夏日的午後，來逛逛甘城的農夫市集吧。
在大型連鎖超市裡吹著冷氣推著購物車，這是大部份人採買食物的熟悉場景。不可否認，像 Publix, Walmart, Sweetbay 這類的連鎖超市才是現今的主流，不過在甘城也有些不太一樣的選擇 ─ 農夫市集。
甘城及附近的小鎮有好幾個農夫市集 (註1)，各有各的特色。離市區最近的，是在 Downtown Community Plaza 的 Union Street Farmers Market (這裡也有一段在 Youtube 上的小影片)，營業的時間是每個星期三下午四點到七點。
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這裡看得到的都是當地當季的蔬果，大部份是有機栽培的。最近「碳足跡」的觀念正紅，這類的蔬果正符合這樣的訴求。這裡也有幾個攤位甚至可以讓你訂一年份量的菜，只要每個星期三到這裡提貨即可。
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我是個買菜不太看價錢，即使看了也記不起來的人。連我這樣的人，不用特別用心的比較，也可以發現這裡東西的價錢，和一般大型超市比起來還是貴上一些。除非正好遇上盛產的水果，像是秋冬季的柑橘類的水果 (應該還有很多我漏掉的好東西，就等大家推薦吧)。雖然比較貴，有機會我還是會來這裡買菜及水果，也透透氣。
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既然這裡的東西都不便宜，會來這裡光顧的，也多是用行動支持有機、碳足跡等環保及永續理念的人，因此帶著各式各樣環保袋來購物的人比例也相當高。來這裡沒帶環保袋也沒關係，店家都有準備二次使用的塑膠袋供大家使用。
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這裡賣的水果大部份都可以試吃，也有很多機會可以和親手種出這些蔬果的農夫們聊聊天。有小時候跟媽媽上傳統市場買菜的感覺。
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小有名氣的有機咖啡 -- Sweetwater Coffee 的攤位。我很少喝咖啡，也不會分辨咖啡的好壞，還是留給別人去品嚐吧。
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這個攤位是我只要去逛農夫市集，就固定會報到的攤位。相較於大部份市場上餵飼料養大的牛，他們的牛是吃草長大的，當然也不打生長激素。這個攤位除了有賣特別香濃的牛奶之外，還有生牛奶 (Raw milk)、優酪乳、牛肉、雞蛋及起士。價格也不便宜，半加崙的牛奶和優酪亂分別要價 $5 及 $8。不過為了吃的安心，還是有很多人願意花這個錢來購買。
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2nd Street Bakery 也有個小攤，他們的法國麵包特別吸引人，也賣各式配麵包的沾醬。
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這家賣的是阿媽自家做的意大利脆餅 (Biscotti)，三種口味都不錯，很適合當做假日郊外踏青的零食。
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想搬些花花草草回家種也行，這個攤位上有不少選擇，從觀賞、食用到香料植物都有。
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這個市集也有不少當地藝術家擺設的藝品攤位，讓市集增添不少多樣性。
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買完東西，可以坐在草皮上，聽聽現場的音樂。
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其實有不少人根本就不是來買東西的，而是和三五好友在這裡聚聚，享受午後的時光。上圖左邊的那群人，正在玩著踼沙包的游戲，加上背景的現場音樂，氣氛是一整個歡樂。
自從搬到甘城的西北邊後，就比較少特地繞道去這個市集買東西，該是往其他農夫市集逛逛的時候了。
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註1: 甘城所在 Alachua 郡裡的農夫市集 (資料來源: http://www.visitgainesville.com/press/item.aspx?id=21)
Union Street Farmers Market
The Union Street farmers market on the Downtown Plaza in Gainesville is one of the larger markets in the county. Brightly colored tents surround the outskirts of the plaza with produce, bakery goods, a hot dog stand, arts and crafts items, and more. A refrigerated truck holds beef from grass-fed cows and milk that is certified. A band may play and one may sometimes find baby farm animals for children to pet. A large grassy area is perfect for children to play and folks to relax.
When: Every Wednesday, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Downtown Community Plaza, East University Avenue and SE 1st Street, Gainesville.
Alachua County Farmers Market
This is more strictly a farmers’ market, with items for sale limited to food, produce and plants. From the backs of trucks comes an amazing bounty at this bustling market.
A band might play, and you might pick up a marvelous pastry from a local bakery. Or a bouquet of flowers to bring your honey. And, of course, honey, too.
When: Every Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 1p.m.
Where: At the southeast conjunction of the intersection of NW 34th Street and Route 441, Gainesville
Haile Plantation Farmers Market
Haile Plantation, a developed community, boasts a town center and, on Saturdays, a farmers’ market. A few streets are blocked off to accommodate many sellers of produce, but also promoters of community groups and even an organizer of trips to France.
When: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Haile Village Center, off SE 98th Street
High Springs Farmers Market
A park alongside a creek is the setting for this market. Underneath the trees, the bright tents shelter a variety of produce and arts and crafts. This market also provides a portable ATM, so there’s no excuse to be low on cash.
When: Thursdays, 2 to 6 p.m. Also, Saturdays, April through July, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: James Paul Park, Northwest 2nd Avenue and Main Street, High Springs
Hawthorne Farmers Market
Set beside a former church that now houses the Hawthorne Historical Museum and Cultural Center, this small market in a laid-back small city offers a relaxing atmosphere among tall pines. Barbecued chicken was available one Saturday as well as the usual produce and local wares. Visitors might want to wander over to the museum, which is usually open on Saturdays.
When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: SE 221st Street and SE 73rd Avenue, Hawthorne
Tioga Town Center Farmers Market
The newest farmers’ market and one of the smallest, this market is gaining popularity. Located in front of the shops in this relatively new upscale shopping center, the market offers more craft items than most. A local artist was displaying her oil paintings one Monday along with a producer of honey as well truck farmers and their goods.
When: Mondays, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Tioga Town Center, on Newberry Road (Route 26), five minutes west of I-75.
Mosswood Farm Country Store
This country store serves as background for produce (and pies!) lined up before its old-fashioned porch. Country goods, such as overalls, herbs, breads and even rocking chairs are sold inside.
When: Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: 703 Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
This is the largest flea market in the area with more than 1,000 booths of produce and old and new merchandise— from “green beans to blue jeans.” Covering 50 acres, it has both indoor and outdoor space.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Highway 301, just north of Waldo.
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