January 31, 2024You can’t throw an avocado without hitting a wonderful farmer’s market around these parts. Spend a peaceful morning strolling past the many stalls, chatting with friendly farmers, local makers, and smiling bakers. The food scene here is off the hook, with the best local produce, seafood, and unique food items.
WHY
A very satisfying way to uncover locally sourced goodness, 30A-style.
Take a break from the 4-star restaurants.
Discovering new treasures for dinnertime is a blast! And so is preparing fast, easy meals in your Oversee getaway, saving money along the way. Bringing a freshly made pasta salad to the beach is a great idea.
Looking for locally made arts and crafts?
Or you just want to get outside and listen to live music? There’s something for everyone at a 30A farmer’s market, and you’re bound to walk away with a few treasures.
HOW
Ok, you already know how to navigate a farmer’s market. But here’s a few reminders.
Bring cash.
Yes, most vendors accept credit cards and use smartphone apps, but don’t be surprised if you’re met with bigger smiles and bigger deals when some fresh green moola trades hands.
Reusable bag(s).
Bring anything. Especially those annoying white, poly-something, grocery bags, let’s reuse those too.
Wear a huge sunhat or visor.
Yes, there’s usually plenty of shade, but there are those pesky moments when you’ll be under the powers of the sun. Plus, dressing the part is so much fun.
Have a keen eye for untried items.
See something different? Follow your curiosity, take a chance, buy it!
Try not to bargain.
This is how many vendors put food on their tables. Although you may have to pay more for locally grown produce than you would in the grocery store, fresher, better quality is well worth it.
Plan vacation meals ahead of time.
Since you know what you’re likely to find at the farmers market, you can do a bit of meal planning and shop accordingly, much as you would at the grocery store.
BORING HAM SANDWICHES?
Ditch the PB&J, your vacation deserves better. The most enjoyable meals on a 30A trip may be the ones you make in your Oversee home.
WHAT
Not a comprehensive list, but just some of the many fresh items you may (or may not) find.
FRESH: >homemade baked goods, artisan bread, and cheeses >ciabatta >focaccia >rosemary round >cheddar jalapeno >beef from happy cows >freshly caught seafood >organic, free-range eggs >milk >creamy butter >doggie treats >honey >pastries >jams >jellies >preserves >pies >cakes >desserts >veggies >herbs >pickles >pickled veggies >fresh cut flowers >fruit >KETO friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free items >beautiful arts & crafts
ALSO FRESH: >grass fed beef >bison >chicken >pork >handmade sausage >cold pressed organic juices >homemade hummus >veggie dips >hot sauces >salsa >guacamole >homemade tortilla chips >goat milk >CBD oil >beeswax candles >tupelo honey >lip balm >BBQ sauces >pesto sauce >bath & body products >hydroponic lettuce >Aquaponic veggies
FRESH TOO: >Kombucha >Maryland crab cakes >fresh tuna >red snapper >grouper >shrimp >crab >marinara sauce >tuna & shrimp dips >goat milk soap >Wagyu Beef >bone broth >ice cold Gelato >southern grits >Greek pastries & Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) >beautiful arts & crafts
WHEN & WHERE
For year-round awesomeness, some are open on Sundays, others on Saturdays, there’s even a Thursday option.
Rosemary Beach Farmers Market
Every Sunday
Rain or Shine
North Barrett Square
9am-1pm
Seaside Farmers Market
Every Saturday
Rain or Shine
Seaside Amphitheater
9am-1pm
Watersound Town Centre Farmers Market
Every Sunday/Thursday during summer
Rain or Shine
Town Center Pavilion
9am-1pm
Grand Boulevard Farmers Market
Every Saturday
Rain or Shine
Sandestin Grand Park
9am-1pm
Niceville Florida Community Farmers Market
Every Saturday
Rain or Shine
Palm Plaza
9am-1pm
DELICIOUS!
