Bazaars and markets have long been where travellers would really become acquainted with tastes and sounds of different destinations. Wandering through stalls of local vendors, eating the colors with your eyes and often sampling those succulent flavors by stopping to chat with local vendors affords a way to get to know a region in the most timeless of ways. One of the hottest trends is buying and eating locally, and this Gulf area has been doing this with great success for some years. Not only do you get the opportunity for the freshest foods around but often there will be crafts and hand made items you may not be able to find in other settings. There are many options out there and many are different days so feel free to sample them all and share (or not!) just where you found that incredible autumn fruit or breezy cotton blouse.
Happening Sundays from October to May, this fun event supports local vendors who sell a variety of locally produced and homemade produce, plants, take home foods, ready to eat lunch bites and fair trade products and more. This is a free event where you can spend a morning browsing stalls and enjoying live music and shopping while supporting the small local businesses. Open from 10 am to 3 pm, this is a great way to spend a lazy Sunday. Find the Corey Avenue Market at Corey Avenue off of Gulf Blvd in St Pete Beach. Contact: http://tampabaymarkets.com/contact-us.
As the name suggests, this grand dame of the market scene happens Saturdays in downtown St Pete, from 9 am to 2 pm. This market, in existence since 2002 has a mission to provide a top food and eating experience, provide farmer and community support and to provide an extraordinary social experience. It receives top honors in all of these year after year and is often a destination locals share with out of town guests. Vendors offer all manner of fruit and vegetable sellers, fresh goats milk, spices, many restaurant options as well home made items and crafts. There is very often music and dogs are welcome (check the website for policies for pooches). The market is located in the Al Lang Field parking lot (the corner of 1st Street and 1st Avenue South). Contact: Gail at (727) 455-4291.
Family and pet friendly, free and close to the beach! This market is open Wednesdays from 9 am to 2 pm and supports local business selling local, hydroponic and organic produce as well as fine arts and crafts and yummy gourmet food. Location: Madeira Way between Gulf Boulevard and the Tom Stuart Causeway. Contact: http://www.thebeachmarkets.com/.
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market
This is the only year round option for getting fresh fruits and veggies as well as fresh bread, cheese, seafood and Florida grass fed beef, free range chicken, pet treats, herbs, honey, crafts, art and much, much more. New vendors come join each week and live music is always featured. This market takes place every Tuesday from 9 am to 3 pm. Find this market in Gulfport's Waterfront District on Beach Blvd between 28th Avenue South and Shore Blvd South. Contact: Susan (727) 453-9093 or Chris (727) 902-2326