Imagine taking a trip where you can try a different taste around the world without leaving Fernandina Beach. Just by strolling North Seventh Street you can enjoy things like culinary delights from African, an ancient flower of Asia, tasty fruits of the Caribbean, and European cookies. Long-time vendor, African Love Kitchen will be in the farmers market with homemade, fresh African food by Tanzanian Chef Ibrahim Mahem. Tasty sambusa, chicken dishes, and piri piri sauce are just a few examples of the chef’s love of his cultural food. Jaxma Orchids brings a popular flower that first became popular in East Asia about 4,000 years ago. Both Japan and China used orchids for medicinal purposes. Even the wise Chinese philosopher Confucius said, “An orchid in a deep forest sends out its fragrance even if no one is around to appreciate it.” Stop by Kings Kountry Produce for fresh mangoes and pineapples, and Breakable Hearts specialize in macaroons, which many think were invented by the French. Actually, this Italian treat spread throughout Europe and was especially popular for the Jewish during Passover. Enjoy your journey that also includes Chicago style pizza, Aloha Sweet Treats, fresh baked gluten-free and vegan baked goods, succulents, blooming baskets, Polish pierogis, island inspired terrariums, fresh cut flowers, wild Alaskan salmon, dog treats, and so much more.
Adjacent to the farmers market on North Seventh Street, is the Arts Market in the parking lot behind Pineland Bank. There are 30 booths of hand crafted art, woodworking, apparel, fine and whimsical jewelry, and other homemade treasures. Stop by BU Treasures and meet Zoya Roberts. She sews children’s dresses, matching scrunchies, rompers, tops, and bell bottoms in a super soft spandex/polyester blend in the prettiest prints. Collar Cottage has been adding fall designs to her collection of dog collars, leashes, seat-belts, and dog-walking bags that have space for poop bags, your cell phone, wallet, keys, and more. You will also find Bougie B’s Designs; a booth full of handcrafted greeting cards, sun catchers, and ceiling fan pull chains. Her jeweled items come from antique shopping and estate sales where she redesigns fabulous pieces into new works of art. Lottie Dottie Art will also be at the market with her stippling technique where she uses thousands of tiny dots rather than straight lines to create fabulous variations of tones and shades in her original greeting and note cards.