Ah, the dreaded midday market in the summertime, but Eustis has thought of something different.
Whimsy Market, which manages outdoor markets throughout our area, came up with a solution: open up during the golden hours of 5-8 p.m., when it’s less oppressive outdoors.
On the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, you can browse vendors and socialize at the new Fresh Market at Ferran in Eustis — “a vibrant, community-driven space filled with heart, hustle and hometown pride” — where 40 independently owned businesses and local farmers, live music and food trucks will set up twice a month.
It’s where you can purchase goods from local entrepreneurs crafting exceptional goods. At the June 25 event, Daily Commercial visited Norman Coffee Roasters, an Ocklawaha-based business that offers oh-so-fresh and aromatic grinds and beans.
David Beachboard opened his coffee roasting business in July 2024.
Why is “Norman” in the business name? Beachboard named his business after Norman, a rescued donkey that was set to be slaughtered. The 15-year-old standard donkey is the namesake and logo of Beachboard’s specialty coffee roaster company and is, thankfully, very much still alive.
“He is best friends with our horse, and lives here on our mini farm,” Beachboard told the Daily Commercial.
Distinctive, international foods could be enjoyed at the market. We tried the steak sandwiches at the Casa de Campo Argentinean food truck, which were muy rico.
The twice-a-month Wednesday market takes place at Ferran Park, just outside downtown Eustis, from 5 to 9 p.m., where plenty of majestic oak trees offer shade, a playground amuses kids and you can take a scenic stroll along Lake Eustis.
Details: facebook.com/whimsymarketfl
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Something new to do in Lake County: Fresh Market at Ferran
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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