If you have not been to the Gainesville Downtown Farmer's Market (specifically known as the Union Street Farmer's Market due to its location), you need to quit procrastinating.  Every Wednesday starting at 4 p.m. and running until 7 p.m., vendors are in place at the Sun Center (surrounding the Hippodrome State Theatre), ready to tantalize your taste buds and offer fresh wares from herbs and produce to organic milk, homemade soaps, handmade jewelery, and a variety of other local goods/trades.

Visit the Union Street Farmer's Market Website to explore the vendors you will run into while attending.  One of my favorites is the Terranova Catering Company.  I can't go to the market without buying some of their fig & kalamata olive tapenade.  I could eat that stuff by the spoonful, honestly.   Terranova also sells their fresh baked breads, stuffed breads, goat cheese and other out-of-bounds spreads.  Visiting their booth is reason enough to attend the market.  They also participate in the Haile Village Center Saturday Morning Farmer's market.

Another of my favorite's is Maria's Bakery.  Her handmade spanakopitas are a must have and her flavored focacia bread is very good.

Don't dare buy produce from the grocery store as while the Farmer's Market contains a lot of other goodies, it really is about the Farmer's and their fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs and plants that are available.  You have several vendors to choose from, a great selection and you're supporting local families, not to mention getting the freshest product!

Another of my favorites is the 2nd Street Bakery.  I recommend them on my Gainesville FL Restaurant Guide, which features my top picks for places to eat in Gainesville.  They have fantastic coffee and baked goods at their 2nd street location, but they also participate in the downtown Farmer's Market.  Their citrus herb bread is one of my favorites, and if you ever go to the shop, the tempeh sandwich on the citrus herb bread is highly recommended.  Every pastry 2nd street makes is of the highest quality, and all of their fresh baked breads are hearty, crusty and flavorful. 

WHERE:

Union Street Farmers Market
20 Southeast 2d Place in
the Sun Center
Gainesville, FL 32601

Also be sure to visit:

Alachua County Farmers Market I

Northwest 34th Street & U.S. Highway 441 Gainesville, Florida

(352) 371-8236

YEAR-ROUND Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 

Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com.  A portion of all my closed sales will be donated to the Alachua Co. Humane Society (View my mission statement).