Knitted wall decor art purchased from Colleen Crafthouse at Mezzo Market. Photo courtesy of Madison Overmier.
From October through May, a large market operates on select dates in Tampa and downtown St. Pete.
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By Madison Overmier
TAMPA, Fla. — Mezzo Market is an outdoor small-business market that operates from October through May at locations in downtown St. Pete and Tampa. Markets are held on select dates throughout these months, with the specific days listed on the website or Instagram.
This is a huge market with one in St. Pete on April 4, having almost 200 vendors. I attended this market and was blown away by how large it was and how many vendors were there. Its local businesses sell items such as jewelry, clothing, sunglasses, handcrafted decorations and artwork, and food and drinks.
I was fascinated by all the small businesses and the love and effort they put into their goods. It was evident to me that each vendor loved what they were selling and had a passion for creating it. They were all very personable and loved talking to you about their pieces and what makes each one unique.
At first, the prices may seem a little expensive, but it’s different from buying from a retail store; these are small, independently owned businesses that are creating products by hand or in much smaller batches.
It’s important to support our local businesses because these vendors have put their heart and soul into these products. Sustainable Connections said shopping locally has many benefits for our community, like creating jobs, reducing environmental impacts, and encouraging local prosperity.
“When we buy from independent, locally owned businesses, rather than national chains, a significantly greater portion of our money is then cycled back through our local economy — to make purchases from our friends’ businesses, to aid our neighbors in need, and to support our local farms — ultimately strengthening the base of our whole community,” said Sustainable Connections.
Even if you don’t find anything you’re interested in buying, it’s an amazing atmosphere to be in and the perfect way to get off campus and spend time outdoors. During the time I was there, there were hundreds of people walking around shopping with their family, friends or even pets. There are also food vendors at each market; for example, there was a bagel place, a pizza place, hot dogs, smoothies, and even a vendor selling coconut water in actual coconuts.
I ended up purchasing two things: a hand-embroidered tank top that said Tampa Bay from Shop Kirsten, who had so many creative embroidered pieces that you can shop on her website.
I also purchased knitted wall art from Colleen Crafthouse, who hand-creates line art and landscapes using yarn on canvases for decor. You can message her on Instagram to order a piece, and she even offers custom designs.
Downtown St. Pete, in general, has plenty to do, so after the market, you have the opportunity to walk around, shop, eat, or go explore the pier.
There are only two markets left of the season, both in downtown St. Pete. They are on April 25 & May 9 on Baum Avenue in Downtown St. Pete. The market runs from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and there’s a wide variety of parking options, which you can find on Mezzo Market’s Instagram. The easiest place to park, for me at least, seemed to be at Tropicana Field.
I recommend all students check out this market and explore the local businesses and what downtown St. Pete has to offer.