Imagine this: you've just moved and settled in the Sarasota area . While the grocery store chain near you satisfies your basic food needs, you have this aching feeling. For a while, you can't quite pin down what' causing it.
Suddenly, you realize the aching feeling is a deep desire to wander through a farmers market, reusable bags at your side full of handmade baubles, specially cured salami, and fresh locally-grown produce.
You want to be a part of the community you've just joined. Of the many farmers markets in the Southwest Florida area, there are three that stand apart from the rest.
The 3 Best Farmers Markets in the Sarasota Area
Each of these offers a great morning/afternoon spent sampling local flavors for any native or out-of-towner who walks through. Read on and start planning your route.
Bradenton Farmers Market
Just north of Sarasota is the town of Bradenton. Located on Old Main Street in downtown, the Bradenton Farmers Market is home to more than 60 local food, art, and craft vendors.
A distinctive feature of the Bradenton Farmers Market (besides the beautiful tree-lined street the market is hosted on) is Mainly Art. Mainly Art is a component of the market that hosts local artists and craftspeople. Here, they have their own space to display and peddle their wares to interested patrons of the arts. Bradenton Farmers Market is a seasonal public market open every Saturday starting in October and running until May.
Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market
Lakewood Ranch is a short, 20-minute drive east from the center of Sarasota. Every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm at Waterside Place, the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market is in full swing. Bursting with 90+ vendors and live music, the market offers anything a person could possibly be looking to eat! This includes fresh-baked bread, cupcakes, Greek triangles, artisan hot sauces, and more!
Similar to Bradenton's Mainly Art, the Lakewood Ranch community also cares deeply about the arts. At the market, there is an interactive kids' art corner which is provided in collaboration by Native Little One. Here, kids are invited and guided to channel their artistic abilities into weekly projects.
If you're stopping by after Sunday brunch, rest assured there are plenty of non-food-related goods to peruse such as flowers, handmade earthenware, and even and apothecary.
Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market
Created in 1979, the award-winning Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market showcases goods and services from 84 - and counting - local farmers, growers, artisans, and chefs. True to its name, this market is in the middle of downtown Sarasota at 1 N. Lemon Avenue. Open from 7 am to 1 pm, rain or shine, every Saturday year-round. There are plenty of parking places both free and metered. However, it's probably a good idea to get there early. That way, you can secure good parking and first picks of all the best produce.
Get Your Reusable Bags Ready
The Sarasota area is fortunate to have so many open-air markets, but these three are bound to keep you coming back for more. Gather your friends, make a plan, and visit these farmer's markets.
If you're interested in moving to Central or Southwest Florida , please reach out to us . We'd love to help you become a part of the Medallion Home community.
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