As a self-confessed kitchen and food geek that tends to think with her stomach and sautés just for fun, a stroll through a Farmer’s market is a true treasure trek. 

I didn’t have to look too far for my food fix in Gainesville.  As a matter of fact, on many a Wednesday afternoon -- I actually peek outside my office window and see the vendors for our Downtown Farmer’s Marketing setting up shop across the street in our Downtown Community Plaza.  It’s a reassuring site really; to me somehow, strangely I admit, the gathering of the farmers and vendors under those little white tents signifies that all is right with the world.  I mean what’s more balanced and true than a simple, yet bountiful spread of just-plucked vegetables and buckets bursting bright with just-picked Florida wildflower bouquets.

A stop at Rosie’s Organics always delivers the most tender (and organic) greens  -- they beg for little more than a light drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of a juicy lemon and just the lightest sprinkle of salt.  This summer we’ve enjoyed a bumper crop of plump blueberries -- the last of the season’s supply of berries is dwindling now, but still just begging for a pie shell or a cobbler to call their own.  And one whiff and better yet, that first luscious nibble of the freshly baked whole grain breads, quickly reminds (and reassures) me that there are indeed folks who understand the difference between golden loaves created with true taste and texture vs. paste and preservatives.

If you visiting Gainesville and just can’t make it to the Wednesday afternoon downtown market,  here are some alternatives to whet your appetite for all things farm fresh from Alachua County – dine at either of Chef Bert Gill’s restaurant’s – Mildred’s or Ti Amo.  High-end but Florida fresh.  And guests overnighting at most Gainesville Bed & Breakfast’s promises a bountiful breakfast featuring local market finds. 

Not to channel Martha Stewart on any level, but Farmer’s Markets are a good thing and a great (and free) way to explore a city and  tell you so much about the destination ; even, pun intended, it’s historic roots.  Some pundits might even argue that the soul of a city can truly be found through it’s soil.  The richer the better I say.