St. Pete Saturday Market

By Dalia Colon

When I lived in St. Petersburg, my favorite place to go on the weekend was the Saturday Morning Market.

Even now, living 45 minutes away from St. Pete, I find myself drawn to the event's live music, colorful produce, fragrant foods and stellar people-watching.

So, a few weeks ago I was stoked to see my friend Lynette Gryniak's Facebook post announcing that she's the new market manager. So now's a perfect time to check in with Lynette—a longtime Tampa Bay resident—and ask about some of her favorite things.

Here's a note from Lynette: I am the new Market Manager for The St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market. (It’s important I use “St. Petersburg” because the mayor likes to hear that.)

I’ll be helping with the scheduling of vendors, answering calls and coordinating during the market season, working with the director, and making sure everything runs smoothly at the market and that everyone is having a wonderful experience. I’m so excited to meet new people and discover all types of foods and products.

And now for a few of Lynette's favorite things...

Favorite Beach in Tampa Bay:

Sunset Beach. If you pass Caddy’s and continue down the road you must make a left or right. Make a right. There is this small boardwalk that takes you to the quietest most tranquil beach. No bathrooms or snack shops but there are beautiful rocks. (I call this my secret beach.)

Best Cheap Date:

I’m an active person, so I usually choose dates that put numbers on my Fitbit. We take our bikes and park in Dunedin. From there, we hop on the Pinellas Trail and ride to Tarpon Springs. Along the way, we stop at some of the coolest parks and even the primate sanctuary. We grab an authentic Greek dinner, buy a few goat milk soaps and ride back at sunset.

Favorite Restaurant:

Nitally’s in St. Petersburg and Casa Tina in Dunedin.

Favorite Thing To Do in The Fall:

I own a fire pit, so I invite some friends over and everyone gets a comfortable blanket. We enjoy hot cider, hot chocolate, and some local brews. Sometimes I set up a projector and screen and we watch movies outside while lounging in my pool.

Favorite Place to Take Out of Town guests:

The St. Pete Saturday Morning Market, Fort De Soto Park, John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, Rainbow River parasailing, Dali Museum, Honeymoon Island State Park, or kayaking on Tampa Bay.

Favorite Place to Watch the Sunset:

Treasure Island. There is a new paved walking/biking trail that runs along some of the beach. You get a panoramic view and some of the bars along the trail have live music.

Favorite Road Trip Without Leaving Florida:

St. Augustine or Key West. Take the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers Beach -- enjoy a movie and a cocktail, and four hours later you’re in Key West!