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.  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.

In Downtown Jacksonville, the Hemming Plaza Market is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. located in the heart of the urban core.  Spend the afternoon browsing fresh flowers, produce and hand-crafted goods at the market and then stop into the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville to see the latest art exhibits from the 20^th century.  Café Nola inside MOCA is the perfect spot to mingle with the Downtown lunch crowd.  The Booktique at Jacksonville Main Library and Chamblin's Uptown Bookstore offer the perfect spot to pick-up a great beach read or a favorite novel to bring home. 

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. 

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.