Before our trip, we had lunch with our friends Mark and Martha, whose cottage we were renting. They gave us some tips on things we might want to explore while in Bath and one was going to the Independent, a market in the nearby town of Frome (pronounced Froom like broom).
Well, one look at the website and we were all in! So the day after rugby, off we went, boarding the bus (which actually arrived on time right down the hill from us!).
The market did not disappoint. As we rounded the corner after getting off the bus, we were faced with hoards of people, all out having a good time on a day that looked like rain could come at any time. (It didn't until we were about to leave).
This market really is the best of the best and a wonderful experience. There are loads of vendors spread out over a large part of the downtown area. You'll find every kind of food vendor with a gloriously diverse selection of ethnic foods, vendors selling veggies, baked goods, locally produced honey, olives, sausage rolls, and much more.
But it is also a magnificent craft and antiquing venue as well. We saw beautiful pottery, cards, fiber, paintings, the kind of thing one always sees at events like this. Another section had vintage and antique things, ranging from household items and china to vintage clothes.
There was also music. A busking stage greeted us when we arrived with a marvelous group playing traditional music and really getting the crowd going. Later, a pop choir performed and there were several performers on the schedule we didn't see.
For lunch, we opted for the cheese toastie booth because I cannot resist a good grilled cheese. And this was the best I'd ever had -- three cheeses with bacon and a little more cheese on the outside of the bread which got all crispy as it was grilled.
The line was long. We didn't care.
The local shops were open, some doing a good business. I bought several books at a charity shop and Rick got a CD. We picked up a bottle of wine from a wine shop that was so beautifully wrapped, we saved the paper!
We really should have rented a dog to take about if we'd wanted to fit in. Many people had them, at least one and sometimes more.
And best of all, they are incredibly well behaved. I don't think I saw one dog "act out" inappropriately, bark, or growl at other dogs. They were unbelievably well-mannered in public and it was a refreshing change of pace!
People are friendly and while we were waiting in the queue for the toilet (which, by the way, the individual women's stalls would fit a person, a stroller, a dog and all their shopping with room to spare), we met two women who filled us in on some things we should see when we visited Cardiff the next day. Yes, a guide book can tell you things. But people often know.
We bought some sausage rolls for our dinner and caught our bus home. It was raining by then, and rather that go up the hill, we took a longer path to the cottage, which was a former rail line with wooded area on either side and a short tunnel. It's about twice as long, maybe a half mile (1400 steps versus 495 with Jeanie Legs), but much flatter, with a gentler climb. The first time I was on it I told Rick it looked like the kind of spot where people in a "Midsomer Murder" or Agatha Christie mystery might meet their doom. But it was very safe (apart from one section of the narrow road with cars and you find yourself plastered against a hedgerow to avoid an unfortunate experience). I even walked it in the dark by myself one evening and it was rather quiet and peaceful. I never felt worried.
And yes, we opened that bottle of wine.
And served up with a little classical music, some bread, cheese, and a cozy fire, it was wonderful. (And so were the sausage rolls!)
Travel Tips:
- Seek out local events -- fetes, markets, even performances. It's fun to compare, perhaps bring home a souvenir or two.
- If you are in an area new to you and you don't have a good reference guide as to where to get back to your bus stop, for example, take a reference photo. We knew by shooting this pic of that tall building under construction that this was where we would turn to find our bus stop, so if we wandered too far afield, we could at least ask someone how to get back to this point. (Fortunately, we didn't need to!)
- Weather is funky. A nice day may turn sour, a bad one break into sunshine. Being prepared helps, and while you can almost always buy an umbrella, having a hood on a jacket is a plus. Read the weather report before you go and trust it as you might but being prepared is a plus.
- Tissues are your friend! When you are at a public event where many people may be using the bathroom, don't forget to pack some tissues in your bag, just in case the toilet paper runs out by the end of the day! I was glad I did. (And your hand sanitizer, too!)
- Check out the charity shops! I'm not sure if this is UK thing or if it just isn't a "Michigan" thing, but it seems like many organizations (Hospice, heart association, animal rescue, Oxfam and others) have small but well stocked charity shops in towns large and small. The quality of items is good, sometimes stellar, and the prices equally impressive. One might find clothing, books, china, decorative items, art and much more. It's a great place for a good, well-priced souvenir!
55 comments:
Looks like a great event! I love these things, even if I don’t buy anything. You never know though, sometimes you find a treasure.
