With just ten days left until Christmas, the December 15th farmers and arts markets will be a great place to plan your special meals and pick up unique gifts. Located between Alachua and Centre Streets, in historic Fernandina Beach, both markets are open every Saturday until the end of the year from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine.

The farmers market has a little something special each week and this week they are featuring Laura Lannen’s Bite Sized Confections and her holiday inspired chocolate bites toped with crushed peppermint twist. Some of your favorite vendors will be returning to the farmers market this week, too, such as Steephill and their Vermont Maple Syrup, EPIC ice Cream, Jaxma Orchids, Sunshine Grindz, and Logan’s Microgreens. Featured in the arts market is Color Peace Tie Dye; this is not your traditional Baby Boomer tie dye. Made with ice and powdered colors, this technique leads to colors and designs inspired by Mother Nature. They have an assortment of dyed items from apparel and scarves, to kitchen napkins, towels, and dish clothes.

Holiday Pies are popular this time of the year and if you want to pre-order something sweet for your family’s table consider these two options. Something Good is a gluten-free vendor and owner Dee is making slices of gluten-free pumpkin or chocolate bourbon pecan pie to complement her variety of breads, sweet breads, biscuits, and cookies. For your gluten-free, full sized pie to arrive by Christmas, please call Dee by December 19th at (831) 869-8335. For a traditional apple, pumpkin, or pecan pie that is not gluten-free, get your order to John and Carol of Me, Myself and Pies by 5:00 p.m. on December 18th at (904) 757-2227. Both companies will bring your pre-ordered pies to the farmers market on December 22nd.

This week our Booth With a Cause will hold representatives from Fort Clinch State Park and the Friends of Fort Clinch. They will be onsite to provide information about the park and its recreational opportunities exploring Florida’s natural and cultural resources. Stop by and learn how to become a Friend of Fort Clinch, adopt a sea turtle nest or attend an educational program at the park.

Music this week is provided by Steve Hinnant. Of course, your well-behaved pets are welcome to join you, but please keep them on a short leash as the markets can get crowded at these popular markets.

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