NEW PORT RICHEY’S STARKEY MARKET

FOOD, FUN, FARM-TO-TABLE LIVING

Written by: Ava Grace

Trey Starkey and Aaron Derksen co-own Starkey Market in New Port Richey and the nearby Starkey Blueberry Farm in Trinity, Florida, due north of Clearwater.

In addition to fresh produce and berries, fun events, gifts, hot food, wine/beer selections, scooped ice cream and a coffee bar, the pair own farms in Pasco County that use green-growing practices. “On our farm we have 1.5 acres of blackberries to U-pick (early February through July) a half mile away, 40 acres of blueberries and five acres of strawberries for U-pick (early December-May),” says Starkey, a generational CEO and president. Derksen is the chief operating officer and VP. Starkey Farms was founded in 1921.

“Starkey Market is an agriculture-focused market featuring quality first and local as we can,” says Starkey. The market, he adds, is three buildings. “We have large porches, comfortable sitting for just chilling and hanging out.”

There is the Barn, where wine, craft beer, hard seltzers and ciders are available in an indoor/outdoor setting. There is also a tower called the Roost and seating areas nestled in a live oak called the Tree Fort.

And there’s the Trough, an open-air pole barn, a burger joint featuring grass-fed beef with salads, pretzels, hot dogs and more. “We also have a large open area in the back of the building where kids and adults run wild. Sometimes a bit too literally,” adds Starkey. And beyond that area is a wetland for wildlife viewing: “We are listed as an Audubon Florida birdwatching site.”

Clockwise from top left: Starkey Blueberry Farm is great for all ages. Try a delicious salad and fresh blueberries from the Trough, visit the old windmill, a cherished artifact, or munch fresh grilled treats from the Trough. Check the night overview for music throughout the year.

Starkey and Derksen applied the principles of country living to create onsite structures. “We wanted the buildings to have a cypress board and batten siding with a tin roof, a classic barn look,” explains Starkey, noting the property was surrounded by cypress and so the pair made their own lumber.

“In 2018, we logged, milled and built the Market. In 2019, we logged, milled and built the Barn. In 2022, well … we were out of logs, so we had to buy the lumber, but we built the Trough,” says Starkey, adding that each contains historical items from brands to ranch equipment. And bring your bicycles to Starkey Market.

“Biking is a Starkey Market thing!” says Starkey. A nearby bike trail is part of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail. Riders can bike from St. Petersburg to Lecanto (around 100 miles) or turn east in Brooksville to the east coast (there are gaps to Clermont) or turn south on the Suncoast Trail to Tampa. There are also offroad bike trails in Starkey Wilderness Park (17 miles).

Events at Starkey Market run throughout the year, including July 4th celebrations, concerts, classes, goat yoga, corn-hole tournaments, vehicle roundups and more. “In summary, we are a high quality, experiential place with comfortable seating, great views and a pleasant staff (GREAT staff!) to take care of you,” adds Starkey. FCM

Roundup

Starkey Market 3460 Starkey Boulevard, New Port Richey, Florida starkeymarket.com, 727-375-7606, Facebook

Starkey Blueberry Farm 10730 Lake Blanche Dr., Trinity, Florida starkeyblueberryfarm.com, 727-372-6440, Facebook