The Sarasota Farmer’s Market has been a local favorite since starting back in 1979. It has continued since then in serving the community with local plants, produce, flowers, and more.
You can really find some great treasures here. There are orchids and seasonal flowers to buy, along with great local produce. My personal favorite are the artisans the Sarasota Farmer’s Market feature. These skilled people really produce some phenomenal work. You can find amazing art work from Pea’s Easel Art, to Arte Canales who makes amazing art out of metal & cooper. There are some adorable jewelry and fashion vendors as well, including Sugar Sand Jewelry and Clothes 2 Dye 4.
This market is one of the only, if not the only, local farmer’s market that is open year-round. It runs from 7am – 1pm every Saturday, rain or shine!
The Red Barn Flea Market in Bradenton Florida is definitely a place you should visit! Since opening their doors in 1981, this flea market has grown to over 600 vendors on 20 tree-lined acres. The Red Barn Flea Market is a traditional flea market combined with food courts, plaza shops, and farmers markets. There is really so many things to see, it may be a bit overwhelming. There’s clothes, jewelry & accessories, home decor, art, fresh produce, etc.
88,000 of the 145,000 sq.ft area is air conditioned. So don’t be afraid to make a trip here during the Summer time. They even host special events throughout the year, and you can find live music in the food court every Friday and Saturday.
Because the Red Barn Flea Market is so expansive, there is a Market Map available on their website. The market has their Summer hours, and their Winter Hours.
Summer Hours:
Monday – Closed.
Tuesday & Thursday – Plaza only from 9am to 4pm.
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday – Entire market from 9am to 4pm.
Winter Hours:
Monday – Closed.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – Plaza only from 9am to 4pm.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Entire market from 9am – 4pm.
Red Barn Flea Market:
1707 1st St, Bradenton, FL 34208
941-747-3794
From October through May is when you can expect to find the Bradenton Farmer’s Market in Downtown Bradenton. The market begins at 9am, and wraps up at 2pm. The Bradenton Farmer’s Market is a wonderful way of getting to know the local community.
What this market offers
Here you will find locally grown vegetables & fruit, plants, organic products, etc. The farmer’s market is also an awesome way of seeing/purchasing some work by local artists and craftsmen. In fact, the 3rd Saturday of each month Mainly Art hosts many local artists/craftsmen who display and sell their works at the Market.
A few artists/craftsmen you can expect to find here are:
Reds Shadow: Handcrafted shadow boxes.
Sea Side Studios: Prints & canvas’s of local scenery and wildlife.
Game On: Family games that are handmade out of refurbished pallets.
Logan Pottery: Hand built, high-fired stoneware.
The Market takes place on Main Street downtown, where there are tons of restaurants, bars, and small boutiques to enjoy. So stop by Robins Downtown Cafe for breakfast, or O’bricks for a cocktail and lunch.
Farmer’s Markets, who doesn’t love them? I know I sure do! Below you will find some great information on a few of our local Farmer’s Markets.
Anna Maria Island:
Bridge Street Market (107 Bridge St. in Bardenton Beach):
The outdoor Bridge Street Market runs every Sunday, November – April, form 10AM – 3PM. This Bradenton beach tradition is a great place to find local artwork, jewelry, produce, and live music.
Coquina Beach Market (2650 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, Florida): The beach market at Coquina Beach takes place two days of the week, Sundays and Wednesdays. The Sunday market starts in November and is held every Sunday through July. While the Wednesday market takes place December – April or May. Both last from 10AM – 4PM. This is the only beach farmers market in the area, so don’t miss out. The Coquina Beach market is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Dogs are NOT allowed within Coquina Park. Stop by to find some great food, fresh produce, purses, pottery, and more!
Bradenton
Bradenton Farmers’ Market (Old Main Street/ 12th St W.): The Bradenton Farmers Market in Downtown Bradenton is hosted every Saturday in October through May, from 9AM – 2PM. This farmers market is very popular with the community and is a great way to start your Saturday. Fresh produce, live upbeat music, free activities for the family, etc. On the 3rd Saturday of each month during the farmers market season, they do “Mainly Art”, where local artists/craftsmen display and sell their work.
Red Barn Flea Market (1707 1st St.): At this market everyone in the family is sure to find something they want. The Red Barn Flea Market is located about 25-30 minutes away from Anna Maria Island. But the drive is worth it, and its bound to be a few hours of shopping and walking. This Market has over 600 vendors! Out of the 145,000 sq.ft area, 80,000 sq. ft. is indoor and air-conditioned. The indoor area includes shopping, fresh produce, entertainment, and a food court. Trust me, the Red Barn Flea Market is worth a visit while you’re in the area!
Sarasota:
Sarasota Farmers’ Market (Main St. & Lemon Ave.): Established in 1979, the Sarasota Farmers Market continues to carry the tradition of providing the community with plants, local produce, prepared foods, and artisans. With 80 vendors, there is quite a bit to check out here. Rain or shine, the Sarasota Farmers Market is open all year round, from 7AM – 1PM. This market is about 40-45 minutes away form AMI, though because this market is held earlier in the day, traffic shouldn’t be an issue.
The Artist Guild of Anna Maria Island has plenty of amazing pieces of art to be discovered. The gallery is located in the Island Shopping center, the same plaza as The Feast and Small Town Creamery.
There is so much beautiful artwork displayed here, including; original fine art, watercolor, photography, sculptures, local writers books, custom jewelry, etc. A lot of the art shows off fabulous Anna Maria Island as well as our local seascapes.
They even offer different art workshops each month. Visit their website for a calendar of events and the topic of choice for the month you plan to visit the island. What’s a better way of remembering your trip than with some artwork you made while you were there?
The Artist Guild is non-profit and run by volunteers.
Anna Maria Artist Guild
Island Shopping Center
5414 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, Fl, 34217
(941) 778-6694
Sightseeing Anna Maria Island Piers is a great activity during your visit. All located on the bay side of the island, there are three different piers to see.
The Bradenton Beach Pier is great for Fishing and Sightseeing.
Sightseeing Anna Maria Island Piers
Each of the three island piers has a little something different to offer, but all have beautiful views. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along with a respite from time on the beach.
Rod & Reel Pier
The Rod & Reel Pier is the northern most of the three. Here you’ll enjoy views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. At the end of the pier you’ll find the Rod & Reel Restaurant. The small downstairs bar is a great stop for a beer. Grab a drink and sit down on one of the outdoor benches. Upstairs you’ll find the dining room with both indoor and outdoor seating.
For a small fee you can fish off the pier too! This is a great place for family fun with a view. If you are looking for a taste of old Florida, you’re sure to find it on this pier.
Anna Maria City Pier
The Anna Maria City Pier is located just a few blocks south of Rod & Reel pier. Here you’ll also enjoy views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway. The city pier is a historical site with an important past. This is where boats would drop off “Day Trippers” from the mainland before a bridge was built.
At the end of the city pier is a restaurant and small gift shop. The menu here offers a little of something for everyone. Find the city pier at the end of Pine Avenue. There are also some bay beaches to visit around the base of the pier.
Bradenton Beach City Pier
On the south end of the island you’ll find The Bradenton Beach city pier at the end of Bridge Street. The pier is in the location of what was the first bridge connecting the island to the main land.
Here you’ll enjoy views of Sarasota Bay and the old fishing Village of Cortez directly across the Intracoastal Waterway.
At the base of the pier is the Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant. The menu has great seafood in addition to chicken and burgers. Anna Maria Oyster bar offers a full service bar along with both indoor and outdoor seating.
The Bradenton Beach City Pier is a popular spot for fishing too. Bring your own pole, or rent one from the bait shop. You can also catch a dolphin watching boat tour here.
Be sure to enjoy a walk on one of the three island piers on your next visit to Anna Maria Island.
There are many fun little stores, boutiques, specialty shops and outfitters to explore for shopping on Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria Island does not offer large retailers or department stores. It is a really unique and charming shopping experience. In many of the shops you’ll be greeted by friendly shop owners and locals. They are all willing to help you find that perfect something! Find everything from clothing, jewelry, art, outdoors equipment, gifts and tons of island themed wares on the island.
With so many options for shopping on and around Anna Maria Island, we have put together our Top 10 Guide to Shopping on and around Anna Maria Island.
1. Shopping on and around
Publix Grocery Store on Holmes Beach
Maybe you are just looking for groceries, house hold items or a pharmacy. Anna Maria Island offers all the basics; however, if you are looking for a larger big box retailer you will have to go off island. Bradenton is the city located just inland, and offers all the big box and chain retailers you are accustomed to.
2. Must Shop
The Olive Oil outpost is located on Pine Avenue.
The locals will tell you there are just some spots on Anna Maria Island you MUST visit during your stay. An eclectic list of specialty shops, check out these 10 awesome spots across the island.
3. Shop ’til you drop
West Coast Surf Shop is located just south of the Manatee Avenue Public Beach.
Arrive at opening and leave at closing, there are some fabulous spots for you! From the Island Real Estate team Reservations Manager, Carol has personally hand picked 9 places for you to shop ’til you drop!
4. Souvenirs
Sand Dollar is located in the Holmes Beach Plaza.
There are tons of places to buy Anna Maria Island souvenirs and memorabilia. Finding that one special thing to remember your trip by is important, and with so many options you can’t possibly just pick one! From tacky to classy, and everything in between, you will definitely find the perfect little something for yourself.
5. Boutiques
Pink & Navy Boutique is on Pine Avenue
There are several really adorable little boutiques on Anna Maria Island that we just think you will love. First, you’ll Pink&Navy, Bella By the Sea and Shiny Fish Emporium in the city of Anna Maria. Then last, head south to Bradenton Beach to visit Back Alley and all the fun little places on Historic Bridge Street.
6. Farmers Markets
Bradenton Farmers Market located on Old Main Street in downtown.
There are fabulous Farmers Markets located near Anna Maria Island. Visiting in the late summer months markets you will also enjoy Anna Maria Island off season without the busy spring crowd.
7. Jewelry
The Hive is located on Bridge Street
Finding the perfect piece of Anna Maria Island jewelry is a fabulous way to spend your time shopping. We have put together a list of Top 5 Jewelry shops on Anna Maria Island.
8. Shopping in Sarasota
Sarasota Main Street
To find high end boutiques, and luxury shopping take a trip into Sarasota. A beautiful city with tons of outdoor sculptures, a fabulous downtown and amazing restaurants, Sarasota is about 30 minutes south of Anna Maria Island. We suggest driving south along Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key for a gorgeous scenic trip.
9. Ellenton Outlet Mall
Ellenton Outlet Mall
The Ellenton outlet Mall is a great outdoor mall offering just about all the department stores and chain shops you love. Don’t let the term outlet detour you, Ellenton is a very accommodating and lovely shopping experience. Ellenton is about a 30 minute drive east from Anna Maria Island.
10. Lakewood Ranch Shopping
Lakewood Ranch Main Street
A new and upcoming area, Lakewood Ranch offers a quaint little shopping district on their Main Street. With great little shops, restaurants and a movie theater, Lakewood Ranch is about a 45 minute drive from Anna Maria Island.
We hope you enjoy shopping on Anna Maria Island just as much as we know you’ll love the beach. Get your wallet ready and enjoy a little vacation retail therapy like an Island Local!
Ginny & Jane E’s Vintage Flea Market on Anna Maria Island is back for the 2015/2016 Season with more great finds!
The market is located at the corner of Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue across the street from Ginny & Jane E’s. This outdoor market happens six times through the season with the rain dates occurring the following Sunday.
Vintage Flea Market Hours Anna Maria Island
Season dates 8am-4pm
• Sunday, November 1st
• Sunday, December 6th
• Friday, January 1st – New Year’s Day
• Sunday February 7th, March 6th and April 3rd
This market offers unique vintage finds, art and up-cycled items. Head over to Ginny & Jane E’s for more shopping or a tasty treat from the bakery!
The Holmes Beach Art District will again feature Ruth de Haan at its annual town-wide ArtWalks. Participating art galleries and retail businesses include Island Gallery West, Artists’ Guild Gallery, Art League of Anna Maria Island, SteamDesign, Arts for the Earth, Fukinsei Art Lab, The Islander Sidebar Gallery, Restless Natives, Libby’s Jewelry, Island Tattoo and Beach Life. These locations will feature special exhibits, free refreshments and music.
ArtWalk on January 9
During the ArtWalk of January 9 at the Artist’s Guild Gallery, 5415 Marina Drive, there will be a reception for Ruth Eriks de Haan and her paintings will be featured in the window all month. Throughout the reception Ruth will be available to talk about her work.
Art has always been an important part of Ruth’s life and while she previously worked with oil paints, she now calls herself a “water colorist”. This beautiful Island and her travels with her husband offer endless subjects for her work. Sometimes she works from photographs she has taken on their travels. She reads, discusses her work with other artists and constantly experiments with her new medium. She says, “I’ll never retire; I’m having too much fun and I’m better now”.
This week, the Bridge Street Market features a Chili Challenge on December 7th. All proceeds to benefit the AMI Community Center. Chili makers should sign up in advance via www.BridgeStreetMerchants.com, while chili eaters should just show up 11-1:30 to taste the island’s best for only $8. The winner earns bragging rights plus a $100 Publix gift card. A macaroni and cheese challenge is set for January 4th, and a Chowder Challenge is set for February 1st, both benefiting local charities.
Market Hours
The weekly markets run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday through the end of April at 111 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. It is located on the south end of Anna Maria Island. Locals and visitors can find fresh produce, local art, chair massage, beach-style gifts, jewelry, clothes, home décor, food, fun and more. A limited amount of vendor space is still available in some categories.
Live Music
Live music this week is by Tangled Mangos, a funk-reggae-blues-bluegrassy duo that formed in Bradenton Beach. They started in 2012. Kyle Shell layers instrumental loops and sings lead. “Barefoot” Dan Ryan adds to the grooves with the sounds of the Hammond B-3 organ. The duo has performed in a wide variety of venues. From the Orange Blossom Jamboree Festival two years in a row, to Ace’s Live Music in Bradenton and the State Theatre in St. Pete, to island-based tiki bars and restaurants. Their upbeat and feel-good songs get people dancing.
The Bridge Street Merchants, a 501c6, host the Sunday Markets, and provide year-round shopping, dining and entertainment on the south end of the island. Other merchant events such as Market Food Challenges and Christmas on Bridge Street support various local charities.
Free Trolley
For Sunday, consider taking the Free Island Trolley right to Bridge Street. Car parking options include:
The city lot behind the Bridge Street Bistro;
Up and down Bridge Street including by the city pier;
City Hall (permissible on Sundays) and along the beach just south of Bridge Street.
For more information on the Bridge Street Merchants or vendor space contact Market Manager, Melissa Enders. MelissaEnders76@gmail.com or (215) 906-0668 or visit www.BridgeStreetMerchants.com.
