By Meredith Sheldon

Bored of prepackaged produce and soggy veggies? Try walking up and down rows of local vendors at the farmers market in downtown Gainesville instead of the aisles of the grocery store! Here you can find fresh fruits, foods and flowers all while enjoying good company.

The Union Street Farmers Market is open to the public every Wednesday from 4–7 p.m.

What is it?

The Union Street Farmers Market offers fruits, veggies, baked goods and plants from the heart of Gainesville. Vendors line downtown streets in tents, and local musicians play on the Bo Diddley Community Plaza stage.

Since 1996, the market has been an opportunity to support local farmers, cooks and vendors. This is a perfect outing for all types of people. You can experience the fresh finds of Gainesville straight from the farm with your family, friends or even on a date.

Why should you go?

The motto of the Union Street Farmers Market is to “make the world a better place — one vegetable at a time.” If you are looking to try something new in Gainesville and want to explore what the city has to offer, it is worth coming out to.

The market offers fresh foods from local farms like citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli and sweet potatoes. Bakers sell home-baked goods, cookies, jams and chocolates, while local artists bring in handcrafted jewelry and artwork.

Come support your local vendors and enjoy the greens of Gainesville.