Almost every single Saturday morning, someone in my house wakes up and says, “Let’s go to the farmers’ market!” Sometimes it’s daddy hoping to find ingredients for a weekend feast, other days it’s my daughter, Raleigh, already tasting an extra-large fresh-squeezed lemonade, and then there’s Carter, dreaming of dipping pretzels into new and exciting flavors. But no matter who initiates the outing, I’m always ready to go – ready to bump into a friend, enjoy the local, live music, and soak in the relaxed camaraderie of the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers’ market.
The Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tradition on North 7th Street was founded in 2012 by local chiropractors Joe and Elizabeth Lee. Each week, the block overflows with locally grown produce. Rain or shine, farmers from the region bring out their harvests, offering everything from ripe tomatoes, juicy strawberries, and sweet melons to fresh lettuce, crisp cucumbers, okra, and carrots. The market is a haven for food enthusiasts who value fresh, organic ingredients and enjoy supporting local agriculture.
Beyond the fresh produce, our family looks forward to our favorite pre-prepared food vendors. “African Love Kitchen is my vote,” says Carter. The East African kitchen’s rich flavors, with just the right amount of spice, never disappoint, and we always keep their sauce stocked in our fridge. Raleigh, torn between King of all Guacamole and an Un-Believable Egg Roll, never settles for just one—so naturally, we get both! As for me, I enjoy shopping the homemade goods like jam, honey, and baked treats, which always make the perfect gifts for hostesses and birthdays.
Speaking of gifts, twice a month, on the second and fourth Saturdays, our tradition gets an extra dose of fun with the Fernandina Beach Arts Market. On these Saturdays, our standard poodle, Brooklet, joins us at the market. She prances proudly down the street while fellow shoppers greet her and introduce their own furry friends. When we reach the Arts Market, we can’t wait to shop for the cute dog collars and matching leashes. Lately Brookie has been sporting a pink-and-green pickle collar that perfectly matches her personality. Other local artists present a variety of distinctive creations, from leather pieces to paintings, jewelry, and even clothing.
One of my favorite things about the Farmers’ Market is that it’s never the same. The seasonal shifts bring fresh surprises: vibrant flowers and asparagus in the spring, juicy peaches and corn in the summer, pumpkins and apples in the fall, and hearty kale and citrus in the winter. No two visits are alike, and each brings something new to discover. Adding to the charming ambience is the live music. Whether it’s folk music, bluegrass, or a solo acoustic artist, the performances always bring the streets to life.
At its heart, the Fernandina Beach Farmers and Arts markets are about community. It’s about gathering, sharing, and celebrating the simple joys that make our town “home.” And most of all, it’s about gratitude—something I’m reminded of every Saturday morning with my family.
For more information about the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers’ market, visit their website at fernandinabeachmarketplace.com.