St. Augustine Farmers Market unique way to spend a Saturday morning

Free pickle shots got my attention at the St. Augustine Farmers Market. (Larry Vaught Photo)

One thing I always like to do when I am out of town is find a way to experience the local culture. Obviously, at St. Augustine Beach that’s easy to do on the beach but I have also looked for other ways and Saturday found a perfect way to do that at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market that is held each Saturday from  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

This is not a traditional Farmers Market and that was clear by the large crowd which apparently is the norm. You could find fresh vegetables — I bought oranges — but I also found black bean/lime hummus along with olives that were dipped out of the barrel for me (the same option was available with pickles).

This was also the first time I have been anywhere where you could get free pickle shots, so naturally, I had to try a few of them and was glad I did.

You also had the option to buy some delicious-looking fresh seafood.

Several food vendors were there and I had a breakfast burrito along with sampling some chicken and beef that were both seasoned so well that I bought some seasoning as well.

Also found fresh ground grits that I cannot wait to try.

Want handmade arts and crafts? They had so many and all are so unique. Got to admit that I spent quite a bit buying Christmas presents and likely will be back again next Saturday to buy more.

Perhaps my favorite vendor was Growers Alliance which had coffee from Kenya, Costa Rica and Ethiopia along with several baskets/crafts from Kenya. I could not resist a basket made from coconuts and likely will go back to get at least one more this Saturday.

If you needed a break from the shopping possibilities, a live band was also playing and the bar was open. Got to admit. It was my first Farmers Market that had a bar that was doing a lot to keep folks hydrated.

This Friday I am also going to spend four hours working at the packet pickup/expo for the Pink Up the Pace 5K through historic downtown St. Augustine on Saturday. I have participated in this event twice before and I think it is the only run where downtown St. Augustine streets are closed. That’s why when I saw the need for volunteers, I reached out and now I get to meet more people and hear their stories at Anastasia Baptist Church Friday afternoon.