Fresh is