".
Here at the market you can buy the best fresh salsa ever made from "the salsa guy". Full of cilantro, garlic, and tomatoes, this salsa never fails to get raves at any gathering. Another favourite from the market is the baba ganjou with just a hint of smoke from the grilled egg plant and the garlicy hummus.
But the Guelph market is not just about food it is about pottery, jewellery, hand made soap, photography, garden sculptures and much more. This is not flea market stuff, these are true artisans who come to showcase their wares. The garden sculptures, Wendy's "litter critters" are whimsical iron pieces made from cast off pieces of machinery. Phillipe’s bird houses likewise are made from recycled objects and are wonderful pieces of folk art. Both of these artisans have their works priced very reasonably.
The Guelph market is a wonderful place to spend Saturday morning. Of all the places in Guelph this is perhaps the best spot to get a true taste of Guelph and a feeling for what a wonderful place this is to live