GULFPORT, FLORIDA: If you haven’t been to Gulfport’s Tuesday Fresh Market lately, you will be pleasantly surprised to see a growing contingent of vendors. The size of the Market has slowly grown in size over the past several weeks as “the season” approaches and Florida welcomes its “snowbirds” back into the fold. Lining a full block of Beach Blvd., there is something for nearly everyone at the Market this season.
So far, the ever-expanding line-up includes: an extensive variety of fresh fruits and veggies, fresh cheeses, fresh bread, bagels and scones, seafood, local honey, nuts, herbs and herbal teas, live plants, homemade candy, astrological readings and consultation, homemade sauces, flavored olive oils, hand-made jewelry, hand-painted accessories and objects, hand-made pet accessories, and tie-dyed clothing. Astrological readings and consultations are now featured periodically. Live music by and for “men (and women) of a certain age” is provided each week, courtesy of local singer/guitarist Frank Hewlett, aka “The Geezer.” New vendors are appearing each week as the Market continues into its fourth year. This weekly gathering provides food for the body and community spirit for the soul.
The Fresh Market takes place each Tuesday from 9AM to 3PM in the heart of Gulfport’s Waterfront Arts Village on Beach Blvd. below 29th Ave. South. We are proud to be Pinellas County’s first year-round open-air fresh market. Funky, quirky, eclectic, artsy, “Old Florida,” and many other words have been used to describe Gulfport. See for yourself. Before or after visiting the Market, enjoy lunch or stay later for dinner in the village, which has become one of Tampa Bay’s premier dining destinations. And while strolling Beach Blvd., stop into one of the charming shops, galleries and boutiques, offering a unique small-town shopping experience.
A Gulfport information tent is set up during each Market to offer information about Gulfport’s frequent Art Walks and other events, as well as its shops and restaurants. At the Gulfport tent, donations of non-perishable food, toiletries and personal needs are accepted for the Gulfport Senior Center Pantry. For more information about Gulfport and its many events, visit www.GulfportFlorida.us, www.ExploreGulfport.com or www.GulfportMA.com.
Vendors interested in participating in the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market can contact Daniel Hodge at 727-366-4086. Vendor information and applications for the Market and other Gulfport events can be found at www.GulfportMA.com.