By Sharon Still
Step back in time at A Simpler Place In Time, a producers farmers market with a farm and food focus. Local eggs, organic vegetables, artisan crafted soaps, herbs, local honey, fresh fish and gluten-free cakes are just some of the offerings that visitors will find.
“Our mission is to expand direct relationships with farmers and consumers and to provide a community activity which fosters social gathering, interaction and healthful food choices,” said founder Renee Raley.
A Simpler Place In Time kicked off the season on Thursday, October 27 and a crowd of about 150 stopped by to browse and pick up items.
”I am really happy with the turnout. It has been a great night,” commented vendor Melinda Murray, owner of Vamos! Gourmet Catering, which offers foods with a Columbian-Floridian Fusion. “We almost sold out and will be back next week with more.”
The market will be held every Thursday, 3-7 p.m., rain or shine with the exception of holidays, through May 25, 2017. Also on-site is a farm store, dedicated to providing an outlet for local growers and artisans to bring their goods to the market. It provides a trusted source for local, clean food for the community, commented Raley. “You will find produce grown on our very own farm along with groceries and goods that honor a homegrown, handmade, sustainable lifestyle,” she said, adding that the farm kitchen produces from scratch goods that are locally sourced and seasonally inspired. The farm store is open Thursdays 3-7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
“Our strong desire to connect our community with local agriculture has lead us to expand our growing space from a single acre in rural Wimauma to an additional three-acre farmette right in the heart of suburbia in Riverview,” Raley stated.
Riverview residents Azrael and LeAnna Carrasco visited the Famers Market for the first time on opening day and commented, “I like this location. It is very quaint and we love getting out and supporting local businesses.”
A Simpler Place In Time is located at 9903 Carr Rd. in Riverview (off of Boyette Rd. across from St. Stephen’s Catholic School). For information call 424-1874 or visit www.asimplerplaceintime.com.
