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 HammanLast 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.
- 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. The first month is free for all vendors to sell and anyone interested in being vendor can click here to fill out an application. “Our goal is to keep the market farmer-friendly and make it easy for our community to discover local products, connect with growers, and enjoy everything Main Street Alachua has to offer,” said Alachua business owner and market organizer Mandy Bucci.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Editor’s note: This story was updated to remove impending information for a Friday concert series in Alachua.
Tags: Alachua Alachua County Alachua Farmers Market Archer Farmers Market farmers market High Springs Farmers Market Micanopy Community Market Newberry Sweet Roots Farmers Market Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
While this story does a good job featuring rural farmers markets, it ignores an important story regarding the Alachua County Farmers Market in Gainesville (also known as the 441 Market). The Alachua County Commission plans to close this market at the end of 2025 and move it probably five miles north of the current location. The existing space will be used for other county purposes.
Since the construction of the initial buildings here was funded with state money that could not be used for any other purpose, this action could be illegal. Most current customers live in Gainesville and might be unwilling to drive farther to visit the market. Some of the current farmers might also find a different location inconvenient.
There has been little public notice about the proposed closure and relocation. If more current patrons of the market were aware of what the county is proposing, I suspect there would be a public outcry. Many patrons shop at this market regularly and have for the 30+ years it has been there. It would be good for you to report on what is proposed for this historic market.
Doubtful. That market is lacking. I have seen posted ads in several seeking vendors for the 441 market. Not a going concern unfortunately
Right on Jean. We’re vendors at the 441 market and it’s sad to move. It is a shame that the county can’t somehow find space on that lot to do this. Maybe WalMart would be a good citizen and offer their parking lot on Saturday mornings. ?? The good news is that the frisbee golf course next door that I’ve never seen anyone using will be unaffected.
I was at the 441 market yesterday. It was bad. Lots of arts and crafts which cant be consumed.
Very little fresh produce. I know its august but my garden is producing.
It seems odd theres no food in the middle of farm country.
Go all the time. No food. Lots of prepared foods.
No fruits or veggies really.
I remember back in feb no strawberries. Not sure i understand why. I moved here from Lexington KY.
The fm there is huge. Seriously. Best one i ever seen.
Gainesville farmers market on north side leaves a lot to be desired honestly. I have been there multiple times always hoping to see more freah produce.
Nope. Fewer vendors now than 3 yrs ago. Sad example .
Gainesville can do better.
According to this, there are six farmers markets in Alachua County. I assume most small farmers are a small family operation. This says four of the six are open on Saturday mornings. A small farmer can only vend at one. No wonder they all have a shortage of vendors.
For Alachua to start a new Saturday market for THEIR convenience is proof of cluelessness and stupidity by the ABL. They deserve to fail for their dumb
decision. Spread the days around so the vendors can attend.