Organic Farmers MarketOrganic Foods, Green Products, Books & Farming Information

Grabbing A Bargain In Orlando

While Orlando is undoubtedly best known and most visited for Disney World, many tourists find they are pleasantly surprised by the flea markets in the area. These markets offer unusual gift ideas as well as a host of bargains to anyone who needs a day away from the theme parks.

While these flea markets may come as a surprise to foreigners, to Americans they are well known as some of the biggest in the country. Flea World in particular, found between Orlando and Sanford on Highway 17-92, is thought to be the biggest in the country. Open only Friday through Sunday, this market has 1700 stalls and attracts around 50,000 visitors every weekend. Stalls are found both outside and inside (in an air-conditioned hall).

Flea World, however, offers more than just a market for shoppers – entertainment opportunities exist all around, with magic shows and various circus acts dotted throughout the area. Next door to Flea World is Funworld – a great place to take bored kids as it features all the favourite carnival rides as well at 15 designed specifically for adults.

Closer to Disney World, in fact situated close to Disney’s main gate on Highway 192, is the Maingate Flea Market. This market has around 400 booths, is open all week and is famed for its ethnic food offerings. The Maingate Flea Market is thought to be the original market of its kind in the area and because of its close proximity to Disney World it has an abundance of budget Disney souvenirs.

For those wanting a real taste of Orlando, the Osceola Flea and Farmers Market – found between St Cloud and Kissimmee – has approximately 900 stalls selling a variety of local produce fresh from nearby farms and orchards, Orlando souvenirs and the perfunctory Disney offerings. This market differs from others in that while most stalls are run by licensed merchants, there is also a section where people can turn up for the day to sell unwanted household items.

Of course, these are just some of the flea markets in the area. When you arrive in Florida you can ask at Orlando hotels or pick up a local newspaper to find out about nearby or upcoming events.

Some visitors swear by the markets, with savings thought to be around 30% compared to similar products in shopping centres. While this naturally depends on what you’re buying, it goes a long way to showing that a bargain can be found in a highly visited area if you’re willing to look for it.

About the Author

Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Farmers Market (Paperback) $8.13 Colorful vegetables, delicious fruits, and lots of friends. . . . The farmers market is always fun! Illustrator Edward Martinez brings the hustle and bustle of market day to life.

Farmers’ Market Bridal Shower Invitations $1.81 These whimsical hand-drawn bridal shower invitations are reminiscent of posters you might see at your local farmers’ market.

The Irish Farmers Market Cookbook $15.99 Both a cookbook and a culinary tour of Ireland, celebrating the diversity and quality of local food and showing how the experience of shopping at farmers’ markets can transform your everyday cooking.Over 100 recipes range from new takes on traditional Irish favourites to dishes with more Mediterranean flavours, always emphasising seasonality, local produce and fresh ingredients the return to slow food.Includes a guide to the best farmers’ markets in each region of Ireland, with profiles of some of the farmers and producers bringing their food sensations to market.As well as using ingredients available at the market, recipes also recreate some of the breads, cakes, chutneys available, like Gallic Kitchens organic steak pies and Giana Fergusons baked cheese with winter herbs so even if you can’t visit the markets you can still enjoy a taste of Ireland.Recipes for everyday cooking Fried mackerel, Cork Beef Stew as well as more unusual offerings that reflect the wider range of produce available at farmers’ markets, such as Roast Pheasant with Apple and Sweet Geranium Stew.