Brownwood Farmers Market Details

[Bobbie416]

I would like to go to the Brownwood Farmers Market today, Saturday, January 12, but I am having trouble finding information regarding it. Could someone please tell me if they are having it today and during what hours? Also, is there a best time to get there? I have not been to Brownwood yet and travel by golf cart, so please let me know if there is anything else I need to know. Thank you so much and thank you for these wonderful informative posts.

[graciegirl]

Go down Buena Vista until you see Brownwood.

The Farmers Market is smack dab in the middle of Brownwood. Many stalls, you can't miss it.

It is all morning.

You will enjoy it, I am sure.

Plenty of stuff, we have arrived late in the morning and had a great selection.

I like the stall that is a family with little ones running around in the stall and they sell vegetables. Never been disappointed with the produce or the prices.

[Blessed2BNTV]

The pasta booth has some delicious and different pastas. Can't wait to be back next weekend. We are not full-timers......yet.

On another note - TOTV helps to keep us connected. Thanks to all who post.

[Bobbie416]

Thanks!!! I love TOTV too!!!

[Uptown Girl]

Also consider making a visit sometime to the farmer's market section (section F) at the Marion Market outside of TV. (flea market open on the weekends)
Wonderful abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. Very reasonable prices.

[Bobbie416]

Thanks Uptown Girl, but I only have a golf cart for transportation. I believe one of my friends here brought me there last year and I really liked it.

[NotGolfer]

What Gracie said. The prices are better than the grocery stores and the ambience is much like any Farmer's Markets with all the vendors to choose from---everything from fresh produce to coffee, to baked goods and more. Have fun!!!

[NotGolfer]

What Gracie said. The prices are better than the grocery stores and the ambience is much like any Farmer's Markets with all the vendors to choose from---everything from fresh produce to coffee, to baked goods and more. Have fun!!!

Oh...and I think the time is 9 until 2

[spk7951]

I would like to go to the Brownwood Farmers Market today, Saturday, January 12, but I am having trouble finding information regarding it. Could someone please tell me if they are having it today and during what hours? Also, is there a best time to get there? I have not been to Brownwood yet and travel by golf cart, so please let me know if there is anything else I need to know. Thank you so much and thank you for these wonderful informative posts.


There is some info regarding times and market vendors near the bottom of the page on the web site listed below.

http://www.vendini.com/e/viewEmail.php?cpid=118070423&memberID=807b78359cb8323c0f3a5b31b2a2e80a

[Cisco Kid]

There is some info regarding times and market vendors near the bottom of the page on the web site listed below.

http://www.vendini.com/e/viewEmail.php?cpid=118070423&memberID=807b78359cb8323c0f3a5b31b2a2e80a

nice link, thanks for the post

[cathyw]

Oh...and I think the time is 9 until 2

Yes, it's from 9 until 2. I've been to it a few times and really enjoyed it.
Go early. One time, we got there at 1pm. Some of the vendors had already left and some were packing up to go home.

[Cedwards38]

There is a vendor that sells some of the best cheese you've ever tasted. I even bought a beautiful hibiscus bush there.

[Bobbie416]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I went to the Brownwood Farmers Market this morning and it was fabulous. I got there relatively early and it was not overly crowded. It seemed to get more crowded later in the morning. I bought strawberries, Florida onions, oranges, broccoli, bean sprouts, kale, corn, and cranberry walnut bread. I also sampled many delicious items. This is a fabulous farmers market!!!

[Down Sized]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I went to the Brownwood Farmers Market this morning and it was fabulous. I got there relatively early and it was not overly crowded. It seemed to get more crowded later in the morning. I bought strawberries, Florida onions, oranges, broccoli, bean sprouts, kale, corn, and cranberry walnut bread. I also sampled many delicious items. This is a fabulous farmers market!!!

:agree::gc:

I made my first trip today. I bought everything you did and a little more in about 10 minutes $35. I don't know why anyone would want to go out of town to a different farmers market with that market in The Villages. They have just about everything someone could want. I just don't think it's worth climbing into the car.

[queenv]

I've been there early and the vendors are usually selling by 8. I like the Lee Farms veggie booth. I think they said they are from Webster. Very friendly folks with a lot of cute little ones in the background. Young boy waited on me and I was impressed with how he kept my total going just in his head --- and he was spot on too! Smart little guy! I bought strawberries there and was impressed that the man hand sorted through them and the quarts I bought didn't have a bruised one at all. They've got my business!

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I love Brownwoods Farmers market

[Villageshooter]

just be careful with the uncovered baked goods,,, is very unhealthy,,, is flu season,,, i have posted bout this before,,, was a guy with a cigerette over the uncovered not wrapped,,, i am not into my food being open to the world,, this is the USA not some 3rd world country,,, we do not have sewage in the streets here!!!

[Cisco Kid]

( we do not have sewage in the streets here!!!)
As one not living in TV yet, just hoping to.
from what I read on here it sounds like there is dog poop everywhere.
Just jokin
:yuck::yuck::yuck::yuck::yuck::yuck::yuck::yuck:

[Indydealmaker]

just be careful with the uncovered baked goods,,, is very unhealthy,,, is flu season,,, i have posted bout this before,,, was a guy with a cigerette over the uncovered not wrapped,,, i am not into my food being open to the world,, this is the USA not some 3rd world country,,, we do not have sewage in the streets here!!!
Not much different than the pastry cases at grocery stores and quick marts; buffets where everybody touches the same spoons without gloves; fast food restaurants where a multitude of workers works over your food without masks. Little or no risk here. Be happy.

[simpkinp]

Not much different than the pastry cases at grocery stores and quick marts; buffets where everybody touches the same spoons without gloves; fast food restaurants where a multitude of workers works over your food without masks. Little or no risk here. Be happy.

Excellent points. I cringe at buffets, yet that is often where I end up when cruising, at least for lunch and quite often breakfast as well. Hmmm. What to do? Many people carry hand sanitizer to use before eating, even though they are sanitized upon entering the dining area in those venues. Gosh, when you think about it, what about our famous neighborhood pot luck dinners? You can't be a Villager and not go to pot lucks, darn near weekly. I guess some germs must be good for us!

[tommy steam]

Also consider making a visit sometime to the farmer's market section (section F) at the Marion Market outside of TV. (flea market open on the weekends)
Wonderful abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. Very reasonable prices.

I have gone there several times and I think it's a great shopping place. Besides veggies and fruit they have many venders selling all sorts of things. It's a fun place to visit. They even have a barber shop that does haircuts for 6 bucks.

[jhrc4]

My first visit to the Farmers Market @ Brownwood was terrific a few weeks past and thought I would try again...Very Disapointed why ?? The prices have gone up. Now I am comparing Brownwood to Marion Market and without doubt Marion Market Wins.
The majority of the vendors @Brownwood have raised their prices to the point where to me it simply is not worth the trip. The Marion Market is without a doubt far better,as I mentioned in the beginning the Brownwood market was really,really good However the vendors have gotten greedy.

[njbchbum]

most likely the vendors now have a following and no longer need to entice residents to drive all the way to brownwood...and the same vendors now serve the northern villages at spanish spring on thursday so that they do not have to go all the way to brownwood. thus, prices will continue to rise to the highest point that the residents will bear. only way to show dissatisfaction is to head to the markets of marion!

[jhrc4]

I agree with " njbchbum " the vendors now have a following at both Brownwood and Spanish Springs and obviously know this. Like " njbchbum " rightly stated prices will continue to rise.
I feel both Brownwood and Spanish Springs Markets are way overrated, however it is something new and time will tell whether they last..

[Ragman]

My first visit to the Farmers Market @ Brownwood was terrific a few weeks past and thought I would try again...Very Disapointed why ?? The prices have gone up. Now I am comparing Brownwood to Marion Market and without doubt Marion Market Wins.
The majority of the vendors @Brownwood have raised their prices to the point where to me it simply is not worth the trip. The Marion Market is without a doubt far better,as I mentioned in the beginning the Brownwood market was really,really good However the vendors have gotten greedy.

Selection variety is definitely down and prices are up.
Not sure if it is seasonal or the additional market.

Seems to be fewer vegetable stands and more "other businesses"

The last time it was truly a local farmers market was when it was still in Wildwood

[graciegirl]

I am so disappointed to hear that the vendors are raising their prices. I hope that it is seasonal...maybe because volume has decreased for them during the lower population during the summer.

I wonder how much booth rental is?

I am hoping that one of the vendors will tell us if it is a dropoff of customers and the continuance of overhead that has made them raise their prices.

One thing for sure about the the older population is that they are savvy shoppers. Our peak earning time is over and we are trying to outlive our savings.

I want to hear from my favorite vendors, the two young couples who always bring their well behaved children and the well behaved grandma too...... I KNOW they read this forum.

What do YOU vendors have to say on this?

[asianthree]

i find it important for farm to table..but if they are too high i will pass

[jblum315]

My one problem with the Brownwood market is that none of the produce appears to be local. I'm used to farmers markets where the fruit and veggies were harvested nearby and sold soon after picking.

[missypie]

Went to Brownwood on Saturday. Nice and close for us. The tomatoes were from Tennessee and they were spectacular! Made my famous tomato salad and it was delightful! bought corn from Michigan and it was sooo sweet and crunchy. Bought Muffuletta from the olive vendor guy and I marinated flounder in it and baked it. Oh my gosh good!! Also piced up beautiful shallots. I love to support vendors when I can. They sit in that heat and give us samples and talk to us and I love to hear them promoting their business.

[Tweety Bird]

My one problem with the Brownwood market is that none of the produce appears to be local. I'm used to farmers markets where the fruit and veggies were harvested nearby and sold soon after picking.

Not everything you want is in season in Florida. So it must be hauled in from somewhere else. Duh... No-brainer.

[Tweety Bird]

i find it important for farm to table..but if they are too high i will pass

So maybe you should stick to Publix. The quality of the produce is excellent by the outdoor vendors.

[asianthree]

So maybe you should stick to Publix. The quality of the produce is excellent by the outdoor vendors.

nope i just pass..the idea of farm to table is you put on your table what is fresh or go to plan B...something from the freezer that i have put away just for plan B

[spk7951]

The following web site shows what months certain fruits and vegetables are grown in Florida. As you will see the months of June - September have quite a few blank cells meaning the farm market veggies are coming from out of state and will most likely cost more.
What’s in Season Now? - Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (http://www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/crops/inseason/)

[jhrc4]

Keep in mind this: The original question ..General information and directions to the Brownwood Farmers Market.
The so called Farmers market both @ Brownwood and Spanish Springs is hardly a " Farmers" market in the true sense of what many would consider going to.It really has fallen into a Market sort of like the Marion Market but with fewer choices, higher prices, and few if any " Local " produce. Once again IMO travel a bit further and seek other places.

[Indydealmaker]

Keep in mind this: The original question ..General information and directions to the Brownwood Farmers Market.
The so called Farmers market both @ Brownwood and Spanish Springs is hardly a " Farmers" market in the true sense of what many would consider going to.It really has fallen into a Market sort of like the Marion Market but with fewer choices, higher prices, and few if any " Local " produce. Once again IMO travel a bit further and seek other places.

Judging by the participation and attendance, The Farmers Market is successful. If it fills a need, why knock it?

My wife and I used to visit the Farmers Market when it was held in Wildwood. Since moving to Brownwood and recently Spanish Springs, it grown exponentially both in number of vendors and number of shoppers.

In season, locally-grown products are in abundance.

If pricing is actually too high, the market will force prices down or force vendors out of business. So, I guess, so far, prices are competitive. We might be able to drive somewhere more rural, but at $.50 per mile, that can certainly level the playing field for The Villages Farm Markets.

[Mikeod]

We noticed the prices at Brownwood seemed slightly higher than at the supermarkets. But we also discovered the produce lasted a lot longer. As an example, we get green beans at Brownwood that stay fresh and delicious for almost two weeks in the fridge. The ones we buy at the supermarket tend to go bad in less than a week. So which is really more expensive?

Then there is the enjoyment of being there, walking around, looking at the various items for sale. I don't get that same feeling at Market of Marion, too crowded for me. YMMV. To each his own.

[Lee Farms]

Wondering if I can take a moment to address some of the concerns. We are a vendor at the Market (Lee Farms). We are usually there with our children. We are Farmers, Farming the land, every day, growing everything we can and providing to you at the best prices we can afford.
We are charged rent for each week at the Villages, and during this rainy season, we have had days, where we have walked away with very little money.
Prices are up, absolutely. It is summertime in Florida which means that the vegetables are harder to grow, or coming from further away. Customers are down, which means we don't have as big of a crowd to sell to. Too much rain ruin some crops, and the rain stops the market and ruin what vegetables you have left. Wind ruins tents that need to be replaced.
Although, we realize that you want the best value for your money, finding a Farmer that will go out of their way to keep happy customers keeps them in business, which means when the prices go back down, you will reap the benefit of that.
Our family will have 20 acres into our vegetable crops this by the end of the year, which means that you can actually buy non-GMO, often organic produce from a FARMER and put it on your table.
Blessings to all of you, and thanks for giving us the opportunity to respond!
Christina Lee
Lee Farms



Quoted
"I am so disappointed to hear that the vendors are raising their prices. I hope that it is seasonal...maybe because volume has decreased for them during the lower population during the summer.

I wonder how much booth rental is?

I am hoping that one of the vendors will tell us if it is a dropoff of customers and the continuance of overhead that has made them raise their prices.

One thing for sure about the the older population is that they are savvy shoppers. Our peak earning time is over and we are trying to outlive our savings.

I want to hear from my favorite vendors, the two young couples who always bring their well behaved children and the well behaved grandma too...... I KNOW they read this forum.

What do YOU vendors have to say on this?"

[graciegirl]

Wondering if I can take a moment to address some of the concerns. We are a vendor at the Market (Lee Farms). We are usually there with our children. We are Farmers, Farming the land, every day, growing everything we can and providing to you at the best prices we can afford.
We are charged rent for each week at the Villages, and during this rainy season, we have had days, where we have walked away with very little money.
Prices are up, absolutely. It is summertime in Florida which means that the vegetables are harder to grow, or coming from further away. Customers are down, which means we don't have as big of a crowd to sell to. Too much rain ruin some crops, and the rain stops the market and ruin what vegetables you have left. Wind ruins tents that need to be replaced.
Although, we realize that you want the best value for your money, finding a Farmer that will go out of their way to keep happy customers keeps them in business, which means when the prices go back down, you will reap the benefit of that.
Our family will have 20 acres into our vegetable crops this by the end of the year, which means that you can actually buy non-GMO, often organic produce from a FARMER and put it on your table.
Blessings to all of you, and thanks for giving us the opportunity to respond!
Christina Lee
Lee Farms



Quoted
"I am so disappointed to hear that the vendors are raising their prices. I hope that it is seasonal...maybe because volume has decreased for them during the lower population during the summer.

I wonder how much booth rental is?

I am hoping that one of the vendors will tell us if it is a dropoff of customers and the continuance of overhead that has made them raise their prices.

One thing for sure about the the older population is that they are savvy shoppers. Our peak earning time is over and we are trying to outlive our savings.

I want to hear from my favorite vendors, the two young couples who always bring their well behaved children and the well behaved grandma too...... I KNOW they read this forum.

What do YOU vendors have to say on this?"

Good for you LEE FARMS. I have enjoyed every single thing I bought from you and I encourage everyone who reads this to go to your booth.

You are good farmers and ethical sales people and excellent parents.

Your fan,

Gracie

[NotGolfer]

Wondering if I can take a moment to address some of the concerns. We are a vendor at the Market (Lee Farms). We are usually there with our children. We are Farmers, Farming the land, every day, growing everything we can and providing to you at the best prices we can afford.
We are charged rent for each week at the Villages, and during this rainy season, we have had days, where we have walked away with very little money.
Prices are up, absolutely. It is summertime in Florida which means that the vegetables are harder to grow, or coming from further away. Customers are down, which means we don't have as big of a crowd to sell to. Too much rain ruin some crops, and the rain stops the market and ruin what vegetables you have left. Wind ruins tents that need to be replaced.
Although, we realize that you want the best value for your money, finding a Farmer that will go out of their way to keep happy customers keeps them in business, which means when the prices go back down, you will reap the benefit of that.
Our family will have 20 acres into our vegetable crops this by the end of the year, which means that you can actually buy non-GMO, often organic produce from a FARMER and put it on your table.
Blessings to all of you, and thanks for giving us the opportunity to respond!
Christina Lee
Lee Farms



Quoted
"I am so disappointed to hear that the vendors are raising their prices. I hope that it is seasonal...maybe because volume has decreased for them during the lower population during the summer.

I wonder how much booth rental is?

I am hoping that one of the vendors will tell us if it is a dropoff of customers and the continuance of overhead that has made them raise their prices.

One thing for sure about the the older population is that they are savvy shoppers. Our peak earning time is over and we are trying to outlive our savings.

I want to hear from my favorite vendors, the two young couples who always bring their well behaved children and the well behaved grandma too...... I KNOW they read this forum.

What do YOU vendors have to say on this?"

I will respond in support of the Growers/Farmers Market. I go because I feel their prices are better than the grocery stores in most cases. For example...last week I bought a watermelon for $2.00 where-as the stores charge $4.99. Just one example! I have been amazed as well with how the vendor's children are well-behaved...just think of your kids/grandkids staying in a small space for several hours while Mom/Dad are busy working. Plus it's in all types of weather! I will continue to support the markets and hope that others will too. Thank you Lee Farms for chiming in! You are so right!!!

[Shirleevee]

I will respond in support of the Growers/Farmers Market. I go because I feel their prices are better than the grocery stores in most cases. For example...last week I bought a watermelon for $2.00 where-as the stores charge $4.99. Just one example! I have been amazed as well with how the vendor's children are well-behaved...just think of your kids/grandkids staying in a small space for several hours while Mom/Dad are busy working. Plus it's in all types of weather! I will continue to support the markets and hope that others will too. Thank you Lee Farms for chiming in! You are so right!!!

I have been shopping Farmer's Markets for many many years and feel as you do. Let's support our local markets please!!!!!

[Indydealmaker]

Wondering if I can take a moment to address some of the concerns. We are a vendor at the Market (Lee Farms). We are usually there with our children. We are Farmers, Farming the land, every day, growing everything we can and providing to you at the best prices we can afford.
We are charged rent for each week at the Villages, and during this rainy season, we have had days, where we have walked away with very little money.
Prices are up, absolutely. It is summertime in Florida which means that the vegetables are harder to grow, or coming from further away. Customers are down, which means we don't have as big of a crowd to sell to. Too much rain ruin some crops, and the rain stops the market and ruin what vegetables you have left. Wind ruins tents that need to be replaced.
Although, we realize that you want the best value for your money, finding a Farmer that will go out of their way to keep happy customers keeps them in business, which means when the prices go back down, you will reap the benefit of that.
Our family will have 20 acres into our vegetable crops this by the end of the year, which means that you can actually buy non-GMO, often organic produce from a FARMER and put it on your table.
Blessings to all of you, and thanks for giving us the opportunity to respond!
Christina Lee
Lee Farms



Quoted
"I am so disappointed to hear that the vendors are raising their prices. I hope that it is seasonal...maybe because volume has decreased for them during the lower population during the summer.

I wonder how much booth rental is?

I am hoping that one of the vendors will tell us if it is a dropoff of customers and the continuance of overhead that has made them raise their prices.

One thing for sure about the the older population is that they are savvy shoppers. Our peak earning time is over and we are trying to outlive our savings.

I want to hear from my favorite vendors, the two young couples who always bring their well behaved children and the well behaved grandma too...... I KNOW they read this forum.

What do YOU vendors have to say on this?"

Lee Farms,
If I were you, I would not take too much stock on what some people post on here when it comes to cost. There are some real tightwads. I know many many people, my wife included, that see real value in the products sold by the vendors at the Farmers Market.

There are apparently a few people here with limited life experience when it comes to agriculture and family farms. Just keep up the good work!

By the way, The Villages retailers need you nearly as much as you need them. Why not get together and try negotiating some relief from the developer for inclement weather? Maybe you can erect a free standing, portable turnstyle that will count Market Visitors. If visitation drops below a benchmark due to weather, you get a credit toward future rents. It never hurts to ask.

[Bogie Shooter]

Without naming names there are some early posters that should read post #37. Guess many did not know what they were talking about but enjoyed slamming the farmers market.

[jhrc4]

I go back to the original question that was posted.

The " Farmers Market " both @ Brownwood and Spanish Springs began as a true Farmers Market what one would expect to go to. However what both of these locations have become is basically an extension of the Marion Market with fewer choices and higher prices,plain and simple.

They both however serve a purpose for those who cannot travel to the Marion Market,and once again have a few loyal followers.

I applaud Lee Farms, but they are an exception to rule most vendors basically get their products from the same distributors, and sell and what they have at a price they feel comfortable with to make a profit. Everyone wins.

I don't think for a moment that anyone is slamming anyone just stating the facts.