Picture this: Saturday morning in Port St. Joe, the salty breeze tugging at your sunhat as you follow the scent of just-baked bread toward rows of market tents. A guitarist strums, toddlers chase bubbles, and tables overflow with dew-kissed strawberries and glossy Gulf Coast greens—picked hours ago, ready for your RV skillet tonight.
Key Takeaways
• Open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, February–December, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Reid Avenue, a 5-minute walk or bike ride from Port St. Joe RV Resort.
• Arrive before 9 a.m. for easy parking, shade, and first pick of fruit, bread, and greens.
• Big RVs stay at the resort; smaller rigs, bikes, strollers, and leashed dogs fit downtown.
• Season guide: Spring berries & beans; Summer peaches, corn & watermelon; Fall satsumas & pumpkins; Winter citrus & hardy greens.
• Pack small bills, reusable bags, a cooler with ice, and a short leash for pets.
• Hot-selling booths: Sunrise Citrus juice, Bay Breadery loaves, Gulf Greens salad bags, Bluewater Creamery cheese curds.
• Quick RV cooking: foil packets with shrimp and veggies, one-pan stir-fries, and prep-once diced salsa mix.
• Extras for fun: live music, kid bee demos, shaded picnic tables, outdoor outlets near the coffee cart.
• Plan ahead: 2025 market days are Aug 2 & 16, Sep 6 & 20, Oct 4 & 18, Nov 1 & 15, Dec 6 & 20..
Craving the sweetest citrus? Wondering which stall still has vine-warm tomatoes at 10 a.m.? Curious how to keep leafy treasures crisp in a travel-size fridge? Keep reading and you’ll:
• Spot peak-season produce at a glance—no more guessing games.
• Nab parking (and shaded seating) before the crowds roll in.
• Learn quick, one-pan recipes that turn farm finds into beach-side feasts.
Grab your reusable bag, leash the pup, and let’s turn this market stroll into the tastiest part of your Gulf Coast getaway.
Warm Welcome: Why the Salt Air Farmers Market Belongs on Your Weekend Agenda
Five minutes after leaving Port St. Joe RV Resort, you’ll roll onto Reid Avenue and see colorful canopies tucked beneath live oaks. The Salt Air Farmers Market pops up here on the first and third Saturdays from February through early December, greeting visitors between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Eastern Time, according to the official schedule on saltairmarket.com. Because the park sits at the corner of US 71 and Reid, it’s an easy, stroller-friendly loop that invites slow wandering and spontaneous conversations with growers.
The market doubles as a mini-festival. While you sample satsuma wedges, local artisans teach kids how bees make honey, and a folk duo covers Jimmy Buffett classics. Picnic tables hide under magnolias, giving snowbirds and weekenders a shady spot to swap recipes. Even better, the entire layout is dog-friendly as long as Fido stays on a short leash—so everyone in your rolling household feels welcome.
Quick-Glance Seasonal Produce Calendar
Seasonality drives every decision here, and knowing what hits its flavor peak will save you both money and fridge space. Spring rewards early birds with plump strawberries, blueberries sweet enough to stain your fingers, tender greens, and the first trickle of tomatoes. By summer, tables groan under peaches, figs, sweet corn, and watermelon big enough to challenge the kids’ arm muscles.
When the calendar flips to fall, muscadine grapes and satsumas arrive, followed by pumpkins and leafy greens that laugh at Florida’s mild chill. Early winter still dazzles: bright citrus, sturdy carrots, and kale that keeps for days. Arriving during the first market hour ensures the widest selection, because popular items—think just-picked corn or hydroponic salad mixes—often sell out by noon.
Game Plan by Traveler Type
Snowbird foodies—imagine Gulf Coast Gourmand Gretchen—like to stroll over after a sunrise beach walk. She chats up growers about pairing satsumas with local shrimp, then claims a shaded bench near the music stage so her terrier can nap. Because she’s here all season, she asks farmers about ripeness cues and snags herb seedlings that thrive on an RV’s sunny dashboard.
Adventure Foodie Families, weekenders from Tallahassee, leave the Class C parked at the resort and pedal downtown to dodge street closures that start around 8:30 a.m. The kids race to complete “Produce Bingo,” hunting for peaches, peppers, and any Georgia-grown sticker. Parents fuel the troops with kettle corn and fruit smoothies, knowing pool time awaits after noon.
