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Definitely check out Ed W.’s 5-Star review. His review is great and pretty much sums it up: A local market that offers something for everyone from local vendors, organic farmers and innovative artists and businesses. It’s a great way to spend your Saturday morning and pick up unique items to eat, cook, enjoy and take home. We picked up some fresh, living, green wheatgrass to take home for only $2 per unit and it’s hard to find in Jax. Located in the quaint “downtown” of Haile Plantation with plenty of street parking for visitors, they have signs to get you there. It closes at 12pm so make sure you try to come as early as possible because the early bird gets the worm. They are open 8:30am to 12pm every Saturday. Some of the highlights for me: Visiting The Tempeh Shop’s booth since I have a freezer full of this stuff. They offer samples of their Ready Tempeh [prepared tempeh] and the guy working the booth gave me good advice on how to prepare it at home. It’s suppose to be really good for you as it is a fermented soybean product locally made and distributed. The variety of certified organic produce available at this market is a dream for those looking for local organic veggies and fruit that aren’t tainted with pesticides and other poisons. The presentation is beautiful, but you will need to get there early because they do run out of the more popular produce in season. I missed out on the organic beets. Bummer. Here are some of the vendors available here: Strega Nona’s Oven Wood Fired Pizzas, Price Creek Farm, The Tempeh Shop, Rosie’s Organic Farm, Fehrenbacher’s Artisan Sausages, Possum Hollow Farm, Archer Market Garden, & The Green Mango…just to name a few. Check ’em out.

West Palm Beach GreenMarket – Menu with Prices – 101 S Clematis St, West Palm Beach

I love the West Palm Beach Green Market! It really adds joy to my Saturday. I love hitting the pavement for a great run and then treating myself to some delicious bites at the Market. In addition to food and beverage, there are many vendors. beauty, gourmet, health and pet items are just a few of the items one can purchase. Produce is vast due to the fact many local farms feature their items. Many natural and organic items are available for sale. A few of my favorite vendors include: coffee, granola, honey, the place with the AMAZING guacamole (now carrying natural juices to include strawberry) and the Cheese Shoppe. I’ve been a dedicated patron to the Guacamole peeps, but stumbled on the cheese crew last weekend. #BESTcheddarEVER I really appreciate they’re not stingy with sampling their cheese. I like to try before I buy so it was nice to taste some of the featured items. I’m going back for the softened Brie…. hello lover! There are plenty of spots to score a hot breakfast and even an all you can drink mimosa special. If you’re into plants and flowers, there is a wide variety at affordable prices. This Green Market is dog friendly too and there are some real cuties who’re on repeat. New this year, the Market is both plastic and straw free. Recyclable bags are strongly encouraged and offered by many of the marketing booths. Samples are endless too so come hungry. Free parking is available at the Evernia & Olive garage. Finally, most of these vendors are Apple & Square friendly. Why not add the Green Market to your Saturday routine.

Gilbert Farmers Market – Menu with Prices – 222 N Ash St, Gilbert

Over-rated and a disappointment. Mostly high-priced vendors. Yes, the vendor food quality and uniqueness factor is there, and the vendors selling things other than food also had good quality unique items, but I couldn’t justify paying the prices on anything. $9-$10 for a package of home-made pasta. $5 for a croissant. $3 cookies. $10/pound for chili peppers. Only a handful of produce/fruit vendors. The name is misleading. Maybe there are more farm vendors there at a different season of the year? This is November 2. On a positive note – dog-friendly, plenty of parking and the city provides restrooms with hand wash stations and water fountains.

Durham Farmers’ Market – Menu with Prices – 501 Foster St, Durham

What a fun and unique farmer’s market! I’ve only been to the state farmer’s market so this was a nice change! Parking was a bit tricky but now that I’ve been, parking isn’t hard at all! They have plenty of parking just a few blocks up. I parked near the downtown YMCA and it was 3 minute walk! Loved the local produces and products! They have quite a big selection. Compared to the state farmer’s market, Durham’s vendors were way more personable and friendly. It felt more like a local farmer’s market! I ended up getting a succulent from a local farmer. It hasn’t died for about a month so I’d say I’m doing pretty well haha Not only do they have many local businesses, they also have a little street with food trucks and local vendors! Oh, did I mention the live music? What about doggies? How else could you spend your Saturday morning? Make sure to bring a bag!

