New Life for Old Train Depot

For years, the old train depot on at the corner of Depot and Clayton Streets sat empty. But Linda Nash and her son Jeff envisioned big things for the vacant building.

For four years Nash said she'd met with the Downtown Development Authority for ideas about what to do to preserve the historic site.

"This summer I just had an idea," said Nash. That idea was to open the Market at the Depot. "It was a new concept for me. I had to make sure I understood in my mind how to make it happen."

Nash explains that the format is similar to , but it is year-round and indoors. In addition to the produce, jams and homemade baked goods one would typically find at a farmers' market, there are also vendors who sell handmade jewelry, antiques and arts and crafts like Alan Helms' sculptures made out of horseshoes.

What also sets the Market at the Depot apart is that the variety of vendors changes weekly as they only have to commit to one week at a time. "Someone who is here this weekend may not be back until next month or they may not be back until next season," explained Nash. 

Nash said this new set-up could be beneficial to those starting their own small businesses. "I'm hoping it will provide the very small, entrepreneur a chance to see if their product is viable without signing a long-term lease or making a huge capital investment," said Nash.

Market at the Depot will be open every Saturday from 9am until 4pm. Vendors may vary each week and every Saturday features a different theme.