Farmers Markets

The "buy local" movement is in full-swing in Northeast Florida, with several farmers markets sprouting in neighborhoods throughout the region. The newer markets come from a rich, colorful history.

Jacksonville's Farmers Market on Beaver Street is the oldest, still operating outdoor farmers market in Florida. It has been in Jacksonville, Florida since 1938. Take a step back in time at this historic market or visit the various neighborhood markets for tasty souvenirs, like fresh herbs and delicious honey; or to pick up a unique piece of art, as many markets also feature local artists. The Jacksonville Farmers Market is mintues away from Downtown, take a ride on the free Beaver Street Trolley which stops at the market every fourty-five minutes, Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In Downtown Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Landing Market is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.rain or shine! Don’t miss dozens of vendors as they set up throughout The Landing selling locally-grown produce, baked goods, plants, pottery, arts and crafts and much more.

The newly opened Riverside Arts Market features local and organic produce, local artists and fresh baked goods for sale each Saturday tucked beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge in the historic Riverside neighborhood. Selected by Toyota as one of 12 markets in the country for its "Hybrid Farm to Table Tour," its top feature is the local artwork with paintings, jewelry, children and pet wear, sculptures, photography and more for visitors and locals to browse or buy. Linger into the afternoon at the market, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and discover live entertainment featured on the riverfront amphitheater stage, roaming performers, like magicians, jugglers and fire breathers and even a weekly kids' activity like watercolor painting or music lessons.

One of the newest markets to sprout up is the King Street Farmers Market. Every Wednesday, local food and farmers emerge on the busiest street in Riverside, located in the vacant lot next to Riverside Market Antiques & Interiors at 1021 King Street from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Save your appetite as there are always Food Trucks onsite  whipping up their finest dishes (check out the blog section for our food truck experiences).

The carefree lifestyle of the beaches neighborhoods has made the Beaches Green Market, held every Saturday from 2-5 p.m., very popular. Vendors at this market are focused on sustainable products and consumer education. Organic coffee, fresh-cut flowers, tasty desserts and in-season produce are sold each week. The market is held at Jarboe Park in Neptune Beach, which also offers picnic facilities and a playground. Continue the local food movement experience into the evening by dining at nearby Azuréa. The upscale, culinary experience within One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and Chef Ted Peters, a Locavor-philosophy-inspired chef who prepares food using only local and sustainable ingredients.

The Mandarin Farmers Market recently opened in June and features nurseries, farmers and bakeries from Jacksonville's backyard. The market is held in the parking lot of Whole Foods on San Jose Boulevard every Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Following the market experience, explore the Harriet Beecher Stowe Garden at Mandarin Museum & Historical Society. The three raised beds feature crops grown in the Mandarin neighborhood in the 19th century. Visitors will have to plan a return visit to gain entrance into the museum, as it's closed on Sunday. However, Walter Jones Historical Park with boardwalks out to St. Johns River is open and the gardens are viewable.