Riverside Arts Market

Riverside Arts Market Review

The unique location—under the Fuller-Warren Bridge, a block from the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens—might be as much of a draw as the merchandise. Regardless, since its first Saturday in 2009, RAM has attracted larger and larger crowds of singles, couples, families, and their dogs. They all come to shop for locally created art and crafts, sample food from vendors that include some excellent area restaurants, and check out street performers or the live music shows on the riverfront stage.

Quality is high in every aspect—artists and vendors all go through a fairly rigorous application/audition process—and what there is to see or hear or eat varies from week to week. Sometimes there's also a farmers' market, with licensed farmers and growers selling everything from just-laid eggs and local honey to salad greens that were still in the earth the day before. Inside the Children's Activity Center tent, several organizations offer free educational arts activities to kids.

Because it's sheltered by the bridge, RAM goes on rain or shine. Free parking is available at Fidelity National Financial and other adjacent businesses, and a "bike valet" service encourages people to travel on two wheels.