Jacksonville Farmer's Market...pictures! (agriculture, community, farm)

[Lawstudent]

Noland,
Not sure on directions just click on the hyperlink above Riveree posted and you can get a map there. One of the vendors today said the best time is friday in the morning. I would think anytime during the Fri-Sun weekend but for purposes of comofort go in the morning. We had a great time you will enjoy it as well.
If you are on 10 just get off on McDuff and go North until you hit Beaver Street then hang a Right and its around a mile or so down on your right. Pull right in and find a spot to park. I persoanlly wouldnt go into this area after the sun goes down but thats just me

[riveree]

We are coming from the same general area, Noland.

We cut through downtown, then just drove west on Beaver Street - the address is 1780 West Beaver in zip 32209.

When you're on Beaver Street, you'll be on a flyover over the CSX train tracks - you can't miss all the train tracks - as soon as you reach the end of the tracks (you'll be driving downhill now), the Farmer's Market is immediately on your left.

I agree with Lawstudent, mornings is probably best - it's all open air so it would be cooler in the morning (we went in the late afternoon and did fine though). Good tip about Fridays too . They're open dawn to dusk, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (easy to remember ).

Sounds like a great haul Lawstudent...I'm going to look for the plants next time.

I have another market to check out, possibly tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes .

[Lawstudent]

Just remembered the last item was portobello mushrooms. We love them and they were 3 for a dollar c'mon that is awesome

[riveree]

Originally Posted by Lawstudent

Just remembered the last item was portobello mushrooms. We love them and they were 3 for a dollar c'mon that is awesome

Wow - that IS an awesome price.....hmmm......maybe I have TWO markets to go to tomorrow .

[Lawstudent]

River you posted you will look for the plants. We found the healthiest ones in the center aisle on the left as you are facing Beaver St. We walked aound and priced things the first time and the second time we went back prices suprisingly dropped. Watermelons (seedless) that were 2 for $5 a half hour later were 2 for $3. So much fun. We are marinating the Mushrooms to make Portobello sandwiches. Will let you know how they are. thx...

[Lawstudent]

Observations today at the farmers market. We have been 3 weeks in a row and have found our vendors we like. Today I brought some reading material while she went around and shopped. (the sexes shop so different I know what I want, go get it, and leave, she, well she shops) Anyway as I was saying she went off to shop and I settled in with a book. I was privvy to this particular vendors business for about an hour. I paid particular attention to this persons dealing with customers. I am not mentioing race, height or anything that could get anyone riled up, just this. When a person inquired as to the cost of the vendors wares it often was not the same. The price fluctuated from person to person. (I kind of figured this happened but was enthusiastic to be front row for it) It seemed at first glance that race was a determing factor in the price quoted. But not just race the more I watched it was overall appearance. The cleaner and nicer dressed people were being quoted more. Those who looked as if they did not have ample monetary means were quoted less. Those who were the same race as the vendor were quoted even less. It wasn't a huge difference I watced people pay anywhere from $2/ a watermelon to $4.50/ a watermelon (same watermelon and same box). We ended up paying $2.33 for 3 (He knew we were poor). After about a half hour I noticed a very shabbily dressed gentleman perusing the FM. This man walked up and asked what the watermelons cost and the vendor replied 2 for $3. The guy bought them and continued to shop. As I was leaving I watched this guy get into a BMW 7 series (for those of you who don't know what a 7 series cost check it out) and leave. I thought well next week I am dressing like I am homeless and see what happens. If you havent been to the farmers market don't get dressed up for the occasion and you will save some money.

[riveree]

I want to think 'well, maybe the prices drop as the day progresses and they need to unload whatever they can', but it sure doesn't seem that way, does it?

[Karla with a K]

lol lawstudent I love your updates
keep them coming

karla

[titaniummd]

I am heading there today. I will give my feedback when I return.

I liked the Farmer's market in Atlanta and in VA beach.

[titaniummd]

My father loves going to the Jacksonville Farmer's Market but sometimes the selection there is pretty limited - maybe because of the season.

I saw that there are several Flea Markets in the area. Are there Flea Markets that have a good selection of fruit and vegetables (better than the Farmer's Market)? Or is there another farmer's market with more selection/booths?