Regular shoppers at the Aventura Farmers Market can tell you just how special it is to spend a weekend afternoon among a collection of dedicated artisans making homemade goods – especially when you consider that, for many of them, “homemade” means Made in Miami.
Like so many expansive attractions, the Aventura Farmers Market, the largest indoor market of its kind in South Florida, can be a bit daunting. There’s just so much to experience! So, for this Made in Miami guide, we decided to curate a day at the market by asking our vendors what being “Made in Miami” means to them and how it comes through in their wares.
Here’s what they had to say, along with some of our own picks to make your next market visit your best
They say you should never shop hungry, so let’s start our day at the market by dispatching those pesky growls and grumbles with some culinary delights that can be enjoyed on-the-go. We asked some of our vendors what you should try if you stop by their shops, and what being Made in Miami means to them.
“For me, being from Miami is a source of pride,” said Paula Chavez, who alongside her daughter Bianca runs the wildly successful and delicious Paula’s Bake Shop. “So much diversity, so many different people and cultures, all making our city a place visited by thousands of tourists every day … We are very lucky to live here.”
Paula added: “Our products are completely ‘Made in Miami’; we make everything locally with the best quality ingredients to offer our guests an exclusive gourmet product from our city.”
When you go…
Be sure to pick up some classic melt-in-your-mouth Argentinian Alfajores. With 10 flavors – including gluten free options, dulce de leche and coconut or decadently covered with dark or white chocolate.
Paula and Bianca also serve up more confections with a Latin American flair like brownies, banana nut bread and chocolate chip and walnut cookies. Leave your belt at home for this trip!
Kati Priem is not originally from Miami, but when she was planning the launch of Miami ‘n’ Ice she intentionally chose Miami Beach as a base of operations for her rolled ice cream shop concept. As an arrival from Germany, South Florida seemed like a natural fit for her business plan. “I felt like there is no better place to enjoy ice cream all year around than Miami Beach,” she said. “Miami ‘N’ Ice is most definitely Miami Made. I love the vibrant colors of Miami, and that’s why I decided to play with them in our logo. You can find these art deco style colors everywhere in Miami Beach as well as our cart at the Aventura Farmers Market.
“You can tell we’re a Made in Miami brand; it’s right there in our name.” Priem added that many of Miami ‘n’ Ice’s popular flavors are uniquely Miami, such as the “Guavissimo”, a guava and cheesecake ice cream, and a seasonal mamey ice cream.
When you go…
The So into Passion is a signature favorite among market-goers, featuring a mix of mango and passion fruit ice creams topped with mango boba. This refreshing treat hits just right on a Miami summer weekend.
With your appetite sated, we move on to tomorrow’s meals. The Market offers no shortage of fresh produce and a few other goodies from the ground that might not find their way to the plate, but are homegrown, nonetheless.
Hailing from Venezuela, the family-run Coco Market has been a part of the South Florida landscape for more than 12 years. “We feel like locals,” said Fernando Marquez, the company’s director.
In a melting pot of cultural influences, languages and experiences, Coco Market is a distinctly “Miami” brand, with coconuts and other ingredients sourced locally. Even the unique coconut formula that gives their batidas that one-of-a-kind flavor is made locally.
Marquez added, “It was our original idea when we introduced the coconut shake to not bring the Venezuelan ‘cocada’ recipe but instead to try new a formula based on the local taste. We ended up developing our own formula for the coconut shake, which is unique to Miami.”
When you go…
Don’t leave without trying the signature Coconut Shake! With otherworldly ice cream and a recipe that mixes Cuban and Venezuelan coconut, it has become an Aventura Farmers Market tradition over the years.
As a signature fresh market at the Aventura Farmers Market for more than 6 years, El Coco Loco Frio is a guest favorite replete with produce that is Made in Miami. A family business with a footprint that spans South Florida, El Coco Loco Frio gets busy in the mornings and stays lively throughout the day, so get there early for the very freshest of the fresh.
When you go…
While most of El Coco Loco Frio’s offerings can be bagged up and prepared later, they also sell a crowd favorite shake called the COCADA, made from the coconut pulp with coconut water and a little bit of condensed milk. You have to try it to truly understand the COCADA’s appeal!
Encantos Floral Design has been an Aventura Farmers Market vendor for years, and being “Made in Miami” holds significant meaning for owner and founder Sandra Pereira.
“We are located in this vibrant melting pot of a community which stands for innovation and excellence,” Pereira said. “We pride ourselves on providing top quality tropical plants arrangements and unique pots which will fill your entire space with lots of oxygen, clean air, and vibrant energies. It’s about contributing to the thriving ecosystem our city embracing this unique flair by incorporating into everything we do.”
With succulents being one of Encantos’ most popular plants, they have quickly come to dominate home and office spaces thanks to their low maintenance, diversity and beauty attract people who can’t commit to intense gardening but need something rare and unique to add as décor.
