Local foods, from veggies and seafood to honey and beer, are tasty treasures
NORTWEST FLORIDA—MARCH 2021–Country stores, farmers markets, downtown tastings and agriculture tours all offer opportunities to touch, taste, experience and enjoy local Northwest Florida treasures. This region stretches from east of Pensacola westward toward Tallahassee, along scenic US Highway 90 (and Interstate 10) and beyond. The diverse landscape and enduring sense of place make it a joy to visit for travelers with myriad interests. Beachgoers, paddlers and divers have long sung the praises of both inland and coastal outdoor fun here. But those in search of an authentic local experience, whether on a road trip through the region or a day trip from the beach, will find just what they are looking for.
Charming downtowns and rural rolling fields are the setting for discovering the homegrown goodness of Northwest Florida. Farmers markets offer easy access to locally grown and made specialties.
Farmers markets
On U.S. Highway 331 in Freeport, the Cypress Cattle Farmers Market (16564 U.S. Highway 331 South Freeport, Florida 32439) features fresh produce from the local, family-owned Cypress Cattle Company as well as from other growers throughout the region and across the state. Beef and dairy products as well as the freshest seasonal vegetables can be found here.
The Market at St. Andrews (1201 Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401) began as a community activity in 2004 and has grown to be one of the best in the region, even recognized nationally by American Farmland Trust.
In Chipley, the Main Street Market (1251 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428) and the seasonal Chipley Farmer’s Market (685 7th Street, Chipley, Florida 32428) offer fresh vegetables and fruits from local farmers. Just out of town K & L Farms (1567 Piney Grove Road, Chipley, Florida 32428-4058) is a great spot, as well, to choose some Washington County goodness to take home to your table.
There is definitely a focus at The Peanut Shack (4128 U.S.-231, Marianna, Florida 32446) but this favorite spot for travelers has gained a reputation for an impressive mix of other local produce in addition to its famed peanuts, which can be purchased fresh, roasted or boiled.
“Eat Fresh. Buy Local” is the theme at the Marianna City Farmers’ Market (2844 Madison Street, Marianna, Florida 32446) where growers and sellers of local fruits and vegetables, honey, dairy products and meats sell their goods. Jams and jellies, baked goods, crafts and flowers can be found here, too.
Seafood markets
Of course, there is fresh seafood, from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Local favorites include the following:
At Tarpon Dock Seafood Market (234 E Beach Drive, Panama City, Florida 32401), boats unload their fresh catch daily and oysters and regional favorites are brought in fresh.
Bonifay Seafood Market (1007 North Waukesha Street, Bonifay, Florida 32425) brings the tastes of the Gulf inland, offering seafood, spices and seasonings.
13 Mile Seafood Market (227 Water Street, Apalachicola, Florida) in Apalachicola brings in seafood from the bay on its own boats, as well as from area fishermen, each day.
Lynn’s Quality Oysters & Raw Bar (402 Highway 98, Eastpoint, Florida 32328) is known not only for its retail seafood but as a favorite lunch spot, as well. Of course, oysters are a favorite here.
At Millender & Sons Seafood Co. (607 Southeast Avenue B, Carrabelle, Florida 32322), generations have offered the freshest of seafood to retail and wholesale customers.
Specialty shops and tastings
Southern Craft Creamery (2884 Jefferson Street, Marianna, Florida 32446) serves up the regionally popular ice cream (and other dairy products) from local Cindale Farms (3958 Old U.S. Road, Marianna, FL 32446).
Green Gate Olive Grove (3754 Annie Road, Marianna, Florida 32446), the first olive grove in Florida, offers tastings of their house-made products, including olive oils, infused vinegars, sauces, spices and rubs. They also host and cater other special events.
Tupelo honey is a true local product. Wewahitchka is the only place this famed sweetness is harvested. Many local apiaries offer samples and sales of more than a dozen varieties of raw honey.
So much more!
There are family farm tours across the region, where sustainable practices and the fruits of the harvest are shared. And, of course, local museums tell the stories of history, commerce and culture. Downtowns are bright with local works of art, from unique murals to original works in shops along the streets of towns like Port St. Joe, Apalachicola and Havana.
There is so much to savor across this Northwest Florida destination, filled with thriving communities and a wealth of local fare. It offers visitors a getaway that will feed the soul and the body!
The online resource at ExploreNWFlorida.com highlights the unique destinations of Northwest Florida and additional activities and attractions. On the road, be sure to stop at any of the area visitor centers for travel advice and a dose of small-town Southern hospitality.
Don’t forget the beer!
Check out this impressive list of local breweries that dot the downtowns of Northwest Florida:
These folks brew their own:
Southern Fields Brewing – 2328 FL-2, Campbellton, Florida 32426
Grayton Brew Pub – 170 East County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach Florida 32459
Idyll Hounds Brewing – 845 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
History Class Brewing Company – 6 East 4th Street, Panama City Florida 32401
Salty Oak Brewing Company – 1123 Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401 in St. Andrews
Oyster City Brewing Company – 17 Avenue D, Apalachicola, Florida 32320
Eastpoint Beer Company – 374 Highway 98, Eastpoint, Florida 32329
Serves regional craft beers: The Taproom – 1124 Chestnut Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401
And for wine . . . . Three Oaks Winery – 3348 Highway 79, Vernon, Florida 32462