Long lines are always a guarantee for great food. you made me all hungry, I love cheese.
That is beautiful wrapping paper indeed.
The dogs sure would make me nervous... interesting, though,they got along well. Here is always barking, growling, at each other and at people. And often off leash...
I agree, ask people, or be happy when they get at you, that´s even nicer!
That path looks spooky indeed.
LOL. Ingo was in Amsterdam ages ago (we were not together yet). As reference to where his car is parked he took a church under construction. Well, there were many!
We have an Oxfam, too and in Freo/Perth I saw a Red Cross-shop. Nice this is world-wide.
Thank you for sharing this day!
What a wonderful post! I was in Frome about 5 years ago but didn't catch this market - I wish I had, and will aim to get there next time! (I think your tips and hints are spot on, this is a wonderful set of posts for anyone thinking to do something similar to your trip! )
I love that very tunnel. It would be a great place for photography. The wine and meal look so good.
Lovely market with live music, good food and well behaved dogs :) Love the tip about taking a reference photo in case you get lost. Thanks Jeanie
Good morning. You write a unique travel post.
That market reminds me of the antique/ food fair down in Ohio we use to o until covid hit. We have not been there since and we always went twice a year. I just love looking at all of those wonderful old buildings. So much character. Janice
I think those hoards of people should be hordes, Jeanie - and hordes there certainly were. Too close for comfort for me. If I had to be cheek by jowl with so many I could handle it, but I would not do it out of choice. Glad you had fun and enjoyed the wine and sausage rolls.
Hello Jeanie,
The market looks like a fun place to explore and pick up some goodies! I love a good grilled cheese too. I enjoyed the photos and always enjoy your commentary! Take care, have a great day!
Here by the way of gz. When you mentioned the tunnel I had a tingling sense that I had seen something similar in a British murder mystery! It sounds like it was a marvellous day.
I enjoyed your post and all your wonderful photos. I visited London last year and really loved it. Your posts are making me think about visiting other cities in the UK. You've inspired me.
The market looks awesome-and large How fun hugs
That market was an excellent find. I love that they had music, and all the dogs too. Your trip looks excellent so far, and I would have enjoyed it. And I hope you got some good reads too. I love looking at used books. :) hugs-Erika
...the market certainly draws people in!
We love wandering around our local charity shops. We contribute to good causes at the same time. We would have to go into town on the tram as we don't have a local market, but it's a good source for tasty snacks and refreshments.
Hyattsville, Maryland, used to be the bargain hunter's happy hunting ground. One city bus line ran past four charity department stores the size of the smaller Wal-Marts. Good stores too. The posh boutiques would donate clothes every few weeks. I never paid more than five dollars for an off-the-rack suit or dress, often never worn, designer labels.
Such lovely photos are descriptions. The grilled cheese sounds delicious!
The grilled cheese sounds amazing..The market was a great find..
I think I would love to travel with you...what a perfect day...a little bit of everything and mingling with the natives, chortle. I'm allergic to wines, but the same venue I'm sure had craft beers and what a great way to end a day. Hugs, Sandi
Jeanie, that was a wonderful day trip, the kind I would enjoy! You took advantage of the entire day, so you probably didn’t feel like you had to rush through. I have enjoyed each travel post. Thank you for sharing!
Wow! What a great post. I love this market. So wish I could go there. Looks like you had a good time.
Another lovely post, Jeanie! I absolutely love to visit local markets when we travel. The one you featured today reminds me so much of the Annapolis Royal Farmers Market in Nova Scotia which I always visit. It's been gathering for centuries. Lots of dogs there too. And your tips are great! I use all of them when I travel, especially the tissue/toilet paper one. I love your photos too, especially the one of the three dogs checking each other out. Have a great evening!
Posh cheese toasties and sausage rolls--wow! Foods I hear a lot about from England--besides fish and chips, of course. Looks like there was a ton of interesting things for sale there. What fun! And so many dogs! I always keep a bunch of tissues in my bag, which have come in handy many times--lol! ;)
It looks like a fun place to visit and shop.
That sounds like a proper market!
Lovey photographs from the market ... what a great crowd there.
So pleased you were able to sit down, relax and enjoy that wine after a lovely visit to Frome.
All the best Jan
What fun! You are right about British dogs, they know their manners.
Looks like a Lovely market. The dogs are so cute. You cannot go wrong with grilled cheese.
What a great day. I love the choices of posh cheese toasties and of course who can deny good sausage rolls. British weather, I think, is perfect for a good murder mystery.
