Central Sarasota Farmers’ Market

Why We Love It: Check out a cornucopia of local produce vendors, specialty food trucks, fresh baked goods, artisans and live music from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday during the Central Sarasota Farmers’ Market at the Sarasota County Technical Institute. The market started small with only 15 vendors, though it has the capacity for 70 booths, and the roster gets fuller by the season. Vendors sell organic and hydroponic vegetables, as well as candles, sauces, jams, pickles and homemade desserts. For those who want to experience the midtown area of Sarasota, which has a bevy of diverse shops, restaurants and retail outlets along U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail, the Central Sarasota Farmers’ Market is the primo first stop. Fill a reusable bag with garden-picked herbs, have a to-go meal from a prepared food vendor, and ask questions about area-wide growing opportunities and educational sessions from those who have made farming/cultivating/canning/selling a truly sustainable lifestyle.