There is something special about fresh produce that makes it so much better –– the crunch of biting into a crisp apple, the sweet tang of a Florida orange, the juice of locally grown pineapples. There is no better place to go to find this high quality of flavor than local farmers markets. Greater Gainesville’s farmers markets are diverse and plentiful, with more than 10 markets throughout Alachua County. Not only do these markets provide the freshest possible foods from local farmers, but also, they serve as gathering places while supporting small businesses. They offer everything from live music to fresh flowers to hand-woven bags Greater Gainesville’s largest farmers markets are The Haile Farmers Market and the Alachua County Farmers’ Market.
The Haile Farmers Market is located in Haile Plantation, west of Tower Road. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday. Operating since 1998, this market has more than 50 local vendors. The offerings are 60% meats, dairy, and produce; 30% crafts and baked goods; and 10% information about nonprofits and events. A different band performs each week. Katrine Dunn, owner of Saporito Oil, Vinegar and Spice, is on the market’s board. She’s had a booth at the market for three years. Most of her customers interested in health.
“A farmers market is an experience,” she said. “Gainesville is a foodie and health-conscious town.”
The Alachua County Farmers’ Market, located the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and N.W. 34th Street, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Founded in 1972, this market only allows growers who have produced food within 100 miles of the market. Joelle Wood, owner of The Old Fashion Farmstead, an organic meat distributor, has a booth at the Alachua County Farmers Market. Customers usually shop at the market weekly, she said. “It is strictly a food market, so no crafts or anything of the sort,” she said. Whether visiting for fresh produce, new products, different recipes or a fun thing to do, farmers markets are bound to be a great experience.
DOWNTOWN ALACHUA FARMERS MARKET WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday WHERE: 15100 NW 142 Terrace, Alachua ABOUT: Only one seller per product • Opened in January 2020 • Producer-only market
HIGH SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET WHEN: 3 to 7 p.m. Friday WHERE: 23517 N.W. 185th Road, High Springs ABOUT: Sponsored by the City of High Springs
GROVE STREET FARMERS MARKET WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday WHERE: 1001 N.W. Fourth St., Gainesville ABOUT: Musicians and live music
NEWBERRY MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET WHEN: noon to 4 p.m. Saturday WHERE: 25370 W. Newberry Road, Newberry ABOUT: All local, grower direct