As the long, hot days of summer have given way to crisp, clear mornings and mild afternoons, outdoor fun again seems bearable, if not a delight. Weekend mornings are spent riding a bike, walking, and enjoying the local farmers markets, a favorite pastime of both Winter Park and Maitland residents. 

 

Maitland has its very own farmers market. Located off Maitland Avenue between Packwood and Ventris avenues, the Maitland Farmers Market offers an experience all its own. "The Maitland Farmers Market is a great place for the whole family, including the dogs," says Diane Bennett of DOGgone Gourmet Treats. "It is a perfect place to meet on Sunday, to pick up your fresh fruits and veggies, flowers and plants, homemade breads, and have a fresh-squeezed lemonade."

 

DOGgone Gourmet Treats has been supplying dogs with healthy treats, fun toys and even canine apparel since 1997. It's important to support local businesses, Bennett adds, an act which the market vendors not only welcome, but have also come to rely upon. 

 

Launched in January of this year, the Maitland Farmers Market is slowly evolving, with room to grow. Situated in the lush Quinn Strong Park, the location is perfect for attracting families, couples or singles looking for a relaxing, lovely way to spend a Sunday morning. 

 

Jean Vasicek, master beekeeper at Winter Park Honey, has been a vendor at the market since its inauguration and says of the setting, "The trees offer a bit of relief from the Florida sun and the live music is just great!" Vasicek started Winter Park Honey three years ago and has been enjoying its success ever since. 

 

Selling her products at the Winter Park Farmers Market, and now at the Maitland Farmers Market, has allowed Winter Park Honey a chance to expand, or, as Jean puts it, become the "one-stop honey shop." 

 

The Maitland Farmers Market boasts many of the same products and vendors as the Winter Park market, and the quality of the goods continues to be a contributing factor in the market's growing popularity. Peggy Payton, a local resident, buys all of her fruits and vegetables at the Maitland market. "The produce is really good, and I was told it all came from local growers, so I liked that, too," Payton said. 

 

Regardless of patrons' continued satisfaction, some vendors are worried about the market's future success. "It was not at all crowded when I was there," Payton said, "and I had a chance to talk with the same produce vendor that is at the Winter Park Farmers Market. He was encouraging everyone to tell their friends about the new Maitland market so they could stay open."

 

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The Maitland Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowing plenty of time for a quick trip for the bare necessities, or a relaxing stroll through just one of Maitland's many parks, and the city's one and only Farmers Market.