When you go…
You will find no shortage of live tropical plants, succulents, cactus, lucky bamboo and a variety of ponytails, fiddle leaf fig, money trees and many bonsai to choose from.
Juice-lovers from all over South Florida know the name Gerbaud Bakery, as this distinctly local brand offers freshly squeezed goodness as well as an assortment of Hungarian and Caribbean pastries made to order.
With ingredients like mango and soursop (or guanabana, to some of us locals) sourced around South Florida and a name trusted by Miamians, Gerbaud is an indispensable stop on your Market agenda.
When you go…
Gerbaud Bakery creates one-of a kind refreshments and delicious pastries, like the beigli. This traditional Hungarian roll has multiple sweet fillings, usually walnuts, almonds or seeds, and are popular all throughout Europe.
Finally, discover uniquely Miami exquisite artisanal treasures crafted with precision and care, from hand-stitched leather goods to intricately designed ceramics. Each booth tells a story about craftsmanship, dedication, creativity, and – of course – Miami. Explore the artistic style and sophistication through the eyes of the locals who bring it to life.
There is perhaps no story more “Miami” than people coming from the other side of the world to share their passions – and succeeding at it. This is the story of Nadejda and Nadya Zgureanu, who left their home in Moldova to chase their dream of producing not just soap – but emotions.
“My wife always dreamed of showing off her soap creations to the whole world,” said Nadejda. “After receiving our Green Cards, we decided that the United States was the place where her dream could come true. So here we are, displaying and selling our soap to the whole world, because Miami is one of the most visited areas by tourists.”
When you go…
Be sure to pick up the wildly popular Berry Tart Soaps, available in a variety of flavors and smells, including tangerine, ice cream, chocolate and more. “This has been our best seller for 3 years; it looks so real that you can’t even tell it’s soap,” according to Nadejda.
Originally hailing from India, Divya Nirat Satsangi came to Miami in 2015 to launch Chalah Designs. Today, as a proud Miami adoptee she delivers artisanal jewelry in an original fashion all her own.
“For me, ‘Made in Miami’ embodies uniqueness, handcrafted excellence, and a sunny spirit, supporting our local community’s resilience – especially post-Covid,” Nirat said.
“Our signature pieces—necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and earrings—are all meticulously handcrafted by me at my home-turned-warehouse.
When you go…
Discover the thrill of a personal, on-the-spot customization with Chalah’s stunning range of necklaces, anklets, and bracelets. Amplify your style with custom earrings and necklaces featuring your favorite charms, crafted on the spot or available for pick-up the following week – a uniquely local experience for Miamians.
Caracas-born Adriana Sutil Rivero credits the Miami culture she grew up around as the inspiration for her products at Decenarios Cool. “You’ll see pops of color and intricate patterns inspired by everything from Cuban tilework to West African textiles,” she said.
Decenarios Cool’s origin story is also wrapped up in a familiar Miami dynamic – seeking relief from what can sometimes be a stressful existence. “Fifteen years ago, my mom suggested I try making a traditional 10-knotted bracelet, called a ‘decenario’. What started as a stress-reliever quickly turned into a passion project. Creating jewelry allows me to combine my love for design with a sense of cultural connection.”
Sutil added that the rewarding sense of connections she gets with her customers has helped fuel her dream to one day open her own storefront where she can share her heritage as well as her love of handcrafted jewelry and Miami. Decenarios Cool is handcrafted in Miami by a talented team of locals, using locally sourced materials whenever possible and staying plugged into the local community.
When you go…
You can’t miss Decenarios Cool’s signature hand-woven beaded earrings. They are a must-have for fans of colorful, lightweight accessories made using a variety of unique design techniques. Added Sutil, “they’re the perfect way to bring a bit of Miami sunshine with you wherever you go!”
Born in Buenos Aires, Vanesa Farfan has made Miami her home for the past 24 years, building a family, jewelry business, and life in the Magic City. Today, Vanesa Farfan Jewelry offers delicate and exquisite pieces that combine modern elegance and minimalism, all driven by her passion to create.
“This desire led me to star the business. I hope to reflect a perfect harmony between simplicity and sophistication,” Farfan said. I believe that jewelry should not only be beautiful but also convenient and affordable. With this in mind, I work to offer a curated selection of pieces that are both accessible to everyone and of exceptional quality.”
When you go…
Adorn your wrist with Vanesa Farfan Jewelry’s signature Wrap Bracelet, available in leather or cotton cord. This unique piece can also double as a necklace ready to accent and show your personality. It features gold or silver stainless-steel charms and can be worn everyday as well as a cocktail party.
So, grab your canvas totes and see the best Miami has to offer at the Aventura Farmers Market. The Aventura Farmers Market is open all weekend long throughout the Lower and Upper Levels. You can find a full, up-to-date list of our vendors here.
