Shop a local farm, browse the Market on Main, select market fresh seafood and more in this culinary diverse coastal town
Fresh takes on new meaning in Martin County Florida, an easy-to-get-to-area encompassing the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Sewall’s Point, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island, offering beautiful beaches and more than 100,000 acres of parks and conservation land – not to mention the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere, the St. Lucie Inlet, all within two hours or less driving time of four international airports: Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando. Here, a county-wide building restriction has limited structures to four stories tall, preserving breathtaking views throughout the county, yielding “Old Florida” charm accented with Key West whimsy. Sustainable, locally-grown food is the way of life and seaside markets provide ample opportunity to redefine fast food.
Stuart, the county seat of Martin County, was named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine, and one of the Best Small Towns to Visit by Smithsonian Magazine. Stuart also recently won the “Great Places in Florida Award,” presented by the American Planning Association, and was voted the #2 “Best Small Coastal Town” in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.
Kai-Kai Farm
Coastal conjures images of seafood – which Martin County offers plenty of – but what you might not expect to find is a working farm like Kai-Kai Farm, operating as a local food distributor and offering different produce throughout the year including bananas, lettuce, tomatoes, beans and peas among others as they work towards organic certification. Kai-Kai Farm is a recipient of the Snail of Approval Award given to local food suppliers like farms, restaurants and markets whose food is judged as good, clean and fair. The food is assessed by taste, healthiness, production, distribution, and if it is in season and free of additives.
Working on a farm has its ups and downs, but Carl Frost, co-owner of Kai-Kai Farm, says it’s worth it. “It’s dirty, hot and seven days a week,” Frost said. “But we like the open space, the quiet, and nature; that makes up for it.”
Kai-Kai Farm believes in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) giving locals a chance to receive a weekly or biweekly produce box over the course of eight weeks for a set cost.
“Our produce is grown a little slower,” Frost said. “It’s not pumped up with nitrogen.” Frost says supermarkets have their produce shipped in from places like Mexico and Canada, and when produce has to be shipped a long way, it has to be designed to survive the trip. Frost says distance is the biggest difference, but the type of seeds used, freshness, and growing practices all separate local from big chain food.
“Numerous times we get feedback about how people make lifestyle changes and improve their health,” Frost said.
Kai-Kai Farm helps many, including the owners, live a healthier lifestyle. Frost says his family is not vegetarian and they do frequent the grocery store, but they have established a balance where they include visits to other local growers to fill in the gaps in their own crops.
Frost says there is plenty of room for more growers, and he would love to see more people farming and living out in the country with their families.
Seminole Inn
Another stop on the menu in Martin County is The Seminole Inn, founded in January 1926 as part of the railroad movement to bring food and fish to the northeast. Now, people from all over travel to the Seminole Inn for its famous brunch and “Old Florida” grandeur.
Jonnie Wall-Flewelling, the manager of the Inn, says every Sunday the Seminole Inn’s brunch draws anywhere from near and far, with the holiday brunches selling out a month in advance.
Post-brunch, visitors can embark on a variety of wildlife trips throughout the area, including gator hunting and frog gigging.
Supporting area businesses, the Inn buys vegetables locally, sources fish from Lake Okeechobee, raises cattle, makes jams and jellies and prepares their own sausage.
“We make the best fried chicken in the state, bar none,” Flewelling said. She says their sweet potato casserole is also a hit. “If you want great food simply done, come to the Seminole Inn.”
The Market on Main
Shop local at The Market on Main, where local produce growers, artisans, cooks, entrepreneurs and other creative people showcase their talents to the community, providing fresh, unique offerings that exist nowhere else. Organized by Stuart Main Street, the waterfront farmers’ market takes place every Sunday in the heart of Flagler Park.
“The Market on Main has grown into a beloved weekly tradition that not only brings people together, but also showcases an impressive range of local goods from all over Martin County,” said Candace Callahan, Executive Director of Stuart Main Street. “Neighbors and visitors alike can stroll through beautiful Downtown Stuart and enjoy the outdoors in a busy marketplace atmosphere – plus there’s always something new to see, so it keeps things fresh and exciting.”
The Market on Main’s vendors sell local eggs, meat and produce, as well as fresh-baked pastries, homemade jewelry, handcrafted soaps, organic skincare products and tropical apparel, among other items.
The weekly market is also dedicated to nurturing young entrepreneurs and features a ‘Kids Market’ section on the last Sunday of each month. Selling their homemade goods, these impressive vendors are all under the age of 15. And don’t miss their newest addition, the Mobile Craft Bar. Mixologists collaborate with the vendors each week to create specialty cocktails highlighting various Market on Main goods. One week might feature a gin cocktail mixed with locally made kombucha, and the next week you might find a Bloody Mary garnished with local garlic and small batch pickles.
The Market on Main is held every Sunday, year-round from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Flagler Park (201 SW Flagler Ave in Stuart). Located along the St. Lucie River, the market operates rain or shine with live musicians performing each week.
Shadowood Farm
Looking for even more authentic agritourism experiences? Then make your way over to Shadowood Farm in Palm City.
Sarah and Bob Fenton originally owned a native nursery and garden center, but were inspired to pivot during the Great Recession of 2008. The couple decided to focus on farming and converted their nursery beds into raised garden beds. Today, they sell hundreds of herbs and vegetables – a list of selections so large it’s easier for the Fentons to share what they don’t grow.
Shadowood Farm is one of two USDA Certified Organic farms in Martin County and the only certified organic farm that sells produce to the public. Visitors can stop by to enjoy locally grown, seasonal, certified organic produce, which typically grows from mid-November through May.
“Farming has truly become a passion for us, and we love welcoming visitors to Shadowood and showing them a slower, simpler way of life,” said Sarah Fenton.
This beautiful, small farm is also an official agritourism property, registered with the State of Florida. Shadowood Farm boasts a couple of cozy campsites for overnight stays, as well as a no-frills, 900-square-foot “Goodness Grows Bungalow” available to rent year-round.
“We welcome all rational, compassionate, and kind-hearted people who are committed a peaceful world and a healthy planet,” said Fenton. “Just one person makes a huge impact, and everyone who makes an effort to shop at a local farm makes a huge difference to that farm’s bottom line.”
Shadowood Farm is also available for small, private parties, weddings, meetings, events, photo shoots and more.