The Fernandina Beach Arts Market continues to be open weekly until the end of the year. Located adjacent to the popular farmers market on North Seventh Street on Amelia Island, the Arts Market will go back to its regular schedule of being open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays after we ring in 2019.

New traditions and the favorite standards are available for your New Year’s Day dinner at the farmers market. Starting with a traditional coastal meal in the south, you’ll find fresh, wild caught shrimp at the Chesser Seafood booth as they return to the farmers market from their Christmas holiday on December 29th. Since Fernandina Beach is the “Birthplace of the Modern Shrimping Industry,” you should treat your guests to this popular appetizer or make it into a full meal; these large shrimp are delicious. If you love seafood, Upstream Seafood has individual portions of halibut, scallops, large Alaskan salmon filets, and a tasty smoked salmon dip. Planning to stick to the tradition, southern pork dinner? Check out JD Beef, they bring pork to the farmers market. They also have excellent steaks for grilling if you prefer to celebrate New Year’s like the Australians do.

Another popular southern dinner includes black eyed peas and a mess of fresh greens. These are ready for cooking from Al and Anna Boatright at their Boatright Family Farm booth. Don’t forget to put a dime in your peas for luck, and did you know that the greens represent bills and the peas represent coins for a prosperous New Year? In the Appalachian mountains, a pure silver coin is placed into a cabbage roll, and of course, cabbage is plentiful this time of the year. If you are looking for a German tradition, try stuffing donuts with jam. You won’t find better jams and jellies than from Lady Bug Gourmet. She also carries a large selection of pie fillings.

You are sure to find many other favorites at the farmers market such as local honey, freshly baked breads, cocktail mixes, dog treats, coffee, seasonal produce, dip mixes, toffee, African sambusa, flavored salts, and so much more.

The Arts Market will have tons of unique gift items such as fine and whimsical jewelry, painting, woodworking, furniture, iron and metal art, and more. Since we are just past the Christmas holiday this is a great place to shop for yourself!

Both markets are open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., December 29th, rain or shine. Happy New Year!!!