When I was young, our gardens were “iffy” at best. While it is impossible to beat a tomato, freshly picked from the vine and eaten while still standing beside the plant, one tomato does not make a salad. Luckily for us, there was a roadside stand next to the road my father traversed to and from work each weekday. He would stop on his way home and purchase fresh picked seasonal vegetables. Back then you had to wait for the growing season in your area to purchase different vegetables. Tomatoes in December were unheard of unless you bought “hot house” tomatoes. These were grown in heated green houses and were far inferior to the ones plucked fresh each morning and offered at the roadside stands.

Almost every back road had people selling their extra produce from a stand or the back of a pickup truck parked at the end of their driveway. These enterprises were often manned by the children for extra “spending” money. If the family was too busy farming, items were often sold on the honor system with a box or can where you could deposit the correct change. As time passed, some of these operations became so successful the owners built small stores that could be operated well into winter. Normally, after the fall season crops were harvested, these stores would transition into Christmas merchandise. Starting with Christmas trees, pine boughs and wreaths, many also sold Christmas crafts, decorations and ornaments. Cut your own tree, hot chocolate and wagon or sleigh rides were often available.

One of the newest “value added” operations is the pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Opening for business in late September or early October, these extensions of the produce stand offer adventure along with pumpkins, gourds and fall vegetables.

Many communities are now hosting farmers’ markets. Offering a space for vendors to sell their extra produce, customers can purchase their vegetables at one stop instead of traveling multiple back roads looking for each item. Many farmers’ markets also offer craft vendors. While people shop at the market for the fresh produce, they also see the craft items. By knowing where to buy these crafts a person can purchase a last-minute gift, a unique household accessory, a handmade garment or a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

Nothing can take the place of fresh picked, locally grown produce. The search for it can provide an adventure with a delicious ending.