A Bit of Everything at Republic Square

I have always loved walking around downtown Austin. Not only is it way less stressful and tiring than trying to drive, but I always manage to stumble upon unique markets and stores along the way. Early Saturday morning, on the first official day of fall break, I decided to take on an adventure and take advantage of the rare 45 degree temperatures. Coming down West 4th Street, I found a park area in the middle of downtown Austin called Republic Square, and within it were dozens of vendors set up for the Sustainable Food Center’s Farmers’ Market.

I was drawn in by music playing and cute dogs running ahead of their owners. The first vendor I visited had dozens of antique trinkets and Christmas-themed items. Little trees decorated with beads and wooden reindeer were the initial gems that caught my eye. On the other side of the booth were old watches that had the clock piece removed, and in its place was a necklace charm. Then, on the other side of the table was the clock from the watches that had been removed, hanging from a necklace. I spoke to the kind lady running the booth, and she said all the pieces were recycled from her old jewelry collections. Each watch had a different color pendant inside, silver, gold, pink, and blue, all with individually different details.

I ventured deeper into the market, with the idea of returning to buy one of the watches at the front of my mind. I was immediately allured into a tent full of fresh, hand-picked flowers and produce. There were mini bouquets that had been made and plenty of singular flowers to make my own. Small buckets of carrots, radishes, lettuce, and tubs of local honey aligned the tables in the back. A breath of fresh and fragrant herbs filled the air as the breeze blew me onto the next tent adventure.

Bottles of what appeared to be soda, which, to what I learned, was ginger beer, caught my eye. The local brand, called “Soco,” popped out in bright yellow and pink colors. Before buying a cup, which I was already very tempted to, I tried a sample on tap from the lady running the booth. It was a blend of fresh ginger, lemon, pure cane sugar, and sparkling water, which made for a solid yet soothing flavor experience. Like any soda-obsessed person who found something adjacent but probably better for you, I bought a cup of the seasonal cranberry flavor.

Feeling triumphant, having purchased something at the market, I sat down at a table towards the center of the park. Slightly random but nonetheless enjoyable pop songs played from speakers as I sipped on my ginger beer and people-watched. I saw people purchasing flower bouquets, pastries, vegetables, and homemade dog treats. A group of friends had gathered by me and were celebrating a birthday, with bagels in hand from the bagel shop just on the other side of the park. 

The best part of all this was the liveliness and individuality within the square. Having a nature-filled area with vendors selling all sorts of fresh produce and handmade goods in the center of buildings and cars passing by would be chaotic, but it does work. The market was a peaceful common ground between the city chaos and a relaxing Saturday morning outdoors. It was a meeting space for friends, a place of celebration, new discoveries and a beautiful balance to one of Austin’s busiest areas.