6 Alachua County farmers markets to visit

Main Street in Alachua where a new farmer’s market will be held Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting Oct. 4. Photo by Lillian Hamman
Main Street in Alachua where a new farmer’s market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays starting Oct. 4.
Photo by Lillian Hamman

Last summer, I zoomed into Gainesville to highlight six farmers markets where people can get fresh produce, homegrown meat, homemade treats and crafts. All of these markets are still up and running at the same times, same places.   

This summer, I’m zooming out of Gainesville and into the “rural” areas of Alachua County, where your shopping will come with a scenic driving experience as well. We might even consider this a breaking news story, as two of these featured markets are gearing up for their inaugural showings this fall.   

  1. Alachua Farmers Market (new) 
    When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays starting Oct. 4 
    Where: First block of Main Street, Alachua 
    The Alachua Business League (ABL) recently announced a new farmers market launching in downtown Alachua. The event will feature live music, food trucks and vendors selling their homemade and grown produce, recipes, crafts and more. Paired with a weekly concert series from 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, ABL said weekends in Alachua are set to be filled with “a whole lot of small-town charm.” Anyone interested in being vendor can click here to fill out an application.  
     
  1. Sweet Roots Farmers Market 
    When: 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays starting late Oct. through July 
    Where: 16919 SW 15th Ave., Newberry 
    Sweet Roots markets feature certified organic fruits, vegetables, microgreens, herbs and flowers, pasture-raised beef, chicken and pork, free-range eggs, local honey, sweets, dressings and crafts like local pottery. Heritage Sourdough Company often serves a menu of boules, loaves and treats and pop-up markets announced on Facebook allow customers to pick up pre-ordered food.  
     
  1. High Springs Farmers Market 
    When: 3 to 7 p.m. on Fridays  
    Where: 23517 NW 185th Rd., High Springs 
    Since 2020, the High Springs market has operated from underneath a pavilion funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Vendors offer veggies, plants, eggs, honey, breads, desserts, seafood, beef, poultry, seasonings, tea blends, jewelry, soaps, fabric, wood crafts and more. Only homegrown or homemade items are allowed, and produce vendors must have a “growers permit,” and plant vendors need a “nursery license.” Vendors can sell for $18 per market or $54 for the entire month, and customers who forget cash can buy tokens to be used at any High Springs market.   
  1. Archer Farmers Market 
    When: 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays  
    Where: Archer Railway Museum, 16994 SW 134th Ave., Archer 
    In its third year of operation, Archer market vendors sell goods such as fresh sweet corn, squash, peppers, eggplant, watermelons, baby chicks, sweet treats, honey and crafts. Attendees can also stop inside the Archer Railway Museum as they visit the market and learn about the city’s rich history in Florida’s railroad industry.  
      
  1. Micanopy Community Market (new)  
    When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month, starting Sept. 6  
    Where: 22595 US Hwy 441, Micanopy  
    “Your Saturdays are about to get a whole lot more exciting,” writes a Facebook post this month from Micanopy’s new community market. The name intends to encompass the market’s mission to support all things within the community, such as local food, drinks, crafts and more. Anyone interested in pre-ordering produce for pickup can contact 352-258-4908 and anyone interested in becoming a vendor can fill out an application here.  
     
  1. Waldo Farmers and Flea Market 
    When: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays  
    Where: Waldo Farmers and Flea Market, 17805 US Hwy 301, Waldo  
    In its 50th year running, the Waldo Farmers and Flea Market is starting its third year of new ownership. The “new” market still offers vendors selling a variety of goods from clothes, shoes and antiques, to video games, cotton candy and honey.   

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