About Town by Joyce Coulson

​What a fun, action-packed Saturday!  The Farmer’s Market was bustling and the weather was perfect for wandering.  Friend of LGMSD (volunteer) Lauren had her booth, The Big Coffee Shop, up and running, so that was the first place I gravitated toward.  The coffee was bright and bold, and just hit the spot.  I had been meaning to visit one of our new partners, K. Voelz Wine, at the Tuesday Farmer’s Market, but just kept missing it.  However, the wine gods were watching out for me and there she was!  I am a bit of a low-level wine snob and, although I never expect it, I am always delighted when I can detect layers of essences in a glass of wine.  Well, the sample of Chardonnay delivered, so I immediately plunked down my money and, after surveying the rest of the offerings, I headed over to The Marketplace Fresh Foods to score some breakfast.
 
At The Market Place Fresh Foods, I grabbed a breakfast burrito (yum) and headed back to the office to drop off the wine, enjoy my coffee and burrito, and pick up my bag of knives and scissors to next visit Cook Memorial Library’s Community Room for the Repair Café to partake of their sharpening services. There were also folks repairing clothing and backpacks and small electrical appliances.  Leah and Dave, with an assist from Donna, made quick work of my collection and I headed back to the office to stash the knives and plot out my next moves.

​Touch-A-Truck was starting to assemble along Adams and I took this opportunity to pop into a few shops to augment my summer wardrobe with some very specific items (summer pants and belt).  Lucy’s Boutique had some lovely things and I was so tempted, but I had to restrain myself early, because I had a strict list of what I needed.  Real Deals, my next stop, has some delightful clothes and shoes as well, but again, my wardrobe plan did not allow for whimsical deviations.  Fitzgerald Flowers also sells some clothing items, as does BELLA Mercantile, mostly incredible socks.  Rosewood Cottage offers incredible purses, but I had just sprung for a purse to last a lifetime a month ago. 
 
By the time I did all of this store wandering, the various vehicles for Touch-A-Truck had assembled, as had a large group of young folks clambering about all of the big rigs, city maintenance vehicles, and various law enforcement, ambulance and fire-fighting equipment.  They were all having such a great time!  I found myself in front of Community Kindness and popped in.  There I located the casual black trousers and orange belt I was looking for to round out what I already owned.  I had earlier acquired a scone from Le Bebe Cakes, so I took my loot back to the office to stash and finished off the coffee and scone.
 
I had a few more merchants to check out for accessories and a few trucks to touch.  So, refreshed from my repast, I headed out again.  Bout Time Boutique, right across from the street from the office, was my first stop.  They have a section for local creators—The Teal Cactus, Katie Martin Custom Designs, and Rough Rustic. I took a look at my cash situation and noted that I had spent the bulk of it on food and wine (typical). Reyna took pity on me and gifted me with an adorable Katie Martin bag with a Shetland cow on it.  That just made my day!
 
While searching out a truck I wanted to interact with, I checked out a few more stores for next time.  Aguilera’s Amazing Aromas had a table out on Adams and I found a scent that was just divine.  I visited Community Merchants, Blue Mountain Outfitters, and Royal Clothiers.  Community Merchants offers a goodly selection of locally made products and Royal Clothiers has a lovely selection of gently used clothes for everyone.  At Blue Mountain Outfitters, you can find everything you need to be a well kitted-out outdoor adventurer.
 

​I decided that the vehicle I wanted to spend some time with was a La Grande Police Department SUV.  I’ve watched enough police procedurals to be curious as to how a modern police car actually functioned.  I waited patiently in line as small children tentatively made their way to the front seat.  When my turn arrived, I hopped in and surveyed the amazing array of computers, peppering the officer with questions—Where are the spike strips? How do you run a plate?   I got to flash the lights and run the siren.  What fun and about as close to a police car as I want to get!  I received my souvenir badge and pencil and headed back to the office to call it a day.
 
My takeaway from the day:  La Grande has an amazing array of places to shop, eat, and amuse oneself. There are incredible craftspeople offering up beautiful creations. There are many apparel offerings to fit every budget and taste. Food lovers can graze through restaurants, bakeries, and shops, as well as the Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This summer is full of events for everyone to enjoy.  Next up--Crazy Days on July 14th and 15th, with even more fun, including sidewalk sales, vendors, kids’ activities, and a car show!