Hankering for some fresh-picked fruits and vegetables? How about health-infused drinks, signature coffees, seafood and meats, or the world’s best guacamole? Lucky for you (and all of us), Sanibel Island and Captiva Island each offers you a world of delights, under blue skies and sunshine, with our local Farmer’s Markets.
Founders Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura, long-time island residents, launched the first Sanibel Farmer’s Market all the way back in 2008. Today, their company — Local Roots — operates 9 of the largest markets in Southwest Florida.
On Sanibel, City Hall serves as your healthy and happy shopping partner every Sunday from October to May, Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm (including Easter). On Captiva, visit South Seas Island Resort for the Captiva Island Farmer’s Market, November to May, every Tuesday from 9 am to 1 pm.
In our house and as 20-year island residents, we try to visit the Sanibel Market just as often as we can (following church!). Each of our three kids has their favorite go-to treat, from bagel sandwiches to fresh fruits to (almost mandatory) guac! But no matter which market across Southwest Florida you visit, be sure to 1) bring cash (no credit cards) and 2) please keep your favorite dog at home and bring ‘em a reward! 
If you haven’t done a Farmer’s Market on our islands before — resident or guest — mark your calendars for a must-do event Tuesday on Captiva and Sunday on Sanibel.
And be sure to stop at the Market booth to say hi to Betsy and Jean!