Miami community farmers’ markets are a distinct part of Miami’s culture and a unique feature of many Florida small towns and large cities. Each farmers’ market reflects the Miami neighborhood’s charm with locally produced specialties for sale directly to the public. Vegetables, fruits, nursery stock, plants, freshly prepared foods and other hand-made commodities. Farmers’ markets are reminiscent of a bygone era where local markets were the heart of the community. Miami has many farmers’ markets, but for the most part the Coconut Grove Farmers’ Market, the Jackson Memorial Foundation Green Market, the Normandy Village Market Place and the Upper East Side Green Market are the better established markets.
The Coconut Grove Farmers’ Market is the best and the oldest farmers market in all of South Florida; it has the widest selection of any farmer markets in the region. This market should not be confuse with the Mayfair Green market in Coconut Grove, because the the Coconut Grove Farmers’ Market is far better and it’s the real thing. Coconut Grove is open every Saturday from 10am to 5pm and is only 15 minutes from downtown Miami. Glaser Organic Farms runs the open-air market with a huge selection of freshly harvested organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds and dried fruits. There’s even a unique raw foods deli, which is a big hit among the locals. The prices at the market are high for the produce, but in order to support a local farmer who has to pay $800 a week to host the farmers market, the high price is worth it.
Jackson Memorial Foundation Green Market in in the middle of a medical center, which is the most unusual place for a farmers market, but for some reason it works. It is centrally located inside the JMH Campus and is open on Thursdays from 9am to 4pm. It attracts a great lunch crowd. This farmers market sells more than vegetables and fruit, they have homemade soaps, hand-crafted jewelry, orchids, plants, homemade guacamole, freshly grown herbs, nuts, popcorn and fresh food stands selling authentic Peruvian, Mexican, Cuban and French cuisine.
The Normandy Village Market Place is open all year around on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, located at the foot of the historic Normandy Isle Fountain at Miami Beach. It has an eclectic mix of vendors representing the cultural and ethnic diversity of the neighborhood. The markets unique style is quaint, welcoming and is a great stop for families and local residents. They sell vegetables, fruits, plants, cut flowers, hand-sewn clothing, incense, hand-crafted jewelry.
The Upper East Side Green Market is also an all year open-air farmers market open every Saturday at Legion Park, which is on the eastside of Biscayne near 64th street. The market is found in a little area toward the front and along Biscayne. This market is newer compared to the farmers markets listed above, but it has grown in size every year. They sell organic and fresh produce, Colombian baked goods, homemade hummus, homemade treats for dogs and hand-crafted arts and goods. As for freshly prepared foods, Upper East Side is known for stone crabs claws sold fresh off the boat cheaper than anywhere else in Miami, and the markets is also known for its BBQ for its smoked ribs, chicken, grilled corn and coleslaw. There are other fresh seafood stands that are just as delectable at very reasonable prices.
About The Author
BJ Adams has a Bachelors in English Literature and a passion for travel. A freelance blog and web writer, BJ has published numerous pieces on travel and tourism around the world. Some of BJ’s work can be found at http://www.hotelsmiami.com.
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