On Saturday mornings, scores of early birds head down to the popular City Market (Bull’s Head Carpark, Canal Rd., off Woodlands Rd., tel. 441/517-4101, citymarket [at] bermuda [dot] com, 8 a.m.–noon Sat. Nov. 1–June 30). Started in 2002, the project was a grassroots initiative to foster interest in local agriculture and farming skills.
Hugely successful from the start, the outdoor market has experienced growth in both its customer base and its assortment of vendors, which includes everyone from artisans and commercial farmers to backyard gardeners.
The atmosphere is like a bohemian street festival—a wonderful way to meet interesting locals and sample lemongrass hand cream, local honey, and homemade banana bread. Sip coffee or hot chocolate, chew on a sweet sugarcane stick, and people-watch to your heart’s content. Fresh Bermuda fish is often for sale.
Organic fruits and vegetables range from pawpaws and pumpkins to collards and jalapeños, and Bermudians love the selection and prices. Stands also sell organic poultry and eggs, jams and chutneys made from Bermuda’s wild fruits, dips, pestos, pates, and home-baked goods.
Arts and crafts have become an increasingly big part of the market, with items like Venetian glass jewelry, scented candles, greeting cards, needlecraft, afghans, and handbags. Children will love the market for the fun, relaxed atmosphere and all the nibbles.
City Market is held rain or shine; in downpours, stalls set up a few yards away on the ground floor of the carpark’s indoor section.