Bountiful harvests and local delights

Fernandina Beach is host to Florida's friendliest farmers market, and it will be open Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Their sister market, Wildlight Market Place will also be open in Yulee, near Interstate 95. You will find some of the same vendors at both markets, so look for the market that is conveniently located to you. Rudy, of Ferra's Bakery, stays up all night Friday to ensure fresh baked breads and pastries are available in Nassau County. Look for cookies, baklava, spanakopita, focaccia breads, sour doughs, garlic sticks, and much more. Red Flag Spicy Foods has joined both markets with an amazing line of chef cultivated flavors. A crowd favorite is their Fusebox. Chef Jason says with a laugh, "Fusebox was the safest way we could think of to infuse chocolate and orange with tequila and habanero." It is just like it sounds... a little sweet and a little hot. Other flavors in the "medium" heat category include Spanish Bomb, made with mangoes, fresh cilantro, sour oranges, and limes; Max Power, made with mustard, wheat beer, habaneros, brown sugar, orange, and juniper; and Big Red Rocket, a roasted garlic sauce with Parmesan, real butter, and peppers from around the world. He offers tasting, too, so try one of these, or another flavor, if you dare! King of All Guacamole is in the markets with fresh ceviche like shrimp and mango. He also brings homemade salsas and picante sauces made from tomato, green tomato, and pineapple salsa. Of course, their specialty is whipping up a batch of guacamole in their booth at the market. It doesn't get any fresher than that.

The Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market is located on North Seventh Street. Enjoy a cool autumn day in this open-air market taste-testing products from Lizzie's Cheese Straws. Compared to a Gold Fish brand cracker on steroids, this delicious snack is available in Classic Cheddar, Pimento Cheese, Parmesan Cheddar, White Cheddar and Rosemary, and Cheddar Habanero. There are also two cookie-like straws available in either Red Velvet or Key Lime. I've heard these are perfect to dip in whipped topping while binge watching rom-coms on a rainy day. Another great booth to stop by for samples is the Savory Dips booth. They have packets of flavors that you mix at home for a spicy, savory or sweet dip or spread. They mix up over 50 flavors that you can try at the market. Be warned: the Sea Salt Caramel is addictive, the Tavern Cheddar will disappear before your eyes, and the Three Amigos is really, really hot! Not only are these great mixes, but they also serve as rubs, seasonings, or a shake and bake packet. Still not convinced to peruse the farmers market? Stop by the Gypsy Microgreen booth and check out her microgreens. Taste the sweet corn, radish, or arugula. The mighty flavors in these baby counterparts will blow your mind. In addition to these fine vendors, you will also find local honey, flavored salts, King's Kountry Produce is returning this week with two booths full of seasonal produce, we have wild caught shrimp, chicken and duck, jellies and jams, plants, baskets, terrariums, and so much more.

The Wildlight Market Place is located on 123 Tinker Street in Yulee. This is a farmers' market and an arts market. Be on the lookout for handcrafted and unique jewelry, artwork, paintings, pottery, woodworking, soaps, candles and more to start your holiday shopping. You will also find seasonal produce, chicken and beef, coffee, food trucks, and a variety of specialty and prepared foods.

Entertainment in Fernandina Beach will be provided by The Banjo Man himself, Mr. Chuck Hall. Wildlight will have the talented Bill Gallerizzo. Bill is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, and enjoys playing rock, folk, jazz, standards, and ethnic tunes. Both markets are open from 9 to 1, and your four-legged best friends are welcome to join you. For the latest information about who is attending, both markets can be found on Facebook.