I had looked up a couple markets to visit, while vacationing in Florida. When I read that one of the top farmer’s markets in the US was located near Orlando in the quaint town of Winter Park, I knew I had to make a special trip.  One market, to my pleasant surprise, was only a few miles away in the Whole Foods parking lot.My mother and I made the farmers market our outing this Saturday morning.  Since the temperature was quite cool that morning, we opted to go the Winter Park Market first to give the sun more time to bring the temperature up.

Arriving along W. New England Avenue, we were welcomed by a pleasant temperature, charming downtown streets and Spanish moss dripping from the trees. We saw the brightly colored canopies and umbrellas   and a crowd just at the end of the road. Parking spaces were ample, despite the popularity of this market.

One thing that always strikes me about a farmers  market is how happy everyone seems. Not only the vendors are pleasant, but the shoppers as well. Families, couples, friends, and individuals alike are full of smiles and pleasantries. There is even a sense of excitement with wonder and enthusiasm; this is rarely the case in most grocery stores. For the most part, farmers markets are not only about gathering healthy, local food, but a social event as well. Friends and families out together for the morning, neighbors catching up on the gossip, and most importantly connections being made between consumer and producer.

The Winter Park Farmers Market was very lively that Saturday morning. The commentary went something like this, “ooh, look at that,” “isn’t that gorgeous?”, “oh where did you find that?”, “be sure to visit so-n-so’s booth” and simply “hello.” I heard laughter and pleasantries that made me smile. I watched dogs touch noses as if to say “isn’t this fun?” I even witnessed children eating fruits and vegetables happily.

I am particularly interested in individual farmers, rather than commercial outfits. A few vendors in particular stood out to me. Approaching David Green of Bleu Sunshine, I was greeted with a smile and a sampling of two wonderful cheeses, made right there in Winter Park. David was happy to share a brief history about his farm and how they changed from a citrus growing family to a diary farm. David explained, “cows don’t freeze”. The change over has been a positive and profitable one for Bleu Sunshine.

Next, I happened upon Waterkist Farm and its, owner Melanie Corun. The beautiful display of multi-hued heirloom tomatoes first caught my attention. As I made my choice of Brandywine, Mexico and Dixie Golden varieties, I saw Mediterranean cucumbers. I had just been reading about how flavorful these little gems were, an exciting surprise Waterkist Farm uses hydroponic growing methods to offer high quality heirloom produce.   Melanie was very passionate when it came to the increasing popularity of farmers markets and fresh local foods. She pointed me to the vendors that were small individual farms, speaking very highly of Martha Stettners Farms.

My mom and I *were very impressed with Martha and son Steven of Stettners Farms. Martha, the most elegant farmer I have ever met, was very informative about her system for choosing seeds for the beautiful mesclun salad I was unable to pass up. In order to provide a perfectly sized, cleaner mix, Stettner Farms grows each individual variety in their own block patches. Since premixed mesclun seed germinate at varying speeds and different times of the year, it is easier to harvest each individually. This is how they ensure a beautiful mixed salad for the customer.I also bought some white turnips from Martha and Steven, that I hope to feature later this week.

Nearby, another mother and son were sharing samples of “Our Biscotti”, an all natural organic offering of the classic Italian dipping cookie. All smiles, Sharon Disko Brenner and her son,  presented us with a tasty sample of cranberry biscotti, - crisp, slightly sweet and delicious with a faint hint of salt. In my opinion, this is the perfect combination for a mid-morning treat.

Inside the renovated 1928 freight depot, we were nearly knocked down with the fragrance of fresh baked goodness. The ladies at Olde Hearth Bread Company graciously offered us with a taste of “the best ever granola.”  I have to admit it was quite wonderful and I bought a large bag to take home and enjoy with my morning yogurt.

I should also mention, Pesto Diva. I tasted their pistachio pesto and knew I had to have some. As you remember, we are staying in a hotel, days from home, and my cloth bag is busting at the seams. This pesto was so full of flavor and so green I couldn’t pass it up!

The Winter Park Farmers Market makes my list of Must Repeat Markets. My mother and I were both chatty and giddy on the ride home, musing over the ways we would prepare our purchases, so we enjoy the tastes of early spring in Florida, back in our cold kitchens in Tennessee.

I would recommend, if you live in Orlando or are visiting the area, to seek out Winter Park and this charming market held on Saturday mornings. Plan to have breakfast or brunch there and bring a basket!