Local Farmers Markets in the Upper Keys

Florida has long been known as one of the US’ most abundant sources of fresh citrus, a state with a unique blend of Southern cuisine and Caribbean flair, and among the most colorful and homegrown fashion senses in the lower 48. And the Upper Keys may just take the cake as the site where all these Floridian styles and tastes intersect in the most interesting ways.

 

Perhaps you’re asking yourself, “Where should I visit in the area that will give me an authentic Upper Keys experience?” Look nowhere else than the area’s numerous farmer’s markets. Come along with us as we introduce you to the best local farmer’s markets in the Upper Keys.

We begin our list with perhaps the most well-known establishment: Islamorada, Florida’s famous Florida Keys Farmers Market. Open year-round, rain or shine (shine being much more common than rain, as you can imagine), this larger-than-life farmers market has been hosting local communities, artists, musicians, food producers, and organic farmers for years. Every Sunday, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Islamorada Gardens Plaza. Pets are welcome in this large open-air space, but please bring a leash.

 

Whatever you’ve got on your mind to buy at this market, you’ll surely find something to take home that reminds you of the Upper Keys. Artisan cheese, meats, and baked goods line the market from top to bottom, with local and sustainably-raised seafood being a favorite, as you might imagine, given the location. Don’t forget to check out the pop-up art exhibitions, where you can find any number of local art, sculpture, and flower arrangements to purchase too.

Located a few miles to the north up the Upper Keys from the Florida Keys Farmers Market, the Islamadora Green Market is a close competitor, with its neighboring farmer’s market as one of the Upper Keys’ best. A smaller, more intimate affair than the market to the south, the Green Market caters to a wide range of customers.

 

It’s open every week, with fresh vendors popping up on the stretch regularly. The Green Market is also known for its variety of food options, from tamales and all your favorite Mexican dishes to Mediterranean delights like gyros, pizza, and more. Fresh fruit and veggies also feature heavily on the menus of the surrounding food trucks. Keep in mind that the Green Market serves a variety of organic and non-organic options, so that prices will vary depending on your budget and dietary restrictions.

 

Lots of Florida staple foods are available, from blackberries to peppers, mango, oranges, carrots, tomatoes, and much more. Come to the Green Market if you’ve got an appetite. Plan to stay for a while, and know that parking is known to be challenging to find if you arrive later in the day.

This one-of-a-kind farmer’s market is located right in the heart of Key Largo, directly off the Overseas Highway. It features some of the freshest and most authentic Mexican food you’re likely to find in Key Largo. The family who owns and runs this establishment have been local mainstays and continue to serve the community for years and years. Their $1/pound fresh tomato deal is legendary in Key Largo as the best place to get fresh produce on a budget.

 

Their on-site market features offerings from local producers and imported options in equal measure. Vegetables and fruits are their specialties, and they pride themselves on top-notch customer service, so don’t shy away from asking questions about their number of pepper variants or orange species. Behind the market, you’ll find the restaurant. There, you can order from their large menu of made-to-order Mexican dishes, and prices have remained reasonable up to the current day.

Next up, we’re turning from farmers markets that specialize in Floridian fruits and vegetables to one that’s a little meatier. Florida — and the Upper Keys in particular — may be known for its fresh citrus and veggies, but it’s also the site of a long history of red-blooded meat in its cuisine. Come to the Meat Shop of the Florida Keys, and you’ll find any cut of beef that your heart desires.

 

The Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Brazilian influence on the Keys have gone a long way toward elevating meat-based cuisine in this neck of the woods, and the Meat Shop of the Florida Keys is where you can dive deep into that history.

 

This market is also conveniently located off Overseas Highway in Key Largo. There, you can scan their offerings for hours and ask any number of questions of their expert staff. Their specialties are large ribeye cuts, seasoned sausages and pork products, and even some fresh seafood (it’s hard to say no to the seafood served fresh in the Upper Keys).

Finally, we’re wrapping up our countdown of the Upper Keys’ top farmer markets with something a little less food-focused and a little more down-to-earth. The Island Home Nursery in Tavernier, FL, between Islamorada and Key Largo, has been a long-established local hub for everything plants and flowers.

 

If you’re looking for a floral arrangement to brighten up your Key Largo home or perhaps a set of gardening supplies to start or work on your home garden, look no further than Island Home Nursery and Garden Center. You can also find a fully stocked inventory of gifts and home decor accessories at the Garden Center right by the Nursery.

If you have any more questions or comments to share about the Upper Keys, local farmers markets, or houses in Key Largo, contact us today! Get in touch with the Walters Luxury Group, and we’re sure we can help answer any question you may have.