Having lived within two miles of the Marietta Square for the better part of two decades, my memories of this historic place are innumerable to say the least. One of my favorite childhood memories to recall is how my mother and I would spend Saturdays on the Square.
With morning chores and dance lessons over, Mom and I would set out for the afternoon together. We window-shopped among all the antique stores that lined Church Street and North Park Square. As a little girl, I developed the habit of remembering all the things my mom pointed out. When special events came around, my dad would take me to the same antique shops to help him select gifts for my mom.
Shopping on the Square with Mom always included lunch. Along West Park Square sat the Dunaway Drug Store. Inside, there was a small grille and we?d stop in for a club sandwich and milkshake. Each time my mom would remind me that up north it?s called a ?grinder and a cabinet.? I thought it so strange that they would rename their food after furniture.
This morning, I decided to walk up to the Square for breakfast and a little shopping at the Marietta Farmer?s Market. The weather was ideal for such an outing. I picked up a paper on my way to the Three Bears Caf?. I sat outside, read, enjoyed a healthy breakfast, and basked in the quiet beauty of my surroundings. Afterwards, I walked around the corner and a little down the street to the market.
A small crowd of people hovered around the fresh selections of produce set out by local farmers and vendors. I overheard more than once that most of the produce came in from Florida and it wasn?t quite produce season yet for Georgia. Late June and July is when the market will be filled with Georgia fruits and vegetables.
Other vendors offered homegrown spices and plants, homemade honey and bread, and handmade soaps and creams. After buying a few tomatoes, cucumbers, and peaches and some soap and lotions, I headed back home thinking that next time, I?ll be sure to bring my mom along with me.
I can?t remember the last time I enjoyed a quiet morning on the Square. I felt as though I rediscovered a simple pleasure from my past that I will be sure to experience again.
Let us know what simple pleasures you treasure about the Square. We?d love to hear about it!
