Signs of fall: West Palm's GreenMarket leads us into the fall market season this weekend
We may not be looking at a change in the leaves, or even a drop in the humidity quite yet, but we know fall is definitely on our doorstep this weekend, when, weather permitting, the mac daddy of green markets opens Saturday, Oct. 1. .
That's right, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket is back.
Perched at the foot of Clematis Street and running to the city's waterfront, this two-time winner of the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice poll "Best Farmers Market" in the nation will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and has gotten even better.
Already impressive with 100 vendors last season, organizers have pumped up the lineup to 110 this year.
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110 vendors at West Palm's GreenMarket
If you're going on an empty stomach, the tasty options there will include Chef Luc Authentic French Baked Goods, Ebony’s Vegan Bakery, Edible Spreadable, Florida Man Pet Treats, Garden of Esther, Ash and Earth, Green Queen’s Garden, Hideout Kava & Tea Bar, Icestasy Italian Ice, IZZYS Bakery, Liquid Gold Honey, Mother Lover, Outclaws seafood, Papa G’s Country Kitchen, Pickled Penos, Pop Shack, Pupberry, Purposefully Baking, Rollup NYC, Subculture Group, Sugar Lumpz, The Folk, The Noble Women Bakery and Universal Biocarbon.
In addition to the fruits, vegetables, nuts, natural honey, organic baked goods, fresh fish and so much more, green markets offer goers an additional health benefit: the chance to be around other people in the real world.
That's right,actual reality, with sights, sounds, and smells — think cider donuts, fresh fruits and all manner of breads and pastries. Don't discount the chance to actually meet another human and maybe even have a conversation... in person.
West Palm's GreenMarket has a distinguished history, opening in 1995 as the county's first weekly public farmers market. That year, it was held in the parking lot of the old City Hall and featured 13 vendors.
Over the years, the market grew and moved south, eventually landing in 2010 in its current waterfront spot.
So, get out of the Metaverse (while you still can), breathe the free air of reality.
If you go, consider how you're getting there and where you want to park.
Parking and getting around during West Palm Beach GreenMarket hours
Organizers offer this guide to parking and getting around:
Parking is available in City of West Palm Beach public garages, which are the Clematis, Banyan, City Center, Sapodilla, and Evernia garages. The Banyan and Evernia garages are closest to the market and subject to the City’s all-day weekend flat rate of $5.
The City Center, Clematis and Sapodilla garages will be free during market hours, with current parking rates in effect afterward.
Free Circuit vehicles will be available during market hours to take patrons to and from their vehicles (see Circuit’s website for more details).
Those interested in arriving by boat can also take advantage of the City's free public docks. The Clematis Street Dock is the closest dock to the market. Those who wish to arrive by trolley may take the Green or Yellow Line routes, a map of which is available on the Downtown Development Authority’s website. Please note, the Yellow Line route opens at 11 a.m. on Saturdays.
Put these other green markets on your calendar:
While it may be the best known, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, isn't the only one in Palm Beach County, nor is it the only one opening this weekend.
Lake Worth Beach Oceanside Farmers Market
This market also opens Saturday, Oct. 1.
Open: Oct. 1 through April 29
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
Location: Old Bridge Park, A1A at Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach
Highlights: This rain-or-shine market will feature fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers (including orchids) baked goods from artisan bakeries and other delicacies brought to customers by more that 80 vendors. Produce vendors include Solis Farms, Hollands Produce and Alli's Farm Stand. There is always music and, if the mood is right, often dancing in the street!
Dog-friendly? Yes
Parking: Free on East side of old bridge park facing the Lake Worth Beach and casino complex.
Fall Harvest Market at The Square
Open: Oct. 2 through Nov. 6
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays
Location: The Square, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
Highlights: Located within The Square, this market offers a variety of specialty foods like handcrafted teas, spices, oils and truffles from Tea & Spice & Everything Nice, El Viandero’s freshest fruits and veggies, Slice of Europe cheeses, artisan bread and spreads from II Mercato, Miramar Seafood and more.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Parking: Onsite
The Gardens GreenMarket
Though they are open all year, The Gardens GreenMarket also will have their official season kickoff on Sunday. This will be their 21st year and it will feature music by The KillBillies, terracotta pot and sunglasses giveaways (while supplies last), kids activities and a live GardensArt painting demonstration.
Open: All year
Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays
Location: 10500 N. Military Tr., Palm Beach Gardens
Highlights: Though this market is open all year, it kicks off its 21st year on Oct. 2 with live music, giveaways and a live art demonstration. For the 2022-23 season there will be 120 vendors offering fresh produce, dairy, honey, pastries, prepared foods, flowers, cheeses, spices, handmade crafts and more. Several vendors will be returning in the new season including Jerry’s Here Farm Fresh, Starz Bakery, Macy’s Smoked Fish Dip, TocToc Arepas, Heavenly Orchids, and Oceana Coffee. Seating is available for shoppers to grab a bite, relax, and enjoy live entertainment.
Dog-friendly? No pets
Parking: Onsite
Abacoa Green Market
The Abacoa Green Market kicks off their seasonal run midweek.
Open: Oct. 5 through May 24
Hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays
Location: 1267 Main St., Jupiter
Highlights: The perfect way to break up the week, this evening market has over 40 vendors providing fresh produce, along with locally-made artisanal works, curated art and more. Now in its second year, organizers have a few changes planned for the 2022-23 season. The first is having one complimentary space set aside each week for a local nonprofit to get their message out. The other is that each month will feature a different theme. In October that thematic attraction will be a small pumpkin patch. In December, expect one visit that month from Santa. He'll be stopping by for some networking and to double check his naughty and nice list. Like last year, there will be a different live music act each night and guests are welcome to bring in beverages from the surrounding restaurants including Stadium Grill which has drink specials on Wednesday.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Parking: There are several parking garages onsite as well as on-street parking.
Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center
Open: Oct. 7 through Feb. 24
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays
Location: 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
Highlights: Unwind after a long week at this casual, family-friendly market. There will be vendors offering artisan foods, baked goods, health and beauty products, clothing and more. There are also food trucks on hand to take care of any of those immediate cravings. A new play structure along the promenade is a great place for kids to burn off some of that youthful energy and give moms and dads a chance to relax.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Parking: Onsite at the new parking lot next to the community center. Additionally, residents living on the lake are welcome, even encouraged, to arrive by boat.
Swank Farm Farmers' Market
Open: Oct. 8 through May 27
Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
Location: 143311 North Road, Loxahatchee Groves
Highlights: Breathe the clean country air and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee, a Danish and/or a breakfast sandwich while stocking up on some of seriously fresh produce, seafood, baked goods and more. Vendors include Swank Farm Produce and Wild Flower bouquets, Caribbean Plants and Produce, Frenchie's Bake Shop, Kyle's Seafood, Doctor Pickle, Una Bakery, Palm Beach Creamed Honey, La Gringuita Cookies, Parce Coffee Roasters, Dirty Bird Hot Sauce and many more.
Dog-friendly? Service dogs only
Parking: Onsite
Other markets on deck
Other markets that are on the launchpad and counting down to liftoff (unlike Artemis 1 these will actually happen) include the Royal Palm Beach Green Market and Bazaar on Oct. 15, the Delray Beach Green Market on Oct. 22. JoJo's Farmer' Market and JoJo's in Delray are open once a month throughout the year.
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm Beach GreenMarket, Farmers market opens in Palm Beach County
