Its getting easier and more fun to live a healthy lifestyle in Key West. Gone are the old days when locals had to drive to Homestead to find organic produce stands, and Miami to enjoy restaurants catering to health conscious consumers. As consumers have become more mindful of what they eat, they are looking for healthier products, and island businesses are responding.
Key West now has a weekly
Farmers Market with a wonderful selection of organic produce transported from Homestead, Florida on the mainland. Market merchants are also offering, local Florida Keys honey, homemade food and baked goods, and fresh flowers. Held every Thursday morning at Bayview Park, on Truman Ave., the Farmers Market is staged on the park lawn dotted with beautiful native trees.
More fresh produce is sold once a month at a theme-based open-air bazaar, the
Key West Artisan Market. Held on the grounds of The Restaurant Store, this is a fun event filled with vendors selected for their uniqueness to Key West. Taste fresh local seafood, and discover talented local musicians, craftspeople, artists and authors of Key West.
If youre looking for a delicious vegetarian restaurant, there are two favorites on the island.
The Café, on Southard St. has a delicious menu of beautiful food. With salads like the Grilled Portobello Mushroom, and a fabulous array of 'Stir Fry' dishes, you go cant go wrong. Another great eatery plus market, is
Help Yourself, on Fleming St. Treat yourself to something from their huge line-up of organic made-to-order salads, wraps, smoothies and juices. While youre waiting for your order, shop their shelves and refrigerator cases packed full of drinks, snacks, seeds, teas and coffees. They also have a once a week Farmers Market. Contact them directly to find out what day they bring in the fresh produce for the market.
Key West also has a wonderful little health food store called
The Sugar Apple. Established over 30 years ago, these merchants are no strangers to helping folks get better and stay healthy in paradise. Offering an expansive selection of products including supplements, alternative milk products, dried organic goods, and a well-stocked refrigerator / freezer case of popular food items such as tofu, and Amys Organics, almost everything you need is there. There is also a small salad, sandwich, and juice bar serving up organic lunch to go six days a week. Let the feast begin!
