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The past few weekends, we’ve been scouring the local markets for good deals, fresh treats, and inspiration. 

Here’s our take on visiting markets in the 941.

Bradenton Farmers’ Market

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Taking advantage of all the best Manatee County weather, the Realize Bradenton Bradenton Farmers’ Market hosts dozens of vendors every Saturday from 9am-2pm during the months of October-May. You’ll find it on Main Street in the heart of Downtown Bradenton. I’ve never had an issue parking in this area.

Vendors sell everything from flowers to fresh produce and handmade toffee to fresh baked bread. It’s not a huge market, but there is a sense of strong community that exists among both vendors and visitors.

If you’re looking for an easy and convenient opportunity to grab some fresh eats, the Bradenton Farmers’ Market is for you!

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One of my favorite things to do is visit farmer’s markets. With that being said, I am a frequent visitor of the Bradenton Farmers’ Market.

My fur baby and I love to peruse through the tents and visit all the local vendors. I have bought gluten free/ vegan bread {can I get an hallelujah?!} as well as homemade treats for Duncan.

Every third Saturday of the month, the market expands down an adjacent street to host the Mainly Art Market. This is in conjunction with the regularly scheduled Farmers’ Market so you can still get your local goods along with handmade arts and crafts to fill your home!

Sarasota Farmers’ Market

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The Sarasota Farmers’ Market offers an extensive selection of vendors on Main Street & Lemon Avenue in Downtown Sarasota every Saturday from 7am-1pm. Over 80 vendors participate in the winter and a good number of vendors continue to do so even in the hottest Saturdays of the summer months.

My absolute favorite part of the Sarasota Farmers’ Market is the human to dog ratio. For approximately every four humans at the market, there is one dog. The odds of having an opportunity to pet a cute pup are extremely high.

The only downside to visiting the Sarasota Farmers’ Market is a lack of parking. In my experience, during the summer months, parking isn’t difficult. However, during the winter months, it can become difficult to find parking if you arrive after the first hour or two of operating hours.

Even if you end up having to fight for a spot on the 3rd floor of the Whole Foods Garage, you won’t regret it. With over 80 vendors, there is something for everyone at the Sarasota Farmers’ Market.

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The Sarasota Farmers’ Market is a bustling array of local vendors and browsing tourists and locals alike.

As you near the market, you will be greeted by the aromas of fresh food being prepared just feet away as well as the freshly picked fruit, veggies and flowers. 

It seems that every time I go, I end up bringing home a basket of ripe juicy strawberries or a bouquet of gorgeous flowers. Either way, you can’t go wrong!

So, come hungry because you’re guaranteed to leave full!

Coquina Beach Market

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The Coquina Beach Market is an eclectic market on the south end of Anna Maria Island. This Beach Market runs on Sundays and Wednesdays from 10:00am-4:00pm. The Wednesday Market is held from November – May this year. The Sunday Market is held from November – July, but there is no market on Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, or Memorial Day Weekend. 

Walking the Market is a perfect addition to any beach day. The vendors set up under a shaded path just steps from the beach.

We recommend that you check it out on your next Anna Maria Island beach day!

E:

When Megan and I visited the Coquina Beach Market, we brought Duncan along to get his puppy opinion. I assure you he loved every minute he was there, and even made friends with a local dog treat company that was a vendor at the market.

Not long after he enjoyed that yummy treat, we were made aware that dogs are not allowed at Coquina Beach Park per a statute of Manatee County. So warning to all pet parents– you’ll want to leave your furry friend at home for this one! However, service dogs are always welcome! 

Besides that little snafu, this market is perfect to catch a nice break from the sun on a hot summer day. It’s conveniently set up along a shaded sidewalk just steps from the sand with plenty of parking to choose from!

We hope you enjoyed this post!

Let us know what your favorite market is in the 941, and what vendors are a must visit next time we go!