For a small city, Sarasota is very well served by a diverse array of farmers markets. Each one has its special features and appeal. It's definitely worth checking them all out. Here's your 2014-15 guide to Sarasota Farmers Markets:
Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market - SATURDAYS
Open from 7AM to 1PM every Saturday, year-round, this is the oldest market in Sarasota. It's also by far the largest, including over 100 vendors selling produce, flowers, prepared foods, meats, fish, baked goods, teas, coffees, organic skin care products, as well as artisan crafts. Live music at several locations in the market. It runs along Lemon Avenue from 1st Street at Whole Foods to the purple fountain one block south of State Street, and on two blocks of State Street. Leashed dogs welcome.
Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market - WEDNESDAYS (new)
Open from 9AM TO 2PM every Wednesday, located at Five Points Park (intersection of Main & Pineapple, in downtown Sarasota). No information yet on when it will open or what vendors will be present. More later . . .
Siesta Key Farmers Market - SUNDAYS
Open from 9AM to 2PM every Sunday, year-round (9AM -1PM in summer), this is a small-scale yet surprisingly complete market. Available products have developed in response to its mostly-tourist customer base, with about 20 vendors setting up during winter season. There's a large selection of produce, breakfast foods cooked to order, Jamaican patties and desserts and hot lunch, organic teas, organic skin care, soaps, fine art, photography, clothing, jewelry, and artisan crafts. Live music every week by popular local musicians. Easy parking because it's on Sunday mornings. Located in the Davidson's Pharmacy parking lot at 5124 Ocean Blvd in Siesta Key Village. Leashed dogs welcome.
Phillippi Farmhouse Market - WEDNESDAYS
This is Sarasota's mid-week farmers market. It has a balanced array of produce, prepared food, plants, and crafts. Approximately 50 vendors set up on the expansive front lawn of the Phillippi Estate on Tamiami Trail (Rte 41), at the corner of Constitution Blvd. Every Wednesday from October through April, from 9AM to 2PM. Live music every week. Leashed dogs welcome. In fact, the Sarasota Humane Society brings their adoptable dogs and pets van to the market every other week during winter season.
Central Sarasota Farmers Market - SATURDAYS
This is Sarasota's newest market. Open from 8AM to 1PM on Saturdays, it's only been up for three weeks. So far there are about 10 vendors, including produce, knishes, baked goods, flowers, and several food trucks with interesting offerings. Live music every week. Very easy parking, because it's located just off Proctor Road near the corner of Beneva, in the parking lot of Sarasota Community Technical College (SCTI). There's room for 70 vendors, so this market is just beginning. If you patronize it now, your attendance will help it to grow. Leashed dogs welcome.
