Southgate Crossing Farmer's Market

 Today I'd like to take a minute to share with you one of the local places that I have my 18 inch doll clothes setup at!  The place is called Southgate Crossing Farmer's Market, and it's an incredible Amish built building!

Southgate crossing was built in the early to mid 2000's to be a Farmer's Market and the first phase of a larger amusement venue.  While the other phased didn't end up taking place due to an economic downturn in the area in 2008, this beautiful building stands proudly within the quaint countryside.

Here in Northern Indiana we have some large Amish communities.  And it's these lovely Amish people that had a hand in building this beautiful building.  From what I have heard there was not one nail used in making this building.  Instead it was made using pegs!

Here is a photo I snapped from the front of the building on my way inside today.  Although this picture doesn't do it justice it gives you a little idea of it's size and beauty!  (It was really cold out today and I was in a hurry to get inside.  So this picture will have to do for today)  

Also, to put the size of Southgate Crossing into perspective I have been told that it is approximately the same height and same width as Noah's Ark was, but is about 10 feet shorter than Noah's Ark.  (There are times, when it's warmer out, that I've stood and looked at the building thinking about how that is approx. the size of the ark that Noah and his family would have been on with all the animals!) 

Let's go inside this incredible building!

As you walk through the main doors, you come into the center of the building.  One of the first things you'll notice when you look up is the beautiful wood beams and the 3 floors with wood "fences" around the second and third floor.  You may also see people standing on those floors taking in the breathtaking beauty of it all!

The first floor of the building has a variety of goods including; multiple eating places from local businesses, boutique clothing, a brewery, and a large selection of Vintage items!  The vintage area takes up close to half of the first floor, so if you love vintage items you'll want to check back regularly to see what items the vintage vendor have brought in to sell.

Once you've browsed the first floor it's time to head upstairs.  There are two large beautiful staircases you can walk up, or if you prefer there is an elevator that can be used.

On the second floor, half of the floor contains handcrafted treasures from talented sewers, painters, artists, etc.  It's on this floor that you will find my booth, TracysDesigns1 18 inch doll clothes!

Today my mom and I were there to change out some of my products and redecorate.  We had it decorated for Christmas and New Year, but now it was time to change things over to Valentine's doll outfits!   (Can you believe it's time to starting thinking about Valentine's day, already?)

After a few hours of work today, we have new decorations hung (lots of hearts), and new Valentine outfits available!  Lots of doll clothes with red, pinks, and whites, and everything from dresses to leggings to ice skating outfits.  Whatever you doll needs to enjoy this winter season!

One of the nice things about this farmer's market is that there is one central location on the first floor to pay for everything you want.  Instead of needing to have a lot of cash on hand like when you shop at local craft shows, here you can grab a basket, do your shopping and then pay for everything at once.  And of course they also accept credit cards, so you don't have to carry a lot of cash if you don't want to!

But you might be thinking, I like the craft shows because I get to meet the crafters who make the items.  The good news is, a few times a year Southgate crossing puts on craft shows, so if you come during those times you'll get to meet some of the crafters themselves!  The next craft show scheduled is February 10, 2024.

Is that all that's going on at this farmer's market?  I'm glad you asked!  The answer is No!   In addition to all the good food and wonderful products, they also have activities going on throughout the week!

On Tuesday nights they have line dancing lessons and then on Wednesday nights they have line dancing.  So, if you're new to line dancing you can take classes to learn on Tues. and then put when you've learned into practice on Wednesday nights!

Maybe dancing isn't your interest.  How about a Concert every Thursday night?  Yes, that's right, most Thursday nights (starting on February 8th) there is a concert by Quentin Flagg who performs Rock and Roll music from the 50's, and 60's along with some Country music and Gospel music!  Come and check out this fun concert that's only $6.00 per person!  It's from 6pm to 7:45pm. 

Would you like more information on Southgate Crossing?  Here's the link to Southgate Crossing's website!