A Farmers Market in the Rain

Not the Largest, but the Driest

July/August 2019

On a recent Sunday we toured Miami-Dade in search of farmers markets. To be honest, such places really don’t exist anymore. They are actually gourmet/artisanal food markets where you can buy snacks and knickknacks, with perhaps one or two stands of actual local produce. Regardless, they are fun to visit on Sundays, especially with the family in tow. The problem with such places in summer is that it’s also the rainy season. In our expedition, we got soaked everywhere (we won’t name the places) except one: The Farmers Market of Shops at Merrick Park. Thanks to its covered archways, we were able to shop and sample from 18 stands, even as the rain roared down. There were empanadas, smoothies, candles, incense, breads, spreads, dried fruits, jams, handbags, salads, jewelry, sandwiches, arepas, Indian chutneys, cakes, falafels – and a stand of fruits and vegetables organically grown in Homestead. Dragonfruit anyone?