Indie Craft Bazaar

100 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
12pm until 5pm, Shows scheduled on select days throughout the year

About three or four times a year, Revolution Live in downtown Fort Lauderdale plays host to a gathering of local artists, crafters and vendors, called the Indie Craft Bazaar.  Full of unique finds including jewelry and accessories, home decor, and other funky stuff that you probably wouldn't find elsewhere, it's totally worth checking out.  

Oh, and I should mention, their serving up $3 mimosas while you shop--can't beat that! 

When I attended the event in February, I purchased a cute pair fabric bobby pins and button earrings by Doopie Moo's, and an adorable gold wire-twisted love ring (unfortunately I cant remember the name of this vendor!)  Prices are very reasonable overall, and a very good event to check out for gift ideas, especially for that person who already has practically everything.  

Also, I recommend checking out their Facebook page for updates on vendors, features, and event dates and times.  The next event is July 13, 2013 from noon until 5:00pm.  

Tip: There's a $5 admission fee, but first 100 guests get to pick up a fun little swag bag filled with little trinkets from some of the vendors featured at the bazaar.    

West Palm Beach GreenMarket

101 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach FL

Open Saturdays October through April 9am until 2pm;
May through September 9am until 12pm

I've been to a number of public markets now, and with each one that I visit, there is something unique that sets each one apart from the rest.  The GreenMarket in West Palm Beach takes place in the Waterfront Commons area, where more than 60 local vendors set up shop each week with a variety of goods for purchase.  The market is open to the public, where local shoppers and visitors can purchase anything from fresh fruit and veggies to sauces, dips and spreads, infused oils and vinegars, potted plants and bunches of flowers, and baked goods.

In addition, several food vendors are parked throughout the market as well to purchase breakfast or lunch, such as Maceb's Bagels & Deli for a deliciously fresh breakfast bagel, or Cider Donuts for a just-made warm regular or red velvet cider donut.

Some of my favorites from the GreenMarket include Wildflower Granola (their maple pecan and apple cinnamon flavors are to DIE for), Bistro Blends for their many flavors of oils and marinades, Joy's pasta sauces, tapenades, and savory spreads, and Pappardelle's abundant variety of uniquely flavored fresh pasta.

The GreenMarket is conveniently close to hotspots Clematis Street and City Place, so you can easily make it a day of shopping in West Palm Beach.

Note: This place gets BUSY! So parking can be a bit of a bear.  However, parking is free in the Banyan and Evernia parking garages during the market's hours of operation.               

Rochester Public Market

280 Union Street North, Rochester NY 14609
Open Tuesdays & Thursdays 6am to 1pm; Saturdays 5am to 3pm

Back in the Spring when I was still in upstate New York, I was introduced to one of the most eclectic and largest outdoor markets I've been to so far.  Right in the heart of downtown Rochester, NY is the Rochester Public Market.  From bright and beautiful flowers, freshly picked produce, and baked goods, to stands filled with an array of spices, chickens, goats and rabbits, and the indoor fish market (Tip: hold your breath when you walk by this section!) --this place is just huge.  It's nearly impossible to go home empty-handed.

Among my favorites include the many different choices of homemade pasta by the 1/2 lb from Flour City Pasta, bunches of locally grown rhubarb available in the summertime, and freshly sprouted herbs for sale.  Even more, you can catch local musicians spread throughout the market on any given day.  And horse-mounted police can be found around the market too!    

On one of the weekends at the market, I just happened to witness a local shopper haggling for a goat with the vendor at the animal stand, and I couldn't help but think that this is the first time I've EVER seen something like this.  In the middle of the city?! Only at the market!  

Make sure to stop into the local establishments that line the one side of the market while you are in the area, including Union Bakery and VM Giordano Imports European Cheese Shop.  Boulder Coffee is conveniently situated at the entrance to the market as well, so you can stop and grab a cup of your favorite hot or cold beverage before you peruse the shops.