New York Mets' Spring Training

525 NW Peacock Boulevard, Port St Lucie, FL 34986
February thru March (check Mets website for schedule)

One of the benefits of being a Mets fan and living in South Florida is that their spring training is held only about an hour away from here, at Tradition Field in Port St Lucie.  I finally convinced Brian to go to a game with me--I bribed him with beer (the majority of his family are Yankees fans--need I say more?)!

We ended up scoring tickets to the Mets v. Atlanta Braves game--so fun!  And Regis Philbin threw the first pitch! REGIS!!

There's nothing like a good game of baseball--and it was nice to enjoy the game with close seats and a good view...along with salty peanuts and a hot dog! Can't wait to go to another game next season! PLAY BALL!

Tip:  Allow yourself enough time to get to the field so that you can find a good parking spot.

Rochester Public Market

280 Union Street North, Rochester NY 14609
Open Tuesdays & Thursdays 6am to 1pm; Saturdays 5am to 3pm

Back in the Spring when I was still in upstate New York, I was introduced to one of the most eclectic and largest outdoor markets I've been to so far.  Right in the heart of downtown Rochester, NY is the Rochester Public Market.  From bright and beautiful flowers, freshly picked produce, and baked goods, to stands filled with an array of spices, chickens, goats and rabbits, and the indoor fish market (Tip: hold your breath when you walk by this section!) --this place is just huge.  It's nearly impossible to go home empty-handed.

Among my favorites include the many different choices of homemade pasta by the 1/2 lb from Flour City Pasta, bunches of locally grown rhubarb available in the summertime, and freshly sprouted herbs for sale.  Even more, you can catch local musicians spread throughout the market on any given day.  And horse-mounted police can be found around the market too!    

On one of the weekends at the market, I just happened to witness a local shopper haggling for a goat with the vendor at the animal stand, and I couldn't help but think that this is the first time I've EVER seen something like this.  In the middle of the city?! Only at the market!  

Make sure to stop into the local establishments that line the one side of the market while you are in the area, including Union Bakery and VM Giordano Imports European Cheese Shop.  Boulder Coffee is conveniently situated at the entrance to the market as well, so you can stop and grab a cup of your favorite hot or cold beverage before you peruse the shops.   

Lavender Picking at Lockwood Lavender Farm

1682 West Lake Road, Skaneateles, NY13152
Open Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm, May thru early Summer

Having grown up in Upstate New York, I've been apple picking, blueberry picking, strawberry picking--you name it.  Now added to my list--lavender picking at Lockwood Lavender Farm!  What a fun experience--and wonderful-smelling one at that!  The scent of fragrant lavender of all kinds fills the air--white lavender, English lavender, Long-stemmed lavender...

If you decide to pick a bouquet of lavender, you are given a small cardboard card with a circle cut in the middle about an inch in diameter, along with a pair of scissors and a rubber band.  You can cut any of the lavender available for picking, and can cut as much as you can fit into the circle.  One bunch of lavender is $5, which will give you A LOT of lavender.  While you're at it, take a moment to look across the fields, the purple covered ground is just a breathtaking site.

Check out Lockwood Farm's website for ways to use your lavender, such as incorporating edible lavender in with your cooking, drying your lavender, and using it for crafting purposes.  Happy picking!

Tip:  Those that are allergic to bees may want to steer clear of the actual fields and have someone cut the lavender for you--the fields are buzzing with these little stingers.