Miss Meadowsweet

It’s Easter weekend, which means a few things in Sarasota: 1) the tourists are all about to head back up north and 2) the weather is lovely (albeit, rainy at times). I’m making deviled eggs and bread from scratch and admiring the orchids that are in full bloom on the patio. It feels like the last lovely weekend before the impending heat and humidity of summer.

Yesterday marked the final Rosemary Indie Market of the season, and I’m so glad we took advantage of the cool, breezy weather while scouring the wares at this little piece of local magic. The brainchild of Ashley Rogers, owner of Canned Ham Vintage, the Rosemary Indie Market hosts small crafters, artists, vintage dealers, musicians, and all manners of funkiness. The next Market won’t return until November, so this was perfect timing.

 

Ashley Rogers is a Sarasota lady after my own heart. She grew up here and is keeping the soul of the Rosemary District alive, often against really big challenges (*cough* development and gentrification *cough*). She started Canned Ham Vintage out of a Shasta trailer, which is now charmingly nestled in the driveway of her store. Ashley’s mom helps in all areas of the operation and is often the friendly face at the register on Market weekends.

Canned Ham is one of my favorite places, and is truly an inspiring place. Several of my beloved vintage Pyrex pieces are from the shop. Some of my favorite photos have either dresses from Canned Ham, or were styled by them. While all her products and wares are vintage, Ashley has managed to create something so passionately local that you kind of forget that you’re in a vintage shop. It strikes so authentically Sarasota. It’s rare to go to Canned Ham and not run into someone you know. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for what Ashley has created because no one has made a space in this town quite like she has. In the words of Peter Kageyama, she is a true “co-creator”. Canned Ham Vintage is high on my list of reasons I love this town.

On to the photos!