The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch was just ranked No. 1 in American Farmland Trust's  2025 American Farmers Market Celebration. The national online event, in which the public voted for their favorite markets, ran from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, with a total of 1,263 markets nationwide participating this year. More than 60,000 people cast votes; in recognition, the market will receive a $2,500 prize.

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch began in 2017 and operates every Sunday, year-round, in downtown Waterside Place, where it moved in 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can pick up a bevy of local products including produce, bread, sweet treats, honey, coffee and tea, barbecue, crêpes, candles, soap, jewelry and more.

"It's been incredible," says Morgan Bettes, the market's manager. "[The market] originally started [in 2017] at the Sarasota Polo Club field with about 15 vendors."  

"It's such a testament to the hard work that goes into the farmers market," adds Nicole Hackel, Lakewood Ranch's events and resident experience manager. "The market team's hard work and the vendors that show up every single Sunday and set up are a testament to our community who show up for these local businesses."

"When Waterside Place was first conceived, there was always the thought that it would be the final landing place for the market," Hackel continues. "It's not just a weekly event in which people buy from our vendors and leave. They stay for the live music. They bring their kids and bring them to do activities in the kids' zone. It's an all-inclusive location."

Bettes says she's most excited for market vendors to learn about the recognition and feel supported by their community. "It's grueling for our vendors to come out on our hottest summer days," she says. "They are our neighbors, too, and it gives me goosebumps for them to receive this validation."

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch runs every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waterside Place. For more information, click here.