I am an Illinois Farm Families blogger and receive compensation in exchange for my posts. All opinions and discussion starters are my own!
October || November || December || January || February || March || April || Monsanto Visit
As spring turns to summer, my thoughts turn to the beautiful produce and goods found at my local farmers’ market. From fresh vegetables to locally sourced goods such as honey to quality meats and eats, I love visiting these spaces each week with the boys and finding what we need for the week. When you shop this “local” in your neighborhood, you also in turn support farm families. Here are some tips and then some places to find a great Farmers’ Market in the Chicagoland area.
1. Bring reusable bags. You never know when you might stumble across something you’d like to purchase and having a bag accessible means you won’t have to take on some of the plastic bags. You can also carry your finds a little easier than using a plastic bag that has the potential to break.
2. Bring cash. You never know if a particular vendor will have credit card capability and having cash at the ready is always advisable.
3. Walk if you can. Not only will you be getting some great exercise and enjoy this summer adventure, but some farmers’ markets are in parking lots and may have limited parking spaces for non-vendors.
4. Make friends and build relationships with farmers and vendors that you may see weekly. I vividly remember visiting a farmers’ market in our old community and each vendor remembering my boys and their favorite selections such as apples and homemade doughnuts. It was a special treat that my boys loved to experience with me.
Chicagoland South-ish Farmers’ Market stops
La Grange Farmer’s Market and Arts Events (Thursdays)
Oak Park Farmer’s Market (Saturdays)
Chicago Ridge Farmer’s Market (Mondays)
Palos Heights Farmer’s Market (Wednesdays)
Oak Lawn Farmer’s Market (Wednesdays)
Evergreen Park Farmer’s Market (Thursdays)
Orland Park Farmer’s Market (Fridays)
Homewood Farmer’s Market (Saturdays)
Brookfield Farmer’s Market (Saturdays)
Tinley Park Farmer’s Market (Saturdays)
What are your favorite finds at your local Farmer’s Markets?
Leave a Reply