The Crooked River Lighthouse continues its Country Farmers Market on Saturday, April 18, from 9 am to 1 pm ET followed by a wild weed walk from 1 - 2 pm. This outdoor market is the great chance to shop small, shop local, and discover unique gifts and goods while supporting area vendors, artists, bakers, artisans and crafters. Carrabelle's historic lighthouse is located at 1975 Hwy 98 West.
Market-goers can browse a variety of locally sourced and handcrafted items. Guests will find coastal décor, photography and art, jewelry, woven baskets, totes and bags, and keychains. Shoppers can explore organic, farm-fresh produce and eggs, grass-fed beef, batch-roasted coffee, rich local honey, cane syrup, and homemade seasonal jellies, hot sauces and salsas. Visitors can also discover soaps, candles, natural balms and sprays, local books, note cards, tumblers, and keepsakes. Treats like artisan breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes, and candied nuts are always a favorite.
From 1 to 2 pm, local herbalist Denise Williams will lead a guided wild plant walk and learning session called “Wild Food, Wild Medicine.” Participants will enjoy a walk around the lighthouse park grounds while exploring its natural resources and how to identify common wild plants. Handouts will be provided. There is no charge for the walk, but reservations are required by contacting the lighthouse gift shop.
The session introduces a variety of wild foods and medicines that grow in backyards. Participants will learn how to identify, harvest, prepare, and store this free food from nature. The class will cover why wild plants are beneficial to eat, guidelines for wild crafting, methods for preparing wild harvests, and ways to store wild plants for future use. Denise holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a Diploma in Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM), with a dual focus in Herbalism and Aromatherapy. She is also a regular vendor at the market and is well known for her natural balms and remedies made from plants and herbs.
Visitors are also invited to visit the free Keeper’s House Museum and Gift Shop, open from 9 am to 5 pm, featuring fascinating maritime history and the lighthouse’s historic Fresnel lens. The gift shop offers handcrafted items, jewelry, nautical art, souvenirs and keepsakes. Adventurous folks can also climb to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast for a panoramic view of St. George Sound. Climb tickets are $6.
The Country Farmers Markets are held every 1st and 3rd Saturday and welcome both new and returning vendors. Spaces are $10 per market. Those interested can sign up by contacting 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com. For details, visit www.crookedriverlighthouse.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.