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market – open October through May – Menu with Prices – 3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale

I am not a big Farmers Market person, and I’ve only been to a few other ones in the Phoenix area, but this is my favorite one. I like the VARIETY of vendors that they have. There’s several unique, local products here that you just don’t find at other Farmers Markets. Honestly, I’m not sure if the produce is any better/there’s more of it compared to other Farmers Markets, but what they have is always fresh and there’s a good variety. This is an especially great Farmers Market for already made items (breakfast, pastries, etc…). There was a begniet lady there last time I came (wish I can remember her name…I lost her card) who made such yummy pastry! One thing about this Farmers Market is that it’s very compact & stands are very well organized, which is something I like. The lot it’s set up on isn’t THAT big (compared to other Farmers Market lots I’ve been to), but there’s deceptively quite a few vendors. Also, because they are right in Old Town a lot of local restaurants in the area set up stands here to sample food (and hand out coupons).

Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market – Menu with Prices – 4th St & Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa

I’ve been to the market a couple times now. I think I will probably be a regular down here. Delicious food from local restaurants and caterers – check Beer and wine – check Craft vendors – check Farm stands – check Live music and other entertainers – check Nice setting with a lot of space to bring lawn chairs or sit at one of the tables – check Markets like this are part of the reason I am happy that I moved to Santa Rosa. The remodeled square is a great place for these weekly events. There is a lot of space, and quite a few tables where you can sit and enjoy your food. You can also just sit on the grass. The market is family friendly. There appears to be good security and police presence, but the police looked like they were having as much fun as everyone else. It can get a bit loud near the stage. Finding parking can be a challenge, but there are pay lots available that are just a block or two from the square. I have heard they have a free bike valet, and they do encourage walking or riding to the market. If you just want a snack at the market, you can always take advantage of the local bars and restaurants on 4th Street. If you have never been or have not been for a long time, check it out. See you there.

Ate’s Filipino Kitchen – Menu with Prices – 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville

The best way to get acquainted with a city is to go to their largest farmers’ market. Who am I kidding? They’re all basically the same, and chances are that you’re staring and snapping rather than buying if you’re a tourist since you don’t have a kitchen to go home to. In other words, you’re probably the bane of the farmers looking to supplement their income. Regardless, Jamie W. and I came here on an early morning to get a flavor of what Nashville’s produce would be like in early summer. Sure, it’s not in the pantheon of farmers’ markets like Seattle’s Pike Place Market (review: http://bit.ly/2rvMSFw) or London’s Borough Market, but hey, it was still quite an attraction worth your attention. Parking was somewhat painful on Saturday as the lot is limited and spaces are at a premium. What’s nice about it’s central Nashville location, however, is that it’s open year round until 8PM and it’s next to the Bicentennial Mall State Park, another attraction worth your time. The produce is on display under the two Farm Sheds where 150 farmers sell their bounty, and lucky us that we were there just as the peak season was beginning (photo: http://bit.ly/2JzfJWo). Strawberries were well represented (photo: http://bit.ly/2t1YXUJ) as well as tomatoes (photo: http://bit.ly/2sPusCo) and herbs (photo: http://bit.ly/2t2ZA0d). Another part of the sheds is devoted to Nash Trash, their flea market area where you can find plenty of bric-a-brac and even handmade soap (photo: http://bit.ly/2HFDMNH). There’s s huge nursery, the Garden Center, at one end of the market (photo: http://bit.ly/2t2r0Ug), but arguably the most popular congregation area was on the other side where the Market House sits, an expansive world’s fair of eateries where a Jamie were considering the options – Korean, Indian, Mexican, Jamaican, Memphis BBQ, Neapolitan pizza. We settled on hefty, delicious chicken gyros salads at Chicago Gyros (photo: http://bit.ly/2MjOmgZ) and soothing au laits afterward at Farm City Coffee (photo: http://bit.ly/2Jx4vli). There was plenty of seating in the central area where the rotation of diners was quite brisk (photo: http://bit.ly/2JyPuzu). There weren’t any fish being thrown around nor rarefied produce available nowhere else, but this farmers’ market satisfies most thoroughly. RELATED – Here’s a collection of the sights and eateries that I’ve tried in Tennessee and reviewed here: bit.ly/2v22KmG

South Block Menu with Prices 3051 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria

I like South Block and have been to the Alexandria and Arlington locations. I appreciate the wide variety of ingredients available-more than I can keep stocked and fresh in my own smoothie pantry. Goji berries-check, hemp hearts-check, shaved coconut-check, maca-check, plant protein-check! It’s great to be able to select a coconut water base as well as to choose between almond and peanut butter. Their bottled drinks, some juices, some “mylks”, are really delicious and interesting. The “mylks” are made from nut milk as a base with cinnamon to enhance flavor. Nice anti-inflammatory twist! Others sport bright produce colors like pitaya pink and kale green that just looking at them seem to enhance fresh, unprocessed flavors. The staff is mostly friendly, although often tepidly so. Where I drop a couple of stars off come from two things. First, I so wish the produce was organic. Strawberries, for example, are basically a pesticide sponge. Consuming non-organic strawberries is not conducive to healthy living. And even if you don’t get them in your order, that blender they just rinsed out from the order before yours probably still has hormone-altering chemical residue in it. When I asked if they used organic ingredients, I was told that they try to, but that they can’t always get them. I wish they’d work a little harder on that. Second, during one visit my green smoothie was sandy. GROSS! Spinach definitely has to be washed a lot before getting dropped into the blender. I’d be inclined to give them a mulligan on that one, but the staff was incredulous as though I was making it up. I had to explain, yes, this smoothie has a granular crunch akin to accidental sand ingestion at the beach. They did allow me to order a different one (steered clear of the spinach that time) which was delicious and offered at no charge. I hope to be able to revisit this review and add some stars in the next few months! South Block is a promising business concept and it’s so great to see Northern Virginia dining options creep closer and closer to healthy options! Review update-December 2018- I stopped going here 2 years ago, but recently stopped by. Welp, Amir still can’t seem to figure out how to use solely organic produce and butters, for some lame reason, so to all who think this place is healthy for you, I’m sorry to say, you’re being poisoned with pesticides here. This is the epitome of lazy business management. Yep, South Block is snowing people by making them think that South Block products are good for them. In a yoga studio to boot? Pretty audacious. It wouldn’t be hard for them to do better, but then they’d have to trim their profit margins. Do you really want to patronize a business that willfully harms their customers while pretending otherwise? Two stars dropped for not getting your sh together whilst misleading gullible customers, Amir.

Spenard Farmers’ Market Menu with Prices 2555 Spenard Rd, Anchorage

I love the SFM! It’s what a neighborhood farmers market should be…a variety of vendors, real farmers, and Alaskan authenticity. There is no shortage of genuine organic veggies here, and I enjoy watching the growing season progress from week to week as reflected in the choices. Lots of food vendors too, and you won’t go away hungry. The Russian lady is still here from the days when I had a booth at this market over four years ago. I love the cabbage roll soup she serves, and you won’t get away without her pressing a topping of sour cream in your hand to go with the dish. Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, and A Pie Stop both sell their baked goods here. Bakeshop coconut macaroons are yummy, and the pie place sells mini pies in all flavors. Since I live alone, a mini pie is just the ticket! I like to get a hot cup of Steam Dot coffee, and sit at a table to listen to the local musicians play and to people watch. On hot days, there’s a lady selling freshly-made sodas in intriguing flavor combinations. Have a good season vendors, and THANKS to the volunteers and the generosity of Chilkoot Charlie’s for making this happen!

Sprouts Farmers Market – Menu with Prices – 2224 Logan Blvd N, Naples

First time to a Sprouts Farmers Market. Sprouts is known as a full-service market with emphasize organic foods, including produce, bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, meat, seafood, deli, baked goods, dairy and other household items. This Sprouts location is the first major open inside the Logon Landings Plaza with a huge parking lot! As you walk in, there are several isles for large supply of vitamins and supplements. At the center of store is their produce tables of mainly organic vegetables, citrus, while the surrounding walls are line with freezers, refrigerators, display cases for meats, seafoods, deli items, breads, prepared foods and baked goods. I want to check out the meat department, unfortunately, there was a line formed so I just snapped a picture instead of waiting on line to make a purchase. Maybe get on line next time! The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They will answer any question you have about their product in their department. The produce looks fresh, vibrant and prices are lower than their local competitors. Last week, Sprouts advertised green string beans at two pounds for $1 and on the vine tomatoes for $.98 per pound and asparagus at $1.98 per pound at a promotional price. Wow! That is a bargain! The store has nice layout and armed with huge number of employees give us a great overall experience.

Santa Rosa Community Farmers’ Market – Menu with Prices – 1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa

Can’t go wrong with the selection at this market. I used to have to drive to Marin for the really big farmer’s market, when it occurred to me why I do it, and I think the reason was just to go do something. In reality, the produce, local food vendors, and crafts are just as plentiful (to scale), and the selection just as varied as the big market in Marin. My favorite picks are: Bliss Bakery gluten free stand. They are no longer selling from their store until they have finished their move, so this is the exclusive place to find your gluten free goodies. The Hummus Guy. Amazing hummus, and to DIE for Halvah. Just be prepared to be bobmarded with the hard sell to buy more products thatn you anticipated. Gandalf’s Chocolated. Yum diggity. Even has a discount if you bring your empty box back for the next time. Try them! Pretty much all the organic growers are amazing, especially the one down the breezeway at the halfway point. Their zuchini and squash are fab, but their fresh herbs are the BEST. Make sure you go before the rain drives everyone out!

Buckingham Farms – Menu with Prices – 12931 Orange River Blvd, Fort Myers

We visited Buckingham Farms for the first time on a weekday to check out their organic gardens, meat selections and market. As a canner, I prefer organic and freshly picked, as well as organically-fed, antibiotic-free, locally butchered meats, so while my companion was there for a meal, I was there for the gardens, market, produce and meats (okay… and a meal)! We went in late morning and were able to choose between breakfast or lunch and enjoyed he meal immensely! She had a breakfast section and I had a Reuben that was so juicy, perfectly grilled, and generous that I was only able to finish half! (You can bet I took the rest with me!) Primarily, I was interested in their organic gardens and market, so after the meal we spent a good amount of time walking around the property and appreciating the gardens. Inside, the market, while small, offered a wonderful selection of items that I hadn’t seen since I left my favorite market in the Palm Beaches in 2018. Amish Roll Butter. A 2 pound roll – the likes of which you can’t get elsewhere. Sure, Publix carries a more mass-produced, “okay” roll, but nothing like the one at Buckingham Farms. Same with their sauces and dressing selection. They also have prepared meals which are perfect for a quick, special, no-fuss meal. My favorite item though, was the wild boar. You haven’t lived if you haven’t had wild boar (okay, perhaps runaway pig — but don’t be picky. We all know the only wild pig we have here in Florida is runaway domesticated pigs, but hey… I still like the idea of the squealers escaping and living their best lives). Take your favorite pork and multiply the flavor times 10 and maybe you’ll have an idea of what I mean. Now go there! Appreciate what they have, what they do, what they are, and realize we must all learn about our food and where it comes from. More importantly, we must educate ourselves about what we put in our bodies and we must buy local, organic, meats and produce. Now… go to Buckingham Farms!

H-E-B Bakery – Menu with Prices – 26500 Kuykendahl Rd, Spring

I LOVE HEB, especially when your neighborhood HEB is new, amazing & beautiful. (It is accurate to call a grocery store beautiful, right?) Anyways, this HEB has everything you want in a grocery store. This location is so great for a lot of reasons. For starters, their selection of organic & Central Market items is great! I can shop everything organic for such a great price. They have everything you would need from organic produce, plenty of great brands (Annie’s, Amy’s, Glutino, etc), and great selections of their HEB organic brands. Nearly every organic brand product will have some type of HEB organic product competing for prices. This store also has great selections for every food category: fresh produce, fresh deli, fresh meat & fish market, HUGE wine & beer selection, natural products, etc. I really can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be able to shop here and find everything they need! One of my favorite parts about this HEB? It’s so clean! Granted it’s pretty new, but they employees keep this place spic & span. Aisles are always organized, produce, dairy & meat areas are always clean, and they store is just sparkling! I also always have great experiences with their employees. Whether I’m just checking out or need help finding something, they are always willing to help & have great attitudes! The store always feels pretty busy (except nights), but the checkout lines are quick & efficient. They also have the new little shopping areas that HEBs have now with cool home decor & jewelry. The floral floral department has a great selection & they are constantly making awesome arrangements (including cool succulent arrangements)! They have a ready-to-eat area where you can order food in the store + a small cafe area to eat it at. AND they have the outdoor section with lots of gardening supplies, outdoor decor & furniture, and all your firewood needs. It really has everything, so I’m a fan!