-Soma
I've never heard a grilled cheese called a cheese toastie. My favorite comes from a little place in Schulenburg, TX -- grilled homemade pimento cheese on homemade wheat bread. Yum!
I love that posh cheese toasties menu sign, especially the reference to vegan "nozzarella," LOL!
Looks like such a fun experience. Love it.
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I love the word hedgerow☺️That scene does look very Midsomer Murder☺️Markets area fave for J and I🙂🙂I e been wanting to make sausage rolls..such comfy fare.Love the wine wrapper!I saved papers from France.
I would have enjoyed it as well. Terrific and wonderful. That grilled cheese sounds so delicious, right on.
When traveling, we usually seek out local people who might recommend places to eat or see. And when in doubt, a good grilled cheese takes care of any hunger. Love that wine paper!
Sounds like another fun filled day Jeanie! The grilled cheese toastie sounds amazing!
Jenna
i always enjoy markets/festivals like this one. with such a nice variety of products there is so much to look at. we always attend events like these when we can and have much fun as it seems you did!! bread, cheese and sausage rolls in front of a fire sounds like an amazing way to end the day!!
The market looks like the place to check out, nice and vibrant. Charity shops here are like you described in your post. They are the place to always visit and check out, some of them have websites too.
It's such a good idea to wear a jacket with a hood in case of rain!
What a delightful day. I love going to local events when I get to travel.
I remember (way back when) buying a couple of souvenir presents for co-workers in the OxFam. They never knew. LOL
What a wonderful experience! It sounds like the market in Frome was an absolute gem, offering everything from delicious food to unique crafts and antiques. I love how the variety of vendors creates such a vibrant atmosphere, with something for everyone—whether you're in the mood for trying new foods or hunting for vintage treasures. It’s also great that you had the chance to explore this place after getting some local tips. I can only imagine how much fun it must have been to stroll through, especially with the potential of rain looming but holding off until you were ready to leave!
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Wonderful post and pictures
Here in NRW are a lot of friendly dogs. I don't understand your description of dogs in Germany
Sounds like you had the perfect ending to a nice and different kind of day in England.
This sounds like a bucket list experience. I thoroughly enjoyed treking along with you. 💙
Looks like a great market near Bath. While in Bath one December, I was thrilled to see they have a wonderful Christmas market there right in Bath. But the drawback was the weather, rainy, windy, chilled to the bone. Glad you had a good time there.
I enjoyed seeing mnay of your England travel photos on facebook, Jeanie! This market looked like a wonderful shopping expeience. Your bread, cheese, sauage roll dinner and wine in front of the fire looks perfect! We did similar meals when are on visits to Italy -- it is so easy and enjoyable. We had a historic rwo day snowstorm--24 inches--kept us busy shoveling, but this week it will be in the high 50s so most will melt.
I've really enjoyed all your posts on your trip, Jeanie. This day sounds like it would have been really exhilarating for me! I love how you've been able to sink right into the culture. You two have become naturals there!
How I loved this post of yours Jeanie. I remember the old markets well and this is such a touch of nostalgia for me. Beautifully told with great pictures. Thank you so much! I agree with Rita, you fit right in. The locals must have loved you.
What a fun time at the marketplace. I always love a good flea market, craft fair, and such. Would have loved to browse through all the booths to see the creative things they were selling. And homemade foods makes it even better. The cheese toasties sound delicious. Love the wrapping from the wine bottle. The bathrooms sound comfortable, and I wish we had big ones like that in the states. That tunnel photo is so neat. Sausage rolls and wine to end the day, it doesn't get better than that.
~Sheri
ps.....I loved hearing your story on when and how you got your ears first pierced. Thank you so much for sharing it, it was delightful. I usually just wear small diamond earrings, but when I get dressed up for a special occasion, I sometimes go with the dangling ones.
~Sheri
Yes, charity shops are a big thing here Jeanie. Whenever my friend and I go anywhere we always visit them. Looks like you had a great holiday. I hope you're winning agains the bed bugs.
PS I love markets, and buskers :-)
That looks like a wonderful day; including that walk home!
What a cool market! I love visiting places like this. You can often find great food and they are just so charming. Some of the framed photos in our house are pictures I took at markets in France. I also got some great takeaway at those markets. I have to laugh that your first thought about the path was your likelihood for getting murdered! You’ve read a lot of mysteries so that makes sense!! I am more naive about things like that!!
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