Market of Marion — Local services in Belleview

Unfortunately they sell out of state produce. I know they used to have mostly local farmed raised produce but I do know by talking to the vendors that a lot is coming out of state and a lot of hydroponics ( which are produce farmed with water instead of in soil.) that makes produce taste watered down and a lot of times still called " Vine Ripe". True soil grown Vine Ripe vegetables is raised in soil which gives it a fresh, clean, tasty flavor. For example; True non hydroponic tomatoes are never orange colored. They are blood red. Some of these vendors claim they do not know what hydroponic is and others sell their produce as non hydroponic and in fact really is. Real Floridians want real Florida food(s). There is an absolute need for a lot more Florida farm co-ops with all the foods raised here only to include meats, fruits, vegetables, milk and local seafood as well. We should not support paying more for food raised here and exported everywhere as well to other states and countries and import ours from elsewhere. It makes 0 sense and only drives up food prices for not any good reason at all even to support truckers and other affiliates of the import/export industry throughout our state and the country. Get what you pay for and only pay for what you get is my point. Buyer beware should not have to be the norm but a possibility only. I digress. We bought some squash there last week and it felt and smelled fine. After cooking it and tasting it we found out it was sour and rancid. Only good for napkin spit not for human...

Today was the first time me and my family went here since we moved to the area. We never carry cash but realized a lot of things here only accepted cash. We are use to Renninger's in Mount Dora with more options to pay card. The reason why I give a 1 star is because we went to one of the Snack stands, the snow cone one in particular. It was cash only, okay no big deal they had 1 working ATM that we were able to use. We got a Large Snow Cone $2.00 , and 2 churros $2.00. The guy told us the total was $5.45. My husband confirmed each items price which the guy working said it’s correct and then tax. You mean to tell me off of $4 there is $1.45 in tax? It may sound petty but the guy is ripping people off. He started getting defensive and then said I don’t make the rules so we obviously paid it but even people behind us was like that is not correct at all! People started walking away because they knew what was going on. Imagine doing this to EVERY customer that comes through his line everyday they are open. I called after we left and I asked the tax percent and the lady said she though 7.5%. She passed me along to another lady. We explained to her and she responded “ohh I need to look into this” no sorry about that or anything just we will look into it. All I have to say is do the math when purchasing things here especially food/beverages because they are ripping people...

If you have a day to spend walking around the markets of Marion is definitely the place to get it bang for your buck! You can find anything you need weather it'd be in the main covered area or in the outside yard sale area Lover's Delight! There's not a thing I can think of that we haven't been able to find when searching. If you're searching for that special something and cannot find it, just ask the vendors as they are all friends and work together so they will know where to direct you. Also if you are hungry, just looking for that quick snack are trying to fill that guilty pleasure with ice cream to fried dough Marion markets is definitely the place. There's plenty of parking all around and if you're sick of being stuck at home with the kids then get up and take them here, because it's definitely an opportunity for a good day of Family filled fun or even if it's just you wanting to getaway I highly recommend it. Just hold on to your wallets because they're so much offered, and such a great deals, that you end up spending more than anticipated! ☺They even have ATMs where you can pull cash from but most inside vendors take credit cards. One last stop don't forget the farmers vegetable and fruit aisle. Their produce is extremely fresh and top quality for a fraction of the price that you pay at the store. So get up and get out, and even get some fresh air while...