Telecommuting Taste-Seeker Tom treats the market like a 30-minute power mission before his 9 a.m. Zoom. He beelines for early-bird greens, sourdough that sells out fast, and vacuum-sealed smoked fish that survives a week in a compact fridge. A coffee cart two booths north of the gazebo offers outdoor outlets, letting him fire off emails while citrus deals still echo in his earbuds.
Smooth Sailing Logistics for RV Travelers
Parking downtown feels simple once you know the rules. Tow vehicles and small motorhomes fit into the shaded municipal lots on Reid Avenue, but anything larger than a Class C is better left at the resort. Streets close to through-traffic about 30 minutes before the market opens, so budgeting a small buffer keeps frustration low and family moods high.
Payment flows smoothly when you arrive armed with small bills, though more vendors now accept mobile card readers. A collapsible cooler tucked in your trunk—or strapped to a bike rack—protects delicate greens until you’re back at camp. Remember pet etiquette: keep leashed dogs clear of produce tables and carry waste bags so the only thing left behind is good karma.
Vendor Cheat Sheet & Early-Bird Tips
At 9 a.m., Sunrise Citrus Co. pours samples of orange juice so fresh it still tastes like morning sunshine. Across the aisle, Bay Breadery sells out of crusty ciabatta by 11 a.m., so slide that loaf into your bag early. By 9:30 a.m., Gulf Greens Hydroponics offers bagged salad mixes that stay crisp for days, a blessing when fridge space is tight.
Honey lovers should scout Panhandle Honey & Beeswax around 10 a.m. The kids can dip pretzel sticks into raw tupelo, and parents can grab a beeswax candle for cozy RV nights. Cheese fans, set your phone alarm for 10:30 a.m.; Bluewater Creamery’s squeaky curds keep seven days when stored below 40 °F, making them the perfect snack for sunset happy hour.
Haul-to-Table: RV Storage & Quick-Cook Hacks
Moisture is the enemy of longevity, so line your fridge’s crisper drawer with a clean dish towel before sliding in lettuce or berries. Quick-blanching green beans or okra—just a minute in boiling water followed by an ice bath—shrinks them for easier storage and readies them for later grilling. For dinner with zero dishes, tuck local shrimp, sliced squash, and peppers into a foil packet, splash with olive oil and Old Bay, and grill over campground coals for 15 minutes.
Prep-once, eat-twice saves both time and fresh water. Dice extra tomatoes and onions right after you park the rig, store them in a gasketed container, and they’ll jump into omelets at sunrise or bruschetta at dusk. A battery-powered fridge thermometer provides cheap peace of mind when power posts flicker, keeping perishables safely below 40 °F even during brief brownouts.
Build Your Perfect Market Day Itinerary
Start at 8:30 a.m. with a breezy bike ride from the resort, letting coastal air wake you faster than any espresso shot. By 9 a.m., you’re weaving through stalls, bagging produce, and chatting with farmers about soil health. Cooler in tow, wander two blocks to the BayWalk Trail for bird-watching along St. Joseph Bay, the salty aroma mingling with basil in your tote.
Around 11 a.m., spread a feast of bread, cheese, and sliced fruit at George Core Park’s waterfront pavilions. Kids can spot dolphins while adults sketch out afternoon options: paddleboards on the resort’s calm bayfront or a hammock nap under palms. As sunset approaches, the communal grill station glows; share extra squash with neighboring campers and trade travel stories under string lights that flicker like fireflies.
Extend the Flavor Beyond Market Hours
U-Pick farms scattered across Gulf County invite visitors to pluck strawberries in March or citrus in December, turning grocery shopping into an outdoor adventure.
Dock-side seafood stalls open after 2 p.m. when shrimp boats unload, letting you pair just-landed pink gold with market vegetables for a dinner that tastes like vacation on a fork. Prices dip near closing time, so consider a late-day visit if you’re stocking the freezer.
Keep an ear out for pop-up chef demos near the music stage; seating is first-come, so folding chairs earn their keep. Short-term visitors can even score a one-week CSA share, a risk-free way to sample peak produce without a long commitment. If your heart craves community, spend an hour volunteering at the local garden—it’s a hands-on lesson in Gulf Coast growing secrets and a chance to make new friends.
Need-to-Know Dates & Contact Info
Future trip planners take note: 2025 market days fall on August 2 and 16, September 6 and 20, October 4 and 18, November 1 and 15, and December 6 and 20, as listed by the Gulf County tourism board on visitgulf.com. Setting calendar alerts now means no scrambling later, especially if you book your RV site months ahead. Share the dates with fellow travelers to coordinate potlucks and sunset cruises.
Questions about vending space, music slots, or lost sunglasses? Reach out to organizer Joey Jernigan at 850-373-7379 or email the address posted on the official market site. Friendly voices and quick replies are part of the charm, matching the laid-back vibe you’ll feel the moment you step under those flapping awnings.
When tomorrow’s skillet dinner can start with peaches plucked minutes ago—and the market is only five minutes from your door—the smart move is simple: park the rig at Port St. Joe RV Resort, wander Reid Avenue, and let the weekend season itself. Secure your spacious site now, relax by the bay tonight, and wake up steps from the freshest flavors on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Taste the market, savor the coast—book your Gulf Coast escape with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What days and times does the Salt Air Farmers Market operate?
A: The market pops up on the first and third Saturdays of most months, welcoming shoppers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern, though a handful of growers will quietly finish setting up by 8:30 a.m. for the true early birds.
Q: Which fruits and veggies are at their peak this season?
A: In spring you can count on strawberries, blueberries, and tender greens; summer brings sweet corn, peaches, figs, and watermelon; fall means muscadine grapes, persimmons, pumpkins, and satsumas; and early winter still shines with juicy citrus, hardy greens, and greenhouse tomatoes that taste like sunshine in December.
Q: Is the market pet-friendly?
A: Absolutely—well-behaved dogs on short leashes are welcome under every canopy, and most vendors keep water bowls handy so your four-legged travel mate can cool off while you sample citrus slices.
Q: Where should I park if I’m driving or towing an RV?
A: Vehicles up to a mid-size Class C fit nicely in the shaded municipal lots along Reid Avenue, but anything bigger is happier staying at Port St. Joe RV Resort; many guests simply bike or walk the flat, five-minute route to avoid street closures that start around 8:30 a.m.
Q: How early should I arrive for the freshest picks?
A: Arriving between 8:45 and 9 a.m. guarantees first dibs on still-warm bread, just-picked corn, and limited-batch items like Gulf Greens salad mixes that often sell out by 10:30.
Q: Are there ready-to-eat snacks for a beach picnic?
A: Yes—look for fruit smoothies, kettle corn, fresh empanadas, squeaky cheese curds, and crusty sourdough that need no prep before you spread a blanket at George Core Park or head back to the resort’s bayfront.
Q: What’s the best way to keep produce fresh in my RV fridge?
A: Pat your finds dry, line the crisper with a clean towel to absorb moisture, and store delicate greens in vented bags; hearty items like citrus, carrots, and hydroponic lettuce hold their crunch for a week when your fridge stays under 40 °F.
Q: Do vendors accept credit cards or should I bring cash?
A: While most farmers now swipe cards through mobile readers, small bills speed up the line and help when spotty cell service slows down payment apps.
Q: Are there activities to keep kids engaged while parents shop?
A: The market hands out Produce Bingo cards, invites youngsters to watch honey-spinning demos, and often hosts bubble play or live music that turns browsing into an easy morning adventure.
Q: Which stall usually has the sweetest citrus right now?
A: Sunrise Citrus Co. is your go-to for ultra-juicy satsumas and navel oranges, and they’re happy to slice samples so you can taste before you buy.
Q: Is the layout accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers?
A: Yes—the entire stretch of Reid Avenue is paved and level, with wide aisles between booths and plenty of curb ramps, making it smooth sailing whether you push a stroller, roll a wheelchair, or guide a gentle walker.
Q: Are shade and restrooms available on-site?
A: Picnic tables under magnolia trees provide leafy relief from the midday sun, portable restrooms sit near the music gazebo, and brick-and-mortar facilities are open inside the adjacent Welcome Center for extra comfort.