An unsung, hidden treasure on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The Bradenton downtown and coastal areas teem with things to do and places to go including beaches, shops, museums and galleries. But let’s not forget about the farmers’ markets—a gathering where members of the community can come together and support small, local businesses and farms while securing an assortment of organic provisions and original, handmade goods. Here are the ones to stop by this season.
Downtown Bradenton Public Market
Open from October to May, this shopping and music event is held on Old Main Street in Downtown Bradenton every Saturday morning from 9am-12pm. Visitors can expect an exciting environment filled with fresh produce, hot coffees, desserts, handmade chocolates, jewelry, candles, soaps and fresh-cut flowers. And on the neighboring Fourth Avenue West, guests can enjoy art, crafts and live music as Mainly Art hosts its weekly gathering of local artisans and artists showing and selling their works. Parking is free and—because leashed dogs are allowed—bring along your adorable fur-baby and make it a Saturday morning outing for the whole family.
101 Old Main St., Bradenton, 941-932-9439, bradentonpublicmarket.com, @bradentonpublicmarket.
Gamble Creek Farms Farm Market
Operating five days a week (Wednesdays - Fridays, from 11am-6pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 9am-1pm), this market is an earth-lover’s slice of heaven. Gamble Creek Farm is all about sustainability and living a clean lifestyle. Because of this, the Market only offers the freshest, locally grown and 100% organic produce. Shoppers can choose from an extensive range of products including baked goods, plants and even meat and seafood. Gamble Creek Farms Farm Market, being an indoor market, also provides visitors with the luxury of air conditioning as they shop—a welcome feature to combat the inevitable Florida heat.
14950 Golf Course Rd., Parrish, 941-548-4805, gamblecreekfarms.com, @gamblecreekfarms.
Beach Market at Coquina Beach
If sand between your toes and sea breeze tickling your nose wasn’t enough reason for you to visit the beach, this market sure is. Beach Market at Coquina Beach is a weekly outdoor market taking place from December to March on Wednesdays and Sundays, April to July on Wednesdays and Fridays and after a brief closing, reopens for its next season every Sunday in November. Every market is open from 10am to 4pm, no matter the day of the week. Overlooking the beautiful island beach, this market hosts vendors selling handbags, jewelry, pottery as well as health and beauty products. And while dogs are not allowed in the park, the market is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
2650 Gulf Dr., S. Bradenton Beach, 941-518-4431, @beachmarketatcoquinabeach.
Anna Maria Farmers Market at City Pier Park
Every Tuesday, beginning in October and continuing through May, the City of Anna Maria hosts a small farmer’s market at waterfront City Pier Park at the corner of Pine Avenue and South Bay Blvd. Baskets and bins of fresh Southwest Florida produce is always available, along with local baked goods, jams, honey, gourmet foods and more. Market hours run from 8:30am to 2pm.
103 N Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, 941-708-6130 ext 121, cityofannamaria.com.
