History
The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market was established in February 2006 by the Gulfport Merchants Association, in cooperation with the City of Gulfport. In addition to supplying a community service for local residents, the Market was envisioned as an attraction for visitors who might also wish to stay and dine at one of the many restaurants in the village and visit Gulfport's independent shops, boutiques and galleries. The Fresh Market has grown from a small handful of vendors in the beginning to its present roster of over 50 vendors today. Customer traffic has also steadily increased over the years, and the Market now routinely has several hundred visitors on a typical day, numbering up to 3000 on the best days of high season.
Specialties
Over 50 vendors set up along Gulfport's scenic Beach Blvd. each Tuesday, year-round. The focus of the Market is on unique and artisan goods, including as many locally-produced products as possible. A wide variety of foods is available, including locally-grown and organic produce, breads, cheese, seafood, Florida-raised meats, nuts, desserts, candy, jams, sauces, herbs, local honey, pickles, olives, prepared foods and much more. Hand-made bath and body products, garden plants, flowers and pet products are another mainstay. Local authors are often on hand. A master knife and tool sharpener on site will work on your knives as you shop. Artists and craftspersons, many working as you watch, are always on hand to display and sell their hand-made work, including painting, jewelry, pottery, textiles, fiber-spinning, wood, photography and more. Local musicians in two locations keep market-goers entertained with styles from rock and pop to jazz, island, and blues.