Lakewood Ranch farmers market named No. 1 in America

The Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch has been voted the top farmers market in America, according to the American Farmland Trust. The national nonprofit dedicated to agricultural advocacy and preservation invited members of the public to vote for their favorite farmers markets in August and September through an online competition.

More than 60,000 votes were cast in the contest, according to the trust. The Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market received the most votes of all 1,263 participating farmers markets and was named the national winner.

“This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication of our incredible market family — our hardworking team, the 100-plus talented vendors who pour their passion into every Sunday, and the thousands of attendees who show up week after week to support our local businesses,” Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market Events and Resident Experience Manager Nicole Hackel says in a statement. “Held at Waterside Place, our market has grown into more than just a place to shop; it’s a gathering place, a weekly tradition, and a true community hub.”

In 2023, 2024 and again this year, the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch was ranked the top farmers market in Florida through the American Farmland Trust competition.

The Lakewood Ranch farmers market features vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, prepared foods and crafts.

“This market is really the grassroots of the American dream,” Michael Top, owner of Camelot Breads, says in the statement. He retired from banking at age 55, earned a culinary degree and now bakes hundreds of loaves each week, milling his own flour and sourcing organic ingredients from Florida farms. “Some businesses may have started in their garage, but here they are now, a success. They are selling their products to people who appreciate quality and want to support small businesses.”

Top gives free loaves to people over 90 and invites local children to work in his booth at the farmers market in Lakewood Ranch, according to a statement, which says what distinguishes this event from other markets are its atmosphere, unique vendors and activities. 

For earning the title of No.1 farmers market in America, the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch received $2,500 from the American Farmland Trust. The award can go toward marketing, communications and other efforts to expand the market’s reach and impact.

The farmers market in Lakewood Ranch started in 2017 and was initially held for two years at the Sarasota Polo Club, where it began with 15 vendors. Next, it moved to the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center parking lot for two years, according to sister publication the East County Observer, before relocating to its home at Waterside Place in 2021. By 2023, it had more than 8,000 patrons each week.

The Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch occurs every Sunday year-round from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1561 Lakefront Drive.