Contrary to popular belief, attending a football game isn’t the only thing you can do on a Saturday in Gainesville.
Alachua County has over 10 farmers markets that take place throughout the week, each with a unique selection of local produce, hand-made crafts and prepared food. With so many incredible options it can be difficult to choose where to go—especially when you only have so many available Saturdays—so here are three spots I recommend checking out.
- Haile Farmers Market
When: 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays
Where: 5213 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville, FL
Haile Farmers Market was the first market I went to in Gainesville, and it has remained my personal favorite.
Located within the tree-lined, brick streets of Haile Village Center, this market is known for its inviting atmosphere and southern charm. The Haile Farmers Market is independently owned and operated by local farmers, so you can be sure that the products you are buying are locally sourced.
With over 50 registered vendors, the market offers a variety of products ranging from dairy, meats and produce to hand-made crafts and baked goods. The market even has live music, with a list of scheduled musicians that can be found on their website.
I also recommend checking out one of Haile Farmers Market’s seasonal events. In November, the market hosted their annual Harvest Festival where the community gathered to celebrate local farmers’ harvests. It is a great opportunity to buy fresh local food for your holiday celebrations throughout the year.
One of the best parts about the Haile Farmers Market is that your day doesn’t have to end when the market does. After you’re done exploring the local vendors, stop by one of the Village Center’s incredible restaurants or coffee shops. I recommend Samba Brazilian Kitchen and Patticakes in the Village.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by the endless options at the market, here are some of my favorite vendors I recommend visiting:
- The Gourmet Muffin: You seriously cannot go wrong with anything you get here, but I suggest trying their s’mores muffin or almond croissant.
- Archer Market Garden: Paul Hauser is usually the vendor working at this booth where he sells fresh microgreens from his farm. He is super informative about the health benefits of his greens and is always giving out free samples.
- Sweetwater Organic Coffee: You really cannot beat the price of Sweetwater Coffee. My cold brew cost only $4, and I was able to add any alternative milk options and sweeteners I wanted for no additional fee.
- Emi’s Candle Co.: So many incredible scents crafted into both candles and car air fresheners. I recommend checking out her seasonal scents, especially if you are looking for a good holiday gift.
- Alachua County Farmers Market
When: 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays
Where: 5920 NW 13th St. Gainesville, FL
Alachua County Farmers Market is another one of my favorites. Tucked away off US 441, this market offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods and local food trucks. While the Alachua County Market is somewhat smaller than the others, the quality of products is unmatched.
The Alachua County Farmers Market is a growers’ only market, meaning everything that is sold is grown within 50 miles of the market by local farmers. Vendors can tell you exactly how your product is grown and are available to answer any questions you may have.
What I like most about this market is the cozy feel and community-oriented atmosphere. If you are looking for a calm start to your Saturday morning, I highly recommend strolling the Alachua County Farmers Market. Similar to Haile Farmers Market, they also host holiday events.
Some of my favorite vendors at this market are:
- Friend’s Products: So many delicious Middle Eastern spreads, and the vendor will usually let you try them all on one of their homemade pita chips.
- Gem City Coffee: Really sweet and friendly vendors with so many incredible flavored coffee blends. I recommend the salty honey caramel.
- Proud Pickles: To all my fellow pickle-lovers out there, trust me. You really can’t go wrong with the Classic Dill.
- Lavendar Honey Bakery: Elyza Garrett is always delivering the most beautiful, fresh sourdough loaves she bakes daily in her home bakery. I recommend trying her new holiday flavor, cranberry walnut.
- Grove Street Farmers Market
When: 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Mondays
Where: 1001 NW 4th Street, Gainesville, FL
I understand that weekends can be busy between work and travel, and you may not have time to dedicate your Saturday to perusing the Gainesville farmers markets. So, I’d like to offer an alternative option that takes place every Monday night.
The Grove Street Farmers Market isn’t your traditional farmers market. While the Haile and Alachua County Markets offer a serene and mellow start to your weekend, the Grove Street Market provides an exuberant beginning to your week.
Located beside the Cypress and Grove Brewery, the market offers a variety of farm fresh products and delicious prepared food. It is also a great place to shop for unique gifts with a diverse selection of handmade crafts created by local artists.
The Grove Street Farmers Market has become an incredible venue for the community to gather. Between shopping, eating and live music, attending this lively market is a great way to kick off your week.
Once again, if you need some recommendations, here are a few of my favorite vendors:
- Annie’s Gluten Free Bakery: So many amazing gluten-free dessert options and the friendliest vendors. If you are a chocolate lover like me, I suggest trying the flourless chocolate cake.
- Caprio: This Gainesville based company has the most beautiful handmade bags and ceramic gifts. You can even get 10% off your first purchase if you follow their social media accounts.
- Siembra Farm: If you are looking for fresh produce, I recommend going to the Siembra Farm stand. Depending on the season, you may even be able to find vibrant flower bouquets.
- Lore Bakehouse: Another amazing spot to find fresh sourdough. Lore Bakehouse is always offering new creations baked with organic ingredients.