Well now that the late summer heat has died down and fall temperatures have made life along the coast more bearable, it is possible to find fresh, locally grown produce again. The Elberta Farmers Market is open again on Saturdays from 8 am till noon. It is located on State St., on the south side of US. 98, just after you pass the red light going west. Local produce of all kinds can be found there from honey and pecans, to fresh vegetables and eggs, depending on who shows up to sell things.
Hillcrest Farms has their own crop of grapes coming in right now along with persimmons and home made jellies and preserves. They also have a Baldwin county corn maze for the family to enjoy now that the weather is so nice. They have signs out along hwy 98 so you cannot miss them as you head east from Lillian.
While traveling down hwy 98 toward Elberta, I am sure everyone will notice the beautiful fall colors of the large tree that is located just on the west side of the pond, just before you get to Elberta. That would be a true Golden Rain tree and it was in full bloom a few weeks ago. Now it is changing from the golden yellow of its flowers to the pink and red colors of its seed pods. I saw it as the morning light hit it the other day and it was a beautiful sight to see.
Fall here in Baldwin county means a constant array of eye catching colors from the blooming golden rod covered fields to the large patches of our native daisies and feverfews that are flowering along the roadsides. My own yard is filled with blooming orange torchinas or Mexican sunflowers that are drawing in the butterflies in profusion. Next the wild grape vines will be turning yellow and they will look like garlands hanging from every live oak and wild persimmon.
