With warm weather year-round and healthy eating habits at an all-time high, farmer’s markets have become a staple of Miami. University of Miami students look forward to the “Wednesday Market” every week on campus, but many limit how often they go due to the high prices and long lines. However, farmer’s markets do more than support a healthy lifestyle, and the extra buck goes towards more than you know. Shopping locally means shopping with love.
The Local Love
While many of us heard the phrase “shop local” during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the number of struggling businesses hit a peak, the importance remains relevant.
Smorgasburg is a famous food market that travels to the biggest cities worldwide. In Miami, it takes place every weekend in Wynwood Walls. However, Florida foodies are beginning to opt out of the chaos of larger markets for the simplicity, calmness and convenience of smaller markets.
In the clamor and commotion of markets like Smorgasburg, local vendors can’t do what they love most: getting to know their customers and sharing what they love.
Andrea and Camilo, the owners of the Davie-based storefront Crafted House which sells jams, jellies and spreads at local markets, said, “customers feel more comfortable knowing the producer or maker in person, and when they can picture in their minds a person they can contact for questions or support is always better for all parties involved because there is a familiarity and a type of bonding trust already built into the transaction and in the end that brings more value to the product and the company.”
Andrea and Camilo started Crafted House in 2010 after their daughter, Sofia, was born with some medical issues. The proud parents describe Sofia’s recovery as “unexpected sunshine.”
“The situation brought a blessing and an idea which became what today is known as Crafted House,” the owners said.
Origin stories like Crafted House’s and the hundreds of market vendors in Miami make local markets all the more worthwhile to explore, and their customers feel the love.
Sylas Anand, a sophomore ecosystem science policy and biology major, said, “although it is more expensive, I always feel good about myself when buying local because I know the money is going to a meaningful place.”
Miami-Dade County has dozens of markets to explore, but not all are as conveniently located as close to the UM Coral Gables campus as others. Trust us, we hear cha-ching every time we get in an Uber that’s more than $15.00, too. The following markets run year-round and are convenient to get to with a quick metro ride, reasonably priced Uber or inexpensive if not free parking. Cue the angel choir.
Pinecrest Farmers Market
11000 Red Rd.
Sunday’s, 8 a.m. –2 p.m.
Located in Pinecrest Gardens, Pinecrest Farmers Market was the “best Farmers Market in Miami” in the Miami New Times’ “best of” competition five times in the past 15 years. Like Vizcaya, you can attend a yoga class from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. before you get to shopping.
Keez Beez honey has become a staple of many local markets since their humble beginnings in 2012 when co-owner Isabelle gave her retired husband and co-owner John a surprise birthday gift shortly after moving to the Florida Keys — a beehive. In just one year, John produced over 200 pounds of raw honey. After positive encouragement from their friends, relatives and neighbors, the couple’s hobby became a full-time beekeeping and honey production business. Today, Keez Beez manages over 600 beehives.
“The diverse flora contributes to a distinct flavor profile, making our honey delicious, pure and natural, a testament to our commitment to quality and the environment,” Keez Beez marketing director Maria Fernanda Giron said.
Giron emphasized how, like many other vendors at farmers markets, believe in your health first. Keez Beez received several certifications in that regard, including the Non-GMO Project, Fresh from Florida and Kosher Organics. But it’s not just customer health that vendors prioritize.
Giron continued saying “buying local is crucial for sustaining the economic health of the community. When customers choose Keez Beez honey, they are not only getting a premium product but also supporting local beekeepers, promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to the growth of Florida’s economy.”
Coconut Grove Saturday Organic Farmers Market
3300 Grand Ave.
Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Yes, there is more to the Grove than brunch at Greenstreet Cafe and moments to forget at Barracuda’s and Sandbar. Run by Glaser Organic Farms, this market is a weekend staple for many UM students because of its proximity to campus.
Gracie Crutchfield, a sophomore exercise physiology and communications major, was introduced to the Coconut Grove Saturday Organic Farmers Market by her roommate, who is a raw vegan.
“The environment is so calm, uplifting, spiritual, fresh and welcoming. Kids are picking up fruits to buy, parents are communicating with the vendors about the benefits of these fresh foods and the vendors are shining with smiles,” Crutchfield said.
The vendors love this market just as much as the customers. Yanni Moschos, better known to the local community as “Yanni Barista,” became a barista after years of working in bartending. Born and raised in Greece, he tells his customers that “hospitality runs in [his] DNA, and coffee will keep us together.”
Moschos especially puts these words into his work at the Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market.
“I have a special bond with Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market because of its simplicity. It just feels more home for me,” Moschos continued.
Vizcaya Village Farmers Market
3250 S. Miami Ave.
Sundays, 9 a.m. –2 p.m.
Located a hop, skip and four Metro stops away from UM, Vizcaya Village Farmers Market is located in the heart of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and is as sustainable as it is beautiful.
Colette Belzer, a sophomore motion pictures and public relations major and long-time Coconut Grove Farmers Market lover, wanted to explore further down US-1. She found the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market on TikTok and saw that next to the market, Vizcaya hosts a $5 yoga class, making it, in her words, a “great weekend reset.”
“I love the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market. It’s not too big, but there’s a good variety of vendors, and they’re super friendly and give out lots of free samples. I’d recommend the market to people looking for healthy or different alternatives to their regular food routines. You can stock up on some unique ingredients and foods you didn’t even know you needed,” Belzer said.
Belzer mentioned her favorite vendor is Grillo Greens, which grows all their food at their microgreens farm. Fan favorites include their cantaloupe and chives, which Belzer said are “unusual but delicious.”
Whether you’re a long-time farmers market fanatic or looking to change your health destiny more recently, there is something for everyone at these local Miami markets. And best of all, in every sip and bite, there is a whole lot of love.
More Markets
Want to put some variety into your shopping experience? Check out these other local markets. Take note of the dates below, as only some of the following markets are open year-round.
- Farmers Market at The Underline
- Saturday, Apr. 29: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Brickell Backyard Promenade
- Farmers Market at Zoo Miami
- First Saturday and Sunday of every month: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 12400 SW 152nd St.
- Lincoln Road Farmers Market
- Sundays: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- 744 Lincoln Rd.
- The Aventura Market
- Saturday from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- 19501 Biscayne Blvd.
words_amanda mohamad. photo_merritt sherrer. design_marita gavioti.
This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2024 print issue.
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