My husband and I love farmers’ markets. There is something wonderful about the fresh-from-the-fields produce presented in boxes and baskets, under tents and in the beds of pick-up trucks. Homemade jams, pickles, and breads are neighbors with hot, aromatic barbeque fresh from the smoker. The interaction with the growers, bakers, cooks and artisans is one of the reasons we enjoy shopping this way. They often offer samples of their wares and beam with pride when complimented on the beauty and tastiness.

Perhaps another of the reasons the farmers’ market is so special is that it’s seasonal, so the joys of the fresh goods and smiling faces is fleeting. In Virginia, most markets run from April through October. In the winter months, we have to settle for what the grocery stores offer…which is fine, but certainly not the same as shopping in the open air and being greeted by weekly friends.

But America is a big country, and in southwest Florida “the season” is now! On a recent trip, I searched for local farmers’ markets and found one on Sanibel, a tiny island in the Gulf of Mexico more famous for seashells than produce. It was an unseasonably cool day on the island, but no one seemed to mind. We were all thinking about the wonderful meals we would prepare with the bounty laid before us.

Of course, citrus fruit was abundant, as was fresh seafood.

A charming Frenchman and his nephew offered pate’ and cheeses.

Mama Mac’s stand featured macaroni with lobster, crab or chili, along with barbecued pork and chicken.

It was hard to resist buying an orchid, but getting it home safely would have been a challenge.

We purchased vine ripened tomatoes, a variety of peppers, Silver Queen corn, avocados, cherries, strawberries, freshly smoked bacon and sausage, a country pate and a soft, pungent cheese with a name I can’t pronounce. On our next visit, we will have a better plan and a bigger bag, now that we know what to expect.