While I am very familiar with the blue markers of the state wide Florida Historical Marker Program,…read moreoccasionally I will come across a county or city historic marker. On my way to downtown Sanford I discovered this marker on the side of the road giving the history of the first state owned Farmers' Market in the nation which was located near this site. Historic markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in Florida's history. The Sanford State Farmer's Market opened on December 18, 1934 at the corner of 13th and French Avenue, Sanford, Florida. It was created in order to provide a central location for farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers. The idea for the market was developed by Fred Dorner and Gus Schmach who were both members of the Seminole Agricultural Club. Sanford Chamber of Commerce President Harry Papworth also contributed to the development of the market. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) authorized construction of the market on June 11, 1934. That same year the City of Sanford donated 20 acres of the Alex V. and Katherine K. French properties to the Florida State Marketing Board which approved the installation of telegraph and telephone equipment and a three pump filling station. The first wood buildings were constructed with loans from the Federal Emergency Relief Agency. One hundred and eight stalls rented for 50 cents a day, $3.00 per week, or $10.00 per month. Railroad service to the market was provided to the market by an Atlantic Coastline Railroad spur. In time, the market complex grew to as many as ten units, with the filling station, restaurant, vegetable cooling room, citrus packing house, barber shop, telegraph agency, and a 35 ton weighing station. Truckers could avail themselves of free showers, soap, and towels. The large volume of the market led to 27 similar agricultural markets popping up all over the state. On April 4, 1957, a fire destroyed the building and caused damages estimated at $2.5 million. The wood buildings were replaced by a more fireproof concrete structure that is still here today. For almost 70 years this market was wholesale. In 2003, a new farmers' facility was added to provide retail produce to the public.

If you live in the area this Farmers Market is worth the visit…read more Starts at 10am through 1pm, during the fall they also stay until 3pm. You can find so many unique items here, coffee from local roasters, local honey, Pita and hummus, plants, fresh produce and so much more. I live buying my coffee and produce here. I also purchased some beautiful Ferns here on this visit forgot to take photos. Pets and kids are welcomed lol

Fresh produce and fresh microgreens are available in addition to many other local vendors. We love…read moreSanford Farmer's Market every Saturday morning

The Central Park Farmers Market may be on the smaller side, but it packs in an impressive variety…read moreof vendors and local finds. Whether you're looking for fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, or specialty treats, there's always something new and unique to check out. The setup is easy to walk, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the vendors are genuinely friendly and passionate about what they offer. It's the perfect quick weekend stop--grab a coffee, stroll through the booths, and support small businesses without feeling overwhelmed by a massive crowd. Downtown Lake Mary has a cozy charm, and this market complements it perfectly. A great spot for locals and visitors alike who appreciate quality over quantity.

We came here tonight for the Christmas lights. It was very…read morebeautiful. They do it every year and the lights are on until 11 pm. In the beginning of December they do a big party in the park with Christmas carolers still walkers, balloon twisters and ice skating. If you're hungry there are several restaurants to choose from the 4th Street grill and the Crazy Greek kitchen restaurant. Every 10 minutes the lights will dance to the music. Lots of free parking and some nice high-end shopping. They also have a beautiful pavilion where you could get married or have a small event. They're actually is a beautiful event hall about 3 minutes away. A must see at Christmas time if you're in the Lake Mary, Florida area.

The meats are the best you will find in Central Florida. The Produce is even better. This family…read moreowned business is a joy to buy from. I Love this place!

I first came across MFF as the COVID pandemic began and I saw an ad for their spring CSA. The…read moreproduce is great and the CSA is worth it, but I'm not here to appeal to the vegetarians. I'm here to talk MEAT. My praise goes to their beef, pork and chicken which taste like the actual animals they came from. No bland chicken or pork you could confuse with tofu. These meats have FLAVOR. You really only need salt and pepper on any of them to have a delicious protein on your plate. I love that they run out of things too. Why? Because you know they're not a mega farm with thousands of pounds of frozen, mass produced product on hand. If they sell out, it's because they only have so many animals ready at one time. But in all my trips there they've only been out of a few things and they'll take a rain check for when they have it again. The prepared foods are pretty good, I've never done the prepared dinners but their sausages are good, especially the bacon and cheddar ones. It's especially nice that Lighthouse Seafood is right next door so you can do a surf and turf meal with one stop!

Love the produce options and not to mention the location. Great to stop in after dining Nextdoor…read more Service is quick and friendly. Stop in before going elsewhere.

We've been coming here for years, but this last weekend was probably our last visit. The place…read moreneeds a serious cleaning...a deep cleaning. And also proper air conditioning. They've been running off portable AC units for years now. This last visit, the bugs/flies we're all over the place. Prices are usually fair, and the workers are nice, but the sanitary issues are piling up. We need places like this. I hope they can kick it up a bit

I just love that the neighborhood I just moved into has a nearby farmers market in which I could…read moredrive and be there in 2 minutes or ride my bike and be there a little bit later. There is a mix of food and beverage, vendors, arts, benders health and wellness vendors. Would I really like is how friendly a lot of the vendors are. And that they work together. For example, hoots and Mary bread actually promotes the Sanford cheese stand. And vice versa. While this farmers market is very small, it still provides for the things that I could use at home. They do have a vegetable and fruit spender that has reasonably priced vegetables such as $5, a bowl for potatoes, the tomatillas, onions, squashes, and so much other things. Amount of samples for the fruit so you can try before you buy. They've got a plethora of Chili's to spice up your food. Plus this farmers market is inside of a park next to the fire station and across the street from the police station. So I've never felt more safe going to a farmers market in my life. Definitely one of the farmers markets. I'll be venturing to more frequently.

I love checking out and supporting local shops and markets…read more This is a little farmers outlet has plenty of fresh produce and a surprisingly good selection of Asian groceries and frozen goods. It's a little pricey, but the produce is all local, so the slight price difference is for a good cause! The cashier was friendly and made pleasant conversation about the products. I can see the appeal of this spot!

Wonderful place. They are so helpful and knowledgeable…read more The best nursery in Central Florida.

Prices are great on fruit trees. And I love that they sell eggs and honey. Very healthy plants. All…read moremy plants from here are going strong.

This place was a fun find for me. I just happen to have a few days where I was driving past this…read moreplace. I looked online to see what type of products they carry. After that I was convinced that I should stop in and take a peak...it was a bit of a challenge during the weak as they close at 6 p.m. I arrived with 10 mins to spare. It is a small shop located on the corner of the building. It looks like they attempted to carry a small variety of items from varios Florida farms and suplliers. I recognized the farms from which the meats and milk are sourced. Since I already had an idea of the item that I wanted, 10 minutes was enough time to take a quick look around and make my purchase. There is a good chance that I may come here a few times per year. If you're looking for items that may be labeled as healthy or local or natural or yoy are just curious, it is probably worth your time to stop in. You may be able to find free parking on the streets and there is a gravel parking lot located behind the building.

Great staff and selection of organic meat and dairy items. Love that Orlando still has small local…read moreshops with organic local fruit and vegetables.