Here’s your guide to finding the freshest, locally produced foods and goods (and an all-around good time) at weekly fresh markets in the Bay Area.
Gulfport Tuesday Morning Fresh Market– Every Tuesday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 2914 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. Open rain or shine, the Tuesday Morning Fresh Market is a weekly, year-round event in the Gulfport Waterfront District.
Downtown Clearwater Farmers Market– Every Wednesday (through May 8) 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 500 and 600 blocks of Cleveland Street, Clearwater. clearwaterfarmersmarket.com. Offering local produce, arts, crafts, gourmet foods, fresh baked goods, flowers and eco-friendly products. Free 2-hour parking in the Garden Avenue Garage (with validation).
Safety Harbor Farmers’ Market– Every Thursday (through May); 8 am-1:30 pm. John Wilson Park- 401 Main St., Safety Harbor. cityofsafetyharbor.com A great excuse to get over the the quaint downtown area of Safety Harbor, you can find local food, handmade jewelry, plants and flowers, crafts and more at this weekly market under the park's gazebo.
Dunedin Green Market– Fridays: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (through April 29); Saturdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (through July 30). Pioneer Park- Douglas Ave and Main St., Downtown Dunedin. dunedingov.com This popular market was in such high demand that they extended it to two days every week with different vendors on either day. You'll find an array of fresh local produce, plants, organic and eco-friendly items, and a ton of gourmet foods and drinks (so come hungry).
Tampa Downtown Market– Fridays (through May 27); 10 am-2 pm. Lykes Gaslight Square- Tampa St. and Kennedy Blvd., Downtown Tampa. tampadowntownmarket.com Providing the local community with goods from local farmers, producers, and artisans with a focus on sustainability and living greener lifestyles.
This article appears in Nov 11-17, 2010.