When deciding what to do in Orlando on a Sunday morning, the Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park in the Thornton Park District should be top of your list. Why do you ask? How exciting could it be to while away the hours in the sun shopping for fresh locally grown vegetables? Well, just like anything in the Orlando area, the Orlando farmers market isn’t like any other. Sure, you have your stands selling produce, but there’s so much more to do and try.
Enter from Eola Drive by the playground, and you’ll be serenaded by the local street musician who plays popular radio hits on his acoustic guitar. Ever want to hold a parrot? You can do that. Sometimes, local poet, Paul Felker hangs around with his typewriter and for a donation, he’ll write a custom poem for you on the spot with a topic of your choice.
Come from Central Blvd by World of Beer, and the stand selling fresh cut fruit and squeezed juices will let you try a sample or two. Browse paintings by local artists and don’t miss the steampunk jewelry from Clockwork Alley.
Enjoy Local Shopping In Orlando At The Orlando Farmers Market This Sunday
Hit the center of the market and you’ve found the food! Crepes stuffed with Nutella and bananas or enchiladas or grilled corn on the cob plus kettle corn, a cheese booth with samples, freshly baked breads, corn dogs, and more. When you start to feel dehydrated by the Florida heat, visit the guys with the machetes and they’ll cut open a fresh coconut for you to drink the water or try the mojito green tea. From noon to 4 pm, the beer and wine garden is open and you can kick back with some drinks and enjoy an outdoor lunch.
Walk along the bridge and you’ll see anything from pottery to handmade soaps, candles, oils, jewelry, handbags and leather belts to treats for your furry friends. The Orlando Farmers Market is dog-friendly, family-friendly, and a great way to spend the day shopping in Orlando and supporting our local and artisan community.
In fact, the Orlando Farmers Market is so far from the traditional farmers market it would be better labeled as an Artisan Market. While produce is available, they have so much more local Orlando shopping available, you can walk away with all your fruits and veggies plus health and beauty supplies, plants for your home, and it makes an excellent place to buy unique gifts for family and friends.
Many common items for sale include:
- Seasonal farm fresh produce including (but not limited to) tomatoes, corn, citrus fruit, seasonal fruits and veggies, and local honey.
- Plants including orchids, bamboo, bonsai, tropicals, and herbs.
- Arts & Crafts from local designers including jewelry, paintings, stained glass, photography, pottery, handmade candles, soaps, oils, handbags, backpacks
- Pet treats, clothing, supplies, and travel accessories
The market is open every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm at Lake Eola Park on the corner of E. Central Blvd and N. Eola Drive. Many of the vendors take credit cards, but for the few who don’t, there is an ATM located outside the beer garden around the giant oak tree. There is street parking within walking distance and the meters are free on Sundays but the park gets packed the later it gets and spots become scarce. When you can’t find a spot, there are plenty of pop-up paid parking lots (including a man who opens his front yard on Washington St.) in addition to the garages nearby on South Osceola Drive and North Eola Drive.
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