Driving up to the Garfield farm of Johnson’s Backyard Garden, I was grateful for two things: my jeep and my boots. After five days straight of rain, the parking lot was a boggy mud pit, and trudging through the oozing earth, it was clear I had left the urban maze of Austin behind me for a slower and simpler world.

Springing out from under the vendor’s tents, a variety of colors mark the walkways in between the booths. Families, couples and friends alike enjoy the relaxed vibes and live music of the Downtown Sustainable Food Center Market. Located at Guadalupe Street and 4th St. every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., this is an event that started seven years ago and welcomes those who support the efforts of hardworking growers and the local community.

...