I do love a market be it a farmers, fish, craft, food and wine, flea, country, flower, produce or fair trade and two markets in Newcastle hold particular appeal for me. Both are centrally located and in this blog, I will happily fly the flag for The Olive Tree Markets and Hunt & Gather.

Both markets represent that indelible community warmth and spirit which Novocastrian’s are, it would seem, renowned for. Throw in an incredible multicultural mix of food, diverse and wonderfully talented local artists, sunshine, perfect city locations and you have the makings for an ideal market day out.

The ‘Hunt & Gather’ Markets – to ‘Hunt and Gather’ at markets is a universal love for many and these markets certainly do not disappoint.  This market showcases the talents of wonderful local artist, purveyors of amazing food, local musicians and collectors with pre-loved treasures all neatly tied together under the ambient shade of the massive Pacific Park fig tree.  What could be more perfect.  These fabulous markets are held on the 3^rd Saturday of the month in Pacific Park, Newcastle East.

‘The Olive Tree Market’ – this amazing market showcases beautiful contemporary, bespoke and one of a kind items designed and handmade by some of the regions most talented artists. With over 140 stalls including gourmet and artesian food, workshops with artists and local musicians there really is something quite wonderful for everyone.  This community event is held on the first Saturday of the month and is centrally located at Newcastle’s Civic Park.  This is the uniqueness of the Hunter and its people right here.

I am also going to give a shout out to the Carrington Village Markets.  These delightful community based markets, although small, are a lovely way to spend a Saturday.   They are held annually and the money raised helps support the Carrington Public School.  I loved that the parents of students are the volunteers manning some of the stalls – in particular the beautiful cake stall and the always favored sausage sizzle.  There really is a lovely vibe to these markets and I hope that it continues to grow and prosper.  My greatest belief is that education and the ability to read and write are the keys to unlocking the world.  Supporting this market (or any school market for that matter), and you contribute to a beautiful expression of freedom and knowledge and from there, the world can be anyone’s oyster.

I will also say the funniest, cleverest and most magical childrens’ entertainer I have ever seen charmed both children and adults alike on Saturday 13 February at these markets.  Just Brilliant!

At any number of markets in the Hunter you have the perfect opportunity to support local and if you can’t find something wonderful and beautiful at any of the markets I have mentioned, then I think it might be time to stop looking ……xx

Footnote:  This, believe it or not, is my 100th blog post.  My first blog was posted on November 8th 2013 and it is now late February 2016.  There are an awful lot of photos and memories and stories in those years and to everyone who follows my blog, who reads it, who comments on it and who supports it I truly thank you so very much.  I believe that to have gratitude and to say thank you with heart felt appreciation and love turns what we have into enough.

I also believe that when we experience, discover or reflect on something in the world it is always more wonderful to share it with others and I have had the opportunity to do so on 100 occasions.  So happy birthday ‘oceangirl63 blog’, I shall celebrate your moment with cake…..and a cocktail xx