No longer a best-kept secret, the Orlando Farmer's Market at Lake Eola is a bustling party every Sunday from 10am – 4pm. Located at the southeast corner of Lake Eola Park, the market now hosts nearly 50 vendors offering everything from gourmet cheese and kettle corn to one-of-a-kind art and handmade jewelry.
It's also a great place to pick up your provisions for the week thanks to the piles of fresh produce for sale.
But if you're just looking for a place to hang out, you'll be delighted to find a beer and wine garden (which opens at noon and serves $5 drinks and $12 bottomless mimosas), live music and loads of delicious nosh for you to enjoy while you wander through the market or lounge under the shade of a tree.
We visited recently and couldn't believe how much the market has grown and how many wonderful offerings are now housed in this weekly outdoor gathering. Here are some pics of some of our favorite finds…
1. Cool drinks
It doesn't get any fresher than this pineapple juice poured right back into its skin for easy sipping
2. Cake on a stick
We loved these delicious nosh-and-go treats
3. Swans
Enjoy the friendly swans… just don't feed them anything other than the pellets in the lakeside vending machines.
4. Yoga
Join the outdoor yoga class that gathers at the northeast corner of Lake Eola Park on Sundays at 11am. Cost is $5
5. Crepes
The Crepe Company features a rotating array of breakfast crepes, savory crepes and sweet, dessert crepes
6. Organic and local produce
We saw just one stand touting organic and local (wish we saw more). It's located by The Eola House
7. Dogs, dogs and more dogs!
Dogs, on a leash, are welcome to wander through the market with you!
8. Tons of tasty grub
Come hungry! There are so many different things to eat, including a ton of international dishes!
9. Kettle corn
You'll smell the lovely aromas of kettle corn from nearly every inch of the market
10. Fresh flowers
Take some of these gorgeous orchids home with you
11. Fresh produce
If local or organic is important to you, be sure to ask where the produce is coming from. Our hunch is that it's not direct from a farmer but we could be wrong.
12. DIY Bonsai Trees
For $15 , you can sit down and learn how to create your own Bonsai tree. All the tools and your own tree in a pot are included. Offered on select Sundays by Emergent Creations Garden Centers.
13. Grilled corn
Who knew grilled corn was so delicious!!??
14. Chair massages
Relax with a chair massage, starting at $18 for 15 minutes
15. Artisan ice pops
You'll swoon over Peak Season Pop‘s flavors like Avocado Lime, Chocolate Sea Salt and Hibiscus Berry
16. Shady places for a nap
Catch some zzzzzs under the shade of this gargantuan tree located by the Eola House on the park's east side.
17. Cool stuff to buy
Handmade pottery, birdhouses, jewelry, soaps, clothing and dog accessories are just a few of the items to purchase every Sunday.
18. Sugar cane juice
Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. The sugar cane juice was a terrific treat on a hot day.
19. Swan boat rides
Swan Boats can be rented at the northwest corner of Lake Eola Park for $15/half hour from 10am-10pm Wednesday thru Saturday and from 10am-7pm Sunday thru Tuesday.
20. Stellar downtown views
We live in a beautiful city (duh… it's nicknamed The City Beautiful) and Lake Eola Park is one of the best places to take in the views.
Is the farmers market still going on
Yes. Every Sunday unless it lands on Christmas or New Year’s.