During the mid-winter months, our friends up north rely on imported produce. But here in Florida, the months of November through March are prime season for fresh, local farm produce.
And prime season for produce means prime season for Naples’ full array of Farmer’s Markets.
Throughout the week, you can indulge your tastes for fresh veggies, berries, citrus, avocados, fresh cut flowers and more by keeping an eye on local markets. No matter where you live, you can find a beautiful market just minutes away.
Pack a cooler in the back of your car, and enjoy this special part of winter in Naples!
Here are a few favorites:
Third Street Farmer’s Market: The granddaddy of them all! Join in the festive atmosphere on Saturday mornings starting at 7:30. Park behind Tommy Bahama, pick up a coffee at Tony’s Off Third, and browse to your hearts content. Try the Honeybells, and don’t go home without fresh guacamole
Shoppes at Vanderbilt Farmers Market: This market has grown quickly in the past year or so. Stop in on Fridays noon - 4, and Saturdays 8-2, in the western parking lot at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt (Airport-Pulling Rd. at Vanderbilt Beach Rd.) During summer months, the market moves indoors for comfort.
Wednesday Market: A smaller market tucked into the parking lot at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church on Immokalee Rd. (just west of Logan). Produce, and fresh flowers partner with delicious barbecue sandwiches and fresh seafood to give wonderful variety to this market. Wednesday Market is open 1:30-5:30 on Wednesdays. Don’t worry about parking; attendants will guide you in the church parking lot.
Pine Ridge Farmers Market: This one’s open on Sunday mornings starting at 9. Pick up a coffee at Starbucks at Livingston and Pine Ridge, then meander over to make your selections!
Marco Island Farmer’s Market: Cruise down to Marco to enjoy the Wednesday morning market at Veteran’s Park on Elkcam Circle. This one is a bit of a drive for most of us in Naples, but combine it with a delicious breakfast at NeNe’s Kitchen or lunch at the Snook Inn and make it a day to remember!
Finally, if you need a larger quantity of fresh produce, make the drive to the Immokalee Market. Open daily in the afternoons, the Immokalee market offers produce that has not been packed for transport by commercial customers. Immokalee is a key agricultural community for national produce distributors - between 150-200 trucks are loaded daily. Surplus produce is then offered to the public - you can buy small amounts, or get terrific deals by the case. This is a great place if you are canning, freezing, or cooking for a crowd. Selection varies by local supply - you may find a great buy on strawberries one day, and on tomatoes the next.
Farm markets provide a glimpse of Florida’s agricultural side, and allow us the chance to support our local farms and orchards while enjoying delicious, fresh food! Explore the markets this year!
