Living in Tampa Bay. Loving it!

This is a tip I got from a local when we moved to Tampa. On Hillsborough Avenue just east of I-275 turn south on 30th Street, and then turn right into a small parking area. There you will find a bunch of produce stalls with local vendors selling all kinds of fruits and vegetables. If you look carefully, you will find great deals on great produce.

My Best Advice

Look through each stall before you buy anything. Most items are marked with prices, but if they aren't -- ask! Make mental notes so you know which vendor you want to go back to for each produce item you need. Once you've looked everything over, go back and buy each produce item from the vendor that offers the best value for that particular item.

When I go, I put $10 in my pocket. With that, I'm usually able to buy produce for about 1-2 weeks, depending on what I'm making.

When to Go

The market is open every day. I suggest going in the morning because it's cooler, so you'll be more apt to take your time and find the best deals. Mid-morning during the week is also better traffic-wise; I find that between 9-11 a.m. traffic is pretty light in Tampa, so it's easy to get most places at that time of day. And going early will give you the best selection. I generally have a particular morning that I go every couple weeks; it's part of my schedule.

Another Suggestion

Bring your own resuable grocery sack, although the vendors all provide plastic bags, should you forget yours.

Blog penned by: Nicole Doyle

A.J.'s Assistant, Meet me at http://www.ajsellstampa.com/MeetMyAssistant