Punta Gorda Farmer's Market — Attraction in Punta Gorda

A nice enough farmer’s market, laid out well, with plenty of great merchants. However, pay attention to what you might be thinking is “farm to table” produce/veggies that appear to be coming from some local farmer. Many times, particularly in the larger stands within the market, it’s nothing more than you’ll find in your local mass/corporate grocery store chain. Case in point? Garlic from China. China. Never mind that the best garlic in the world comes from the U.S. (in Gilroy, CA). Or plums that are from Chile. It’s really inexcusable that one has to deal with such things in what is purported to be a “farmer’s market.” Nevertheless, one has to be on guard for such practices. Outside of such things, and I still can’t get over someone peddling Chi-Comm garlic, it’s a nice enough market and...

Still a good place for fresh produce. Real issue is that most fresh food vendors have been replaced by non- food vendors. Calling it a farmers market is not even close to what it is. Actually, I could have gone with a three, but got the variety. Maybe it's time to call it what it is, a Saturday vendors market. Definitely, not in the top ten in the state anymore for "farmers" markets Carving, lots and lots of clothing, dining, CBD, jewelry, fundraisers, etc. On top of that, the parking has definitely taken a turn for the worse as condos have removed one complete parking garage. Also, produce prices have skyrocketed to the point where it's not a place to...

We went both Saturday and Sunday to the pair of markets just two blocks apart. On Saturday we found tasty $4.00-4.50 each hand made lemonades, but little else of interest including seemingly store bought instead of farm grown produce. On Sunday we left empty handed as the only two items of our interest were absurdly overpriced. For example a $50.00-100.00 fire pit in other markets, being sold for $299.00 here. I think the table fee has driven prices too far up and chased away all but the most desperate vendors. I also don't recommend bringing your kids to either market at this time. Nothing for them...