Edible adventures kick off in the fall, when local farmers markets and festivals pop up all over Tampa Bay. Hillsborough features the North Tampa Market, Fresh Market at Wiregrass, Ybor City, Hyde Park Village and Seminole Heights markets. South of us, Sarasota and Downtown Bradenton boast robust farmers markets. In addition to traditional farmers' markets, you can enjoy outdoor markets at these great Pinellas County events from Clearwater to St. Pete.
FARMERS MARKETS
Corey Avenue Sunday Market on St. Pete Beach
Sundays from October to the 1st week of June, mingle 10 am- 2 pm with a stop in Chills for the brunch buffet and mimosa after shopping the local fresh, hydroponic and organic veggies, gourmet treats, kitschy crafts, funky jewelry and more. Live music and very family friendly. Sometimes the event morphs into Oktoberfest, Seafood Fest (1st week Feb.) and the Craft Show Dec. 7-8 showcases local and regional artists. Hop into Swigwam's for a cold brew and football, Corey Avenue's very own Cheers.
Located in Pioneer Park, make it a day to explore the market and this quaint community, one of America's Best Small Towns. The Friday and Saturday Market runs Nov. thru May and features crafts, food and live music. Get a glimpse of Pioneer Park in October with a picnic and free films starting at dark featuring Oct. 4: Aladdin, Oct. 11: Men in Black International, Oct. 18: Mary Poppins Returns, Oct. 25: The Mask.
This all-year round market runs 9am - 3pm Jan. - April and until 2 pm the rest of the year in this hippie fest community known for its artsy vibe. Explore 80+ booths and local shops on Beach Boulevard in Gulfport’s Historic Waterfront Arts District for handcrafted breads, sweets, lotions, potions and oils, jams and jellies, pet treats, fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, plants and herbs. Live music and artisans, some demonstrating their craft, make this a merry affair. Stop in at O'Maddy's, Neptune Grill or Sea Dogs for a refreshing libation. A clothing swap is held the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Safety Harbor's Market on Main
This Sunday event is a good excuse to explore this scenic community's excellent restaurants, from French to New England fare. The Market on Main will not disappoint.
St. Petersburg's Saturday Morning Market
Runs October through May in the Rowdies parking lot (except during Grand Prix), this downtown delight serves up ethnic eats, desserts, breads, crafts, plants, veggies (organic and just plain farm delicious), live music and is the best way to kick off the weekend. It moves to Williams Park Summer June 6 to August 29.
Need a t-shirt or a tool? They've got it all, plus live music, yummy eats and garage sale goodies Saturday and Sunday. But walk a little further and you will discover farmers from all over featuring Mexican, Asian and other home-grown fruits, veggies and spices. Bok choy, here we come.
SHOP & BOP EVENTS
Heritage Village Country Jubilee
This official fall folksy crafts fest is now in its 41st year at Heritage Village, brimming with handmade arts, crafts and seasonal decorations plus live music, tours of select historic buildings and demonstrations of traditional folk art on Saturday, October 26th. Family friendly!
Gulfport 1st Friday & 3rd Saturday Celebrations
Artists, live music, crafts booths and an illuminated wonderland greet visitors while lively locals cavort and hang out with their fur-babies in the pup-friendly community.
From Side Lot to Intermezzo, Ferg's to Williams Park, there's always an event with booths brimming with ETSY crafts, art, baked goods, veggies, vintage treasures and more. Check local listings and our Weekend What To Do for these rotating outdoor markets, especially the spring's Localtopia event. One of our favorites is the St. Pete Indie Market, which rotates on the 1st Sat. among Green Bench Brewing (Oct.-May noon - 4 p.m.) and other locations June - Sept.
Looking for more information on the best restaurants in St. Pete and Clearwater? Return to 727area for Local Insight on The Best Foodie Joints in Town! Or Join the Foodie Community on 727area and keep up with your fellow foodies!
Photo courtesy of St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
