Whether you’re looking for fresh and healthy food options to add to your diet or the perfect afternoon event to build friendship and community, there are several farmers markets in and around The Villages offering merchandise and a great experience.
Bringing Crafts and Local Produce to the Heart of The Villages
Fresh fruits and vegetables are good for the heart. And what better place to buy fresh produce than in the heart of Spanish Springs Town Square.
The Spanish Springs Mercado is open and active every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing locally grown produce and creative handmade crafts to one location with live entertainment.
“The Mercado outdoor market is open to produce, food products, artisan goods and crafts,” said Chalsi Cox, special events manager for The Villages Entertainment.
The market, which is filled with more than 50 local and small businesses, has become a great way for residents to “shop small, shop local and fresh,” Cox said.
Those in the Wildwood area may want to visit The Farmers Market in Brownwood Paddock Square, which is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday.
“The Farmers Market in Brownwood and the Spanish Springs Mercado are two different concepts,” Cox said. “(The) Farmers Market is mainly dedicated to food products, offering a variety of produce, breads and artisan food products.”
From fresh flowers to food and crafts, there are more than 60 friendly vendors at the market selling vegetables, fruits, bread, honey, jam, jelly, cheese, eggs and more.
For more information about the markets, visit thevillagesentertainment.com.
Live Music at the Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market
The Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market made its return Tuesday at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex, located at 250 Rolling Acres Road in Lady Lake.
During the first market of the season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., more than 50 local small business vendors participated in the market, selling arts, crafts and handmade items.
“The Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market is a special place where the community comes together to enjoy fresh, local products,” said Jackie Schilling, market organizer. “We’re thrilled to bring back this beloved event and look forward to welcoming both returning and new vendors.”
Along with food and crafts for sale, the opening day of the market included a live music performance.
Blues guitarist Bobby Blackmon, who has performed locally for nearly 20 years, played during the market’s opening day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing contemporary soul blues to the event.
Blackmon, who has opened for B.B. King and Buddy Guy, said he enjoys playing for people in Lady Lake and meeting new people who have moved to the area.
“I love to interact with the audience — introduce my original songs to them and play some oldies that they may know to leave them with a lasting impression that I come to entertain them,” Blackmon said.
For more information about the Lady Lake Farmers and Crafts Market, visit ladylakefl.gov.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
