Planning the perfect vacation doesn’t just involve visiting major landmarks and hanging out pristine beaches and although both will be a beautiful part of your Sarasota vacation, we want you to take a few moments and think about the simpler activities you can participate in during your visit. Our Rent the Keys vacation sanctuaries come with kitchens that are equipped with everything but food and drinks, making a trip to the store your first must, but what if, instead of a grocery store, you chose to visit our Farmers Markets? And when it comes time to bring a gift back for the lovely lady walking your dog, instead of a souvenir shop, why not check out this list of local Farmers Markets and Craft Fairs to enhance the quality of your Florida getaway?
Sarasota Farmers Market, N Lemon Avenue, Saturdays from 7 AM-1 PM
The best thing about Sarasota Farmers Market is that they are open year round, it’s never too cold to find fresh produce, a spicy salsa, or even a handmade candle that your best friend will love. Buy a bouquet of flowers to brighten up the dining table in your home sweet vacation home, test out the allergy alleviating properties of locally sourced honey, or simply sit at a table, feeling the sun smile down on you as you sample some kettle corn from one of the local vendors. The produce sold here will make every mom feel like a great one and the gifts will ensure that you retain the title of gift giver extraordinaire. And because you can never get enough Farmers Market produce, this one is open on Thursday evenings as well.
4th Annual Downtown Sarasota Spring Art Fair, 1 Central Avenue, June 8 and 9th
Although you will more than likely spend a few wonderful hours exploring the souvenir shops that can be found in every beach town, the best souvenirs are often the art masterpieces you can find in the galleries, or in this case, in the middle of downtown Sarasota! The Downtown Sarasota Spring Art Fair is returning for a 4th year, offering a peek and the chance to purchase pieces from the best artists in our state. The selection at this show in particular never fails to excite travelers and can include ceramics, fabric, jewelry as well as handmade soaps and lotions, beautiful flowers, and so much more. Admission is free.
Newtown Farmers Market, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
Perhaps the best opportunity to stock your refrigerator with fresh produce, however, is with a visit to the Newtown Farmers Market. Not because you get better produce but because this Farmers Market is open nearly every day of the week, Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 PM and on Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM. The Newtown Nation is a group that helps those with less still have access to the foods that, although healthy, are often priced out of their comfort zones.
Art Walk, Downtown Sarasota Every Friday Night, 6 PM-9 PM
If you have ever wondered why art walks only seem to be one night out of the month, especially since they are so much fun, you will be happy to know that Sarasota has often wondered that as well and our Art Walk takes place every Friday night. Offering live music and a peek at all the talent our town has to offer, the gifts you find here will give your home that Florida vibe that we promise you will fall in love with. Start out your evening with an al fresco meal at many of our downtown restaurants and then, when you are pleasantly full and in need of a walk to help digestion, you will have lots and lots to look at during your stroll!
Grumpy’s Farm Market and Grumpy’s Green Thumb Nursery, 6804 Cortez Road W in Bradenton
We are going to venture outside of Sarasota into our sister town of Bradenton for this next Farmers Market, open every day except Sundays from 9 AM until 3 PM. Grumpy’s Farm Market and Green Thumb Nursery is just one of those places that truly represents the heart and soul of the area. Bringing visitors back to the times of roadside produce stands, the goods sold here are fresh, locally sourced, and destined to make mom feel like the world’s best mom! (Not that there was ever any doubt about that)
Come Home to Rent the Keys
Our fully equipped kitchens will encourage you to eat home more and visits to these Farmers Markets will encourage healthy eating, something that isn’t always easy to do in real life. Rent the Keys offers comfort, style, and the carefree lifestyle that is what beach living is all about; reserve your favorite today! Contact us and book today!
