By Peter Roos
Check Out Our Fresh Markets If it’s a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Tuesday morning in the Tampa Bay area, there is an open-air market nearby that offers farm fresh produce. Some Sundays there are three within 5 miles. Most have breads and baked goods, specialty food items, either canned, frozen or refrigerated, and 30-80 small businesses with booths designed to offer you items you are less likely to find in stores.
Markets offer a great opportunity to get out for a little exercise, fresh air, and do some critical shopping, all with a single stop.
For the businesses, these markets are an opportunity to interact with buyers to see what people like about your products without the risk of an investment in a “permanent” location. Most markets, if not all, are family and pet friendly. There are also local artists offering their art for sale, often at popular prices. A brief list of these markets is included in every edition of Paradise News, as part of the Arts and Leisure column, which offers an updated directory of local offerings in 20 categories from art centers and classes to Yoga. In this issue the column starts on page 39 and the market list is on page 51.
Gulfport is a marvelous community with a waterfront on the north shore of Boca Ciega Bay, which has become home for many artists, as well as retirees, both year-round and seasonal. Severe storms normally flood the southern half of town, and much of that part of the city is still in recovery mode. The weekly fresh market brings back a sense of normal and is especially helpful for those who may be more than a little transportation challenged after the storms.
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market weekly on Tuesdays: 9am-3pm
Location: 3000 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport
More info: www.visitgulfportflorida.com/gulfport-fresh-market
The weekly event features a variety of fresh, locally sourced products, including fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, farm fresh eggs, fresh herbs, baked goods, specialty foods, plants and flowers, health and wellness products/services, handcrafted treasures, and live local music all within walking distance of numerous independently owned shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
Gulfport Night Markets Monthly on first Fridays & third Saturdays: 5-9pm
Location: 3000 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport
Gulfport Art Walk, re-launched in February, branded as the Gulfport Night Market. The event features local artists, makers, and small businesses offering handmade art, crafts, clothing, jewelry, pet products, and packaged artisan foods. www.tampabaymarkets.com/gulfport-night-market
49th Street Makers and Growers Market
Monthly on first Sunday: 10am-2pm
Location: 1301 49th St. S, Gulfport
Contact for more info: Crea 727-560-0608
Opened for their third season, this bijou open air market focuses on locally grown and prepared food, plants and herbal beverages. Plants include herbs, native exotic and ornamental, pollinator plants and fruit trees.