Let’s start planning our weekend with Kelly's Kitchen, with visits to the many fresh markets still open on both sides of the Bay despite the summer heat. Which is why my number one tip in Kelly’s Kitchen is to bring along coolers with ice so if you want to take your time, visit a few markets and maybe stop for lunch along the way, everything will stay cool and fresh. Also bring along those canvas bags and use one or two less plastic bags. Oh, and lots of water is always a good ideas well, so those coolers will do double duty. I’ve also seen everything from little red wagons to personal grocery carts going up and down the long aisles which save those many trips (and hand and shoulder strain) back and forth to the car. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll find open this weekend, along with a few interesting ideas that might make for a fun road trip as well. My plans are to stock up before our many welcome visitors descend for the Republican National Convention here in less than two week. Maybe they’d like a true taste of Tampa. Might I suggest Ybor City? Take the trolley and forget the traffic.

FRESH MARKETS - HILLSBOROUGH 

Ybor City Saturday Market - Ybor City is just loaded with things to do, so spending the day is a wonderful way to go. Start with the market in Centennial Park that opens at 9 am and runs through 1 pm, then head over to the Cuban Club for their attempt at setting a world record for the world’s largest Cuban Sandwich. Admission to the Club is free, but tastes are extra...but well worth it. It’s a family friendly event running starting at 11 am.

One to keep on the calendar for the first Sunday of every month - The Hyde Park Fresh Market, the official sponsor of Kelly’s Kitchen. See you all there in September 2nd. 

PINELLAS COUNTY 

Azalea Community Fresh Market - One of the newest additions to the market scene in the Tyrone Square area starts at 9 am on 72^nd St North.

Crossroads Farmers Market - On the grounds of the North Pinellas Historical Society at the intersection of Curlew and Belcher in the Countryside area of Palm Harbor is pet friendly, and open for business at 10 am.

Wiregrass Fresh Market - Double the fun with a trip to the Shops at Wiregrass with the Fresh Market in the heart of it all. Now this is where the cooler and something on wheels will come in extremely handy. They open at 10 am and feature certified organic and hydroponic produce. 

Williams Park Summer Market - Join the crowd at 4^th St and 1^st Ave North starting at 9 am near downtown St Pete, then take some time to stroll Beach Drive, perhaps take a trip down Central Ave for the cool, funky shops before you head home. One of my favorite areas to spend the day is on Beach Drive, and be sure to take a look at the amazing construction project going on at the former Grayl Hotel, soon to become The Birchwood Inn that is being completely redone. When I first saw the work, they had completely gutted the old building, and the walls - just  the walls - were standing with the support of steel beams. They’ve come a long way, and I’m looking forward to the completion that is scheduled for November. 

Safety Harbor Summertime Market - Another charming town with a lot to offer at the market starting at 8 am at the John Wilson Park and Gazebo on Main Street. Love the earlier hours, makes it easy to hit a few more markets.

Missed the market(s) and the tummy is rumbling? The next Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally is Saturday from 4-9 pm. It's the "Tarpon Springs Hippie Fest and Food Truck Rally" on Tarpon Ave with some of your favorites on four wheels including Lettuce Eat Healthy, Renni's Oki Doki, Pocket Pirates, Unforgettable Cupcakes and many more. Make a note now to check back with them for the next rally on the 25th in Tampa at Hyde Park Presbyterian Church on Swann Ave (where I'm sure the folks from the RNC will be in attendance for a little something special) from 4-8 pm, then on the 31st at MOSI from 7-11 pm. Mummies, MOSI and food trucks- oh my! Like them on Facebook to stay up to speed.

FEEDING CHILDREN EVERYWHERE PACKING EVENT    

Speaking of those groups that do such good work, we need you. We need you to help with Feeding Children Everywhere. The Florida Packing Event is coming up August 25th-30th. There are various shifts available to fit your schedule, so please click here to register. No child should ever go hungry, and you can and will make a difference. And thank you in advance from Kelly’s Kitchen.

Find peace in the morning rush and you will have a good day. ~ Mike Dolan