Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando becomes the place to be.
Tents of all sizes line both sides of the park’s winding sidewalks for the weekly Orlando Farmers Market.
Music, ethnic food, comfort food, preserves, homemade pasta, some gluten-free, plants, home made soap – all are found here. Baked goods, entertainment, a variety of crafts, yes, even wine and beer, you name it and Orlando Farmers Market, not unlike a mini-festival just in town for a few hours, has it.
Parking is free or some metered on the nearby streets but spaces fill up fast. We cruised around the park and there wasn’t a square inch between cars. So we opted for paid parking ($5) on N. Eola Drive.
Walking across the street to the park we quickly inhaled the wonderful aroma of food being cooked.
Food, fellowship, fun on Sunday mornings
Let the fun begin.
Like crepes? Then get in the long line at the Crepe Company food truck.
Sweet crepes with names like Cookie Butter and Frenchy. Savory crepes like Day Break or Monte Cristo. We contemplate the choices while the line moves forward. One cook runs the truck. He is a master at making perfect crepes every time. The crepe will be light, crunchy on the edge, flaky in the middle. Oh yes, crepe heaven.
Part of the fun – this market is dog friendly. Obi, my Welsh Corgi, came with us. Every dog we met was leashed and well behaved. Water bowls abound. Dog treats are on the menu.
In a center circle are metal picnic tables set under shade trees. The perfect place to eat that crepe or the famous roasted corn offered by another vendor. Sit a while to enjoy the parade of people and pets meandering by.
Lake Eola Park hosts Orlando Farmers Market
It was a warm, humid day when we visited. The weather worked for the lemonade stand that stayed really busy. Part of the fun is talking with vendors along the way – like the woman who makes jewelry out of newspapers and magazines. Lovely bright necklaces, earrings, and bracelets – who knew recycling could be so creative?
We wandered towards the lake and saw entertainment of a different kind – people feeding the swans. Black and white swans live at Lake Eola. They are rather famous and seem to know it. The swans are hip – it is Sunday therefore lots of people and free food.
The City of Orlando capitalizes on the real swans by having a fleet of swan boats. Rentals are available.
So much to see and do.
Sunday at Lake Eola is a delightful part of the No Mouse side of Orlando.
Lake Eola Park is located at the corner of East Central Blvd. and N. Eola Drive. Market regulars are passionate about showing up and they arrive early.
We’ll be back. The crepes are calling our names.
News
The Kindle version of Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida is now available. For those of you who like to read e books, you will enjoy this.
Events
SARASOTA
Sunday Sept. 9, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1201 North Beneva Road, Sarasota, Florida. Lucy Tobias is the featured speaker for Singles on the Go. The public is invited. You do not have to be an SOTG member to attend. Lucy will talk about her book Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida and show a Powerpoint presentation. She will be available after the talk for book signings.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
Saturday, Sept. 22 – from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Omnisara, an autumn solstice walk on their labyrinth, plus a talk and book signing for Circle the Center Labyrinth in Florida, starts at 6:30 p.m. with meet the author, walk begins at 7 p.m. $5 donation requested. Address: 414 Third Avenue N., Jacksonville Beach, FL
ORMOND BEACH
Saturday, Sept. 29 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Labyrinth walk and book signing outside at Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum & Gardens,
78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, Florida