Looking for fresh food/cheese (Gainesville, Plantation: neighborhood, wedding, buy)

[robscar]

Just moved into Citrus County from south central Pa a couple of weeks ago. We have found the Farmer's market in Ocala. Does anyone know of a shop or store where we can get things like aged cheddar cheese? One of the things we are missing are really good grocery stores and smaller deli's/butchers where you could get fresh cheese, meats, and such.

[wizrap]

Is Gainesville too far? If not, there is a Saturday farmer's market in the Haile Plantation town center on Saturday mornings. I can vouch that it's nice and they do have cheeses available but I don't know about cheddar.

There's also a much larger farmer's market held each Saturday in Alachua, on the corner of 441 and SR 121, which I have never been to, but have heard that it has a much bigger selection of vendors. Both farmer's markets run from 8:30 am to noon. The Union Street Farmer's Market is on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 pm in Celebration Point. A lot of people who lived near downtown Gainesville were upset when they moved out west to the 'burbs. Apparently it's also another good one.

Another market took its place in the downtown area--it's called the Grove Street farmer's market and it's on Mondays also from 4 to 7 pm.

[wizrap]

I almost forgot, here is another place to check out--Ward's, a family owned organic grocery store near downtown Gainesville. Ward's is amazing. I don't live near there, so I don't shop there that often, but when I am in the neighborhood for whatever reason I always try to find time to stop at Ward's and pick something up.

[beatkay]

I lived in Inverness some years back, and so this info may be way way out of date and useless. There used to be a deli near downtown, on the east side of the clock tower that served meals and had a full deli case of wonderful stuff. The name escapes me but maybe a map search would help you?

[dontaskwhy]

A suggestion just came to mind since you mentioned Ocala. Look up the Magnolia Bakery. Their Facebook site does mention: Italian bakery, catering, wedding cakes, pastries, Italian cookies, Italian meats and cheeses , many imported products, Hard crust Italian bread, Holiday cheese pies.

I confess I haven't been there in the past few years but they might have what you are looking for. They are at 1412 N. Magnolia Ave, about 5 blocks N of Hwy 27 (aka 492) on the West side of N. Magnolia. Phone # (352) 207-2667

[Dax13]

Another good option might be Earth Fare, SE corner of SW 27th Ave and SR 200. In the Best Buy / JoAnn’s Fabric shopping center. They do have a good selection of cheeses and meats with a butcher/fishmonger.

Dax

[robscar]

Thank you all for the responses. We will look into some of these.