Despite their small size, microgreens, like these sold at the Lake Worth Beach Farmer's Market, pack a nutritional punch, often containing higher nutrient levels than more mature vegetable greens. Linda Haase/The Coastal Star
By Linda Haase
“Even when it rains we shine.”
With a motto like that it’s no wonder the Lake Worth Beach Farmer’s Market — now in its 14th year — is so popular. But there are plenty of other reasons people make this market part of their Saturday ritual.
“We are literally on a peninsula with water views almost everywhere you look. We offer free parking, but we also love to see people walk, bike or drive their golf carts here. There is also a beach to dock your kayak and a boat dock,” says Emily Theodossakos, the bustling market’s former manager, who took over the helm after founder Peter Robinson retired this season.
The pet-friendly market at Old Bridge Park at the corner of A1A and Lake Avenue is shady, compact and easy to navigate. And with nearly 60 vendors, there’s plenty to experience.
Truffle cheese? Check. S’mores cupcakes? Absolutely. Artisan jewelry, clothes, notecards and more? It’s all here. Live music? Check it out, along with quiches, microgreens, keto desserts, organic pickles, seafood, lush plants, glass art, brisket or octopus tacos — and even a chiropractor. The list is nearly endless.
“Our market is more than just a place to shop and go. Those who really get the best out of it are the ones who stroll through slowly, check out all the different vendors, and just relax and have a coffee, juice or meal by the waterfront,” says Theodossakos.
You’ll meet some extraordinary vendors, like Nathalie Cormouls Verre, whose one-of-a-kind Blu Nomad attire is not only immensely wearable, it’s making an impact across the world. She designs the clothes but they’re handcrafted by widows in India.
“I am happy to support them and their kids, and proud to allow them to walk on their path to independence and dignity,” she explains on her Facebook page.
Alicia Falcone, whose Shogo Zen Art booth beckons with her unique hand-dyed scarves, towels, bags and other creative endeavors, often studies abroad learning crafts like rice-paper lamps and indigo shibori from the masters. Falcone, a feng shui consultant and Zen painter, is imaginative down to the very last detail.
Whether you go home with seafood, clothes or other goods, it all makes a difference, says Theodossakos. “Shopping helps the local economy and helps to support many small businesses and their families more than people know. Many of our vendors either live in Lake Worth Beach or have small businesses there or nearby. So the market really is the epitome of ‘shopping local.’”
It often serves as a business incubator, she explains, giving entrepreneurs who don’t have money to open a restaurant or store front a start: “The market gives them the opportunity to build up their business and a regular customer base, which often leads to the opportunity to open a store or restaurant.”
It also brings residents from neighboring towns together, she says. “Many of our customers come from South Palm Beach and we love that we provide an opportunity for people from both sides of the bridge to meet, interact and get to know each other.”
Theodossakos loves the vibe of the market, but wants to mix things up a bit. So she created the Lunar Market, a monthly evening event at the same locale (the next one is Feb. 13, 6-10 p.m.) with boutiques, creative chefs, entertainment, libations — and a full moon.
What can visitors expect?
“Same great location, totally different experience.”
GREEN MARKETS
Boca Raton Greenmarket every Saturday at City Hall (north side), 201 W Palmetto Park Rd. 8 am-1 pm. Free. downtownboca.org; 299-8684 elilly707@aol.com
Delray Beach Greenmarket every Saturday at Old School Square Park, 50 NE 2nd Ave, one block north of Atlantic Ave. Fresh local produce, baked goods, gourmet food items, plants, live music, children’s activities. 9am-2pm. 276-7511; delraycra.org
Lantana Greenmarket every Sunday at Bicentennial Park, 321 E Ocean Ave. 10 am-2 pm. 515-9919; shorelinegreenmarkets.com
Lake Worth Farmers Market every Saturday by the bridge at A1A. 1873 Lake Ave, Lake Worth. 9 am-1 pm. Free. 547-3100; lakeworthfarmersmarket.com
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