Swampy's Florida

MANATEE — All around us, farmers markets are opening again for the season, featuring freshly-grown produce, exotic crafts items, baked goods, and even clothing like beach sarongs and fancy flip-flops.

Some of the local weekend markets are reopening after a summer hiatus, while others are year-round affairs, such as the farmers market at the Red Barn, but they all boast outdoor fun, homegrown produce, and a relaxed ambiance for shoppers.

Farmers markets take place along Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton; along Bridge Street, at Bradenton Beach; at Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street; at the King Family Farm on Caruso Road in East Manatee, near Ellenton Premium Outlet and elsewhere.