I have been trying really hard to buy things locally. I have searched different places to shop and explored a couple markets here in the Sarasota/Bradenton, FL area. My absolute FAVORITE place to go for one stop local shopping is the Red Barn Market and Plaza.
Market- on the outside part of the Red Barn there is a large market with MANY produce, plant, honey, citrus, and hand made crafters there. A few highlights:
Market- on the outside part of the Red Barn there is a large market with MANY produce, plant, honey, citrus, and hand made crafters there. A few highlights:
- We bought a bunch of plants from a very nice man named Letto. He was very, very helpful, genuine, knowledgeable and just so sweet! He even had jalapeños and banana peppers for $.50 each.
- Produce stands are scattered throughout but there are two very large ones on either end of the market.
- Herbs- Looking for herbs to plant in your Earthbox or herb garden? They are usually sold for $1 per plant and large ones are $2.00-$2.50
Plaza- On the inside there is a wide variety of shops. A few places that I enjoyed were:
- The bead store has very reasonable prices, and beautiful necklaces (I'm talking 3 for $10)
- The kitchen gadget store- I finally bought a muddler to make mojitos this summer with the mint I planted! So exciting! It is wooden and was only $5.99)
- Finally- Momo's As Seen on TV... we have been searching everywhere for the StufZ gadget to make stuffed burgers. The ONLY place I have found it is here, and it was the one item we splurged on. He's got everything as seen on TV in his store.
Sarasota Farmer's Market
Open on Saturdays (rain or shine) in Downtown Sarasota on Lemon and State Streets. This farmers market is more of an experience. A great place to enjoy the sites, and wonder around. I didn't find the best "deals" there, but there are some very fascinating booths with many unique finds. This market is very large and they feature live music, the Java Dawg coffee truck which looked fun, but the line was way too long. This market is perfect for lazy Saturday morning in beautiful Downtown Sarasota.
Open on Saturdays (rain or shine) in Downtown Sarasota on Lemon and State Streets. This farmers market is more of an experience. A great place to enjoy the sites, and wonder around. I didn't find the best "deals" there, but there are some very fascinating booths with many unique finds. This market is very large and they feature live music, the Java Dawg coffee truck which looked fun, but the line was way too long. This market is perfect for lazy Saturday morning in beautiful Downtown Sarasota.
There are tons of ways to buy local so get out end explore!!! You never know what you may find :)