Magnolia trees are unfurling tender blossoms and daffodils are poking their heads through cold soil. Soon we’ll be treated to a parade of white, magenta, and yellow blooms. Another reason to welcome spring is the profusion of flea and antiques markets. Whether you’re visiting the…
Spring and summer are when Paris markets are coming into full bloom. Juicy gariguette strawberries and spears of asparagus will soon be widely available, along with cheeses and butter made with milk from animals that have been chomping on young flowers and grasses. At flea markets, summery dresses and scarves…
I recently visited Santa Fe, New Mexico, to celebrate my friend Carol’s birthday. I thought of it as pure vacation and decided—as a departure from my usual routine—that I’d forego going to a market and instead focus on activities that Carol and others had planned. Besides, I could’ve used extra sleep on…
Did you ever wonder about the French connection to Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. It’s the day before Ash Wednesday and refers to the practice of eating fatty foods before the start of Lent when meat is forbidden. Carnival festivities begin with the Feast…
Paris markets can be hit-or-miss. That’s why I’m pleased to unveil a new tool called the Paris Market Finder in the Resources section of my website. Most markets in Paris are open only one or two days a week. Locals know by heart the days of their closest or…
Markets in Provence are a celebration of agriculture, crafts, and, more broadly, the Provençal identity. For travelers, they open a door to the local foods and way of life, plus a chance to participate in a tradition that dates back centuries. I immediately became enamored…
We can all use a boost of holiday cheer. One of the best places to go and stoke that merry glow is a holiday market. In France they’re called marchés de Noël. The tradition of Christmas markets started in Germany and spread to Alsace in the…
Portland, Maine suffers no shortage of creative enterprises. The city has a high density of superb restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and independently owned shops. Among the many great finds, one of my favorites is the Portland Flea-for-All. Located in the resurgent Bayside neighborhood, Portland Flea-for-All features…
