Spring has sprung, and there is no better time to get out and explore our city. A great place to start your adventure is at one of our local farmers markets. Knowing where your food comes from is so important, so why not head out to a farmers market to meet some of our local artisans and growers and to handpick some of the freshest seasonal ingredients around. Here is a list of some of our favorite farmers markets in the area…consider it your Farmers Market Bucket List for this spring.
Tomatoes at the Jacksonville Farmers Market
Jacksonville Farmers Market (1810 W Beaver St, Jacksonville, FL 32209) – Operating since 1939, the Jacksonville Farmers Market is Florida’s oldest outdoor farmers market. This is a classic farmers market that gives growers a regular place to sell their produce. You can find fruits, veggies, fresh seafood, coffee, baked goods, and more. And since they are open from dusk to dawn every day of the year (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), you don’t have to wait until one specific day to enjoy these farmers market finds.
St. Augustine Beach Market (350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL, 32080 ) – Every Wednesday from 8am-12:30pm, vendors gather at the St. Johns County Pier, offering handcrafted goods and locally grown deliciousness. Visitors can find everything from produce to seafood, jewelry, arts, and crafts. The emphasis at this market is on offering items that are handmade, hand picked, and uniquely local.
Fresh Peaches
Atlantic Beach Mid-week Market (716 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 ) – This is a small market with a big heart. It is held every Wednesday from 3pm-6pm at Bull Memorial Park in Atlantic Beach. The vendors at this market are committed to bringing fresh produce and baked goods to Beaches residents and encouraging folks to eat local. And since it is right in the middle of the week, this market is perfect for stocking up on produce and pantry items to get you through to the weekend.
Jaxson’s Night Market (117 W Duval St, Jacksonville, FL 32202) – Jaxson’s Night Market is held every third Thursday from 5:30pm-9pm in Hemming Park. The market has a festive, vibrant feel and showcases local farmers, food trucks, vendors and crafters, and of course local beer. Rounding out the experience is live music, entertainment, and a hefty dose of local culture. This market is a great way to get out and explore downtown Jacksonville.
Riverside Arts Market (715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204 ) – I’d be willing to bet that most of Jacksonville has been to (or at least heard of) the Riverside Arts Market, also known as RAM. Since 2009, folks have been gathering under the Fuller Warren Bridge on Saturdays from 10am-4pm to take in the various artisans, vendors, entertainers, and farmers found at this eclectic and bustling market. RAM is a destination all its own and is definitely worth spending a couple hours wandering through the aisles to see what local treasures and tasty food you can find.
Farmers Row at RAM
Old City Market (1340C A1A S, St Augustine, FL 32080 ) – This is another great market in St. Augustine, held on Saturdays from 8:30am-12:30pm. The St. Augustine Amphitheater serves as a great spot for growers and vendors to showcase their very best. Offerings include baked goods, cheeses, handmade crafts, and of course fresh locally grown produce.
Beaches Green Market (A1A and Florida Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266) – The Beaches Green Market is held every Saturday afternoon from 2pm-5pm at Jarboe Park in Neptune Beach. You can find everything from local organic produce to eggs, coffee, cheese, bread, and more. You can also find healthy and delicious prepared foods to take home with you. Artisans, farmers, and vendors at this market are committed to educating the community about healthfulness and sustainability. So not only will you find fresh seasonal offerings here, but you’ll also get a great sense of family and friendliness.
Beaches Green Market
Fernandina Beach Market Place (Centre St and N 7th St, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034) – This robust farmers market is open every Saturday from 9am-1pm and hosts a long list of unique vendors and growers. At this market you can find fresh handmade pasta, breads, honey, seafood, olives, and more. And of course, visitors will find a ton of fresh local fruits and veggies. In addition to all these delicious fresh eats, you can also find a variety of handmade arts, jewelry, and crafts at the new Arts Market, which is held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The Arts Market is located right across from the Farmers Market.
Carrots
Nocatee Farmers Market (1801 County Rd 210, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081) – If you’re not familiar, Nocatee is a massive community near Ponte Vedra Beach. The Nocatee Farmers Market is a signature event in the community, featuring a unique theme each month, with entertainment and vendors to match. The market has grown tremendously in popularity over the past couple of years and now boasts a large variety of farmers, crafters, and artists. Nocatee Farmers Markets are held on the third Saturday of each month from 10am-2pm on the Farmers Market Field at Nocatee Town Center and are open to the public.
Orange Park Farmers and Arts Market (2042 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073) – You’ll have to head over to Orange Park for this market, held on the first Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm. This market was started in 2012 and has grown a lot since then, now boasting a variety of vendors with their homegrown and homemade offerings. Visitors can find local produce, milk and eggs, local honey, jewelry, art, and more.
Riverside Arts Market
Abundant Harvests – Fresh Produce
For this review we welcome a member of the JRR family: Rhonda Kovar grew up in the heart of North Carolina before moving to Florida after getting hitched in 2002. She is a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University and a lover of all things crafty, musical, or edible. Rhonda loves finding new and delicious ways to turn her two tiny picky eaters into future foodies. You should follow her on Instagram.