The Captiva Island Farmers Market is a bright spot for anyone lucky enough to escape winter’s wrath. You’ll find a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables, all locally grown.
Mornings tend to be a sleepy time on this island, except on Tuesdays. The crowd at the Captiva Island Farmers Market at Chadwick Square (just outside the entrance to South Seas Island Resort) turns a parking lot into a weekly hot spot.
If you’re visiting to escape the cold weather, you know what a treat it is to find an open air market in the middle of winter. Enjoy the warm sunshine on your face as you walk among the booths and sample all the amazing food and treats this area offers.
Captiva Island Farmers Market Booths
The Captiva Island Farmers Market is bigger than you might expect. Around thirty vendors sell a variety of products including fresh fruit and vegetables, coffee, seashells, clothing, and fresh, local seafood.
“The fruits, vegetables, and food are the freshest and tastiest available,” Betsy Ventura, the market’s co-owner told me. Who doesn’t love fresh fruit and vegetables in the dead of winter?
Ventura raised her kids on Captiva Island and of the nine farmers markets she runs, this one is her favorite. “The Captiva Island Farmers Market is so special because it is not only a place to buy your fresh produce and baked goods, it has become a weekly gathering place for both visitors and local residents.”
You’ll even find all kinds of local goodies from local pure raw honey, to freshly prepared Italian meals.
Don’t miss the nautical paintings and crafts made by local artists. They sell everything from brightly colored purses, to seashells and air plants (think succulent gardens with an island twist).
Captiva Farmers Market Food Trucks
Come to the farmers market hungry because a handful of food trucks fill the air with aromas you can’t resist! Feast on everything from French crepes, made-to-order empanadas, and smoked, barbecued meat.
There’s plenty to quench your thirst too. Try a made-to-order smoothie from the fresh fruit stand or get your caffeine fix with blended (or regular) coffee drinks.
Local Seafood
Our favorite seafood, Molly Malone Seafood, has a booth at the farmers market. It’s strongly recommended to place your order ahead of time to guarantee it’s available at the market.
Even if Molly’s runs out, fear not, there are several other vendors ready with fresh seafood, including Island Seafood Market.
Fresh Guacamole
At the guacamole stand, catch the live-action show as the guacamole’s made fresh in front of you. It’s impressive and entertaining. But more importantly, it’s downright delicious!
Insider Tip: Get the large container because with food this good, go big or go home!
Don’t Miss The Captiva Farmers Market
Before you hit the beach, we strongly recommend spending some time at the farmers market. Being outdoors and enjoying fresh, delicious foods by the people who make them, is time well spent.
Insider Tip: Bringing your own bag is encouraged. Walking or biking to the market is also recommended; parking can be hard to come by.
The Captiva Island Farmers Market runs every Tuesday, November through May, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s currently located in the Chadwick Square parking lot.
Address: 5400 Plantation Rd, Captiva, FL 33924
Hours: Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (November-April)
