If you are a farmers’ market fan in Naples, Florida, you know that the summers are not only very hot, but they also make it difficult to find all of your favorite fresh produce and other goodies. Many of the seasonal markets are only around from October until May. See a complete list of farmers’ markets in Naples FL.
But the good news about the Shoppes at Vanderbilt Farmers’ Market is, you don’t have to go out in the heat and melt as you stroll through the stands — because during the summer, it’s indoors!
If you’re looking around for local vendors, you will find some amazing ones at this market. A few of the great ones (and there are many more) include:
- Maverick Meats
- Nico’s Kitchen
- Bob’s Fresh Seafood (try the jumbo scallops and jumbo shrimp – woah!)
Did you know that there is a grass fed beef producer just north of Naples in Lehigh Acres?! If you are on the look for a local meat vendor, you’ve really got to check out Maverick Meat. They make some awesome meat, sausages, poultry and more.
When you stop in, try to snag a sample of their sausages or steak. With everything coming right out of South Florida what you experience here stems from an intimate meat relationship that you don’t find all that often these days. These animals have lived a good life — and you can taste the difference.
Looking to stock up? They can help you with that as well. Buy the whole cow, half or just a quarter and your freezer will soon be overflowing with grass fed, locally raised, high quality beef.
Philip Christie of Maverick Meat really has a passion for supplying our local restaurants and homes with high-quality, high flavor, grass fed, organic meats. He takes pride in his products and it shows in every bit of sausage or steak you taste.
Whether you are looking for beef, chicken, pork, lamb or even more exotic meats, Maverick Meats has a wide selection, from roasts to T-Bones to filet. There were also some really nice lamb cuts in the cooler that caught our attention.
As far as sausages go, if you want fresh, flavorful, organic links or patties, this is where to look. The Bacon Sizzler patties are perfect for breakfast and bring a sweet, smokey flavor to the plate.
While you will certainly find lots of fresh ingredients to cook your own masterful dishes, you can also grab something to eat if the sight of all that food gets to be too much. We found Nico’s Kitchen hiding in the corner — but they definitely have nothing to be ashamed of!
Serving an array of Greek-inspired BBQ and comfort foods, you can eat there or take a meal with you. We gave the pulled pork sandwich a try which was really tasty. You can try from a spicy or mild sauce or even get pulled chicken if you prefer. It was definitely one of the better sandwiches I’ve tried while in Naples! Nico’s does sell out often – so make sure you go early!Another item which you absolutely don’t want to miss from Nico’s Kitchen are the cupcakes! If you’re lucky, there will be a few mini-cupcakes left for you to sample. But if not, just buy a couple regardless. The cupcakes are moist and fluffy with the most incredible frosting. They had Oreo cupcakes the day we saw them and oh wow. I am definitely going to pick up at least a few cupcakes next time…even if it means running a few extra miles the next morning.
When you go, you’ll recognize these face. Be sure to tell ’em Foodie Naples sent ya!
Visit the Shoppes at Vanderbilt Farmers’ Market
2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd
Naples, FL 34109
(239) 273-2350
Indoor Summer Market – Saturday 8am-1pm
Note: This article written by Tiffany, author and editor of No Ordinary Homestead, first appeared on FoodieNaples.com in 2014 and has been republished with permission.
What are the days/hours of the indoor farmers market at the Shoppes at Vanderbilt?
Good question. 🙂 They are open during the summer on Saturdays from 9am-2pm.
They are actually open 8-1 on Saturdays
Maverick Meats products are also available Monday thru Friday 8-3 at our butcher shop, 408 Leonard Blvd North Lehigh Acres Fl 239-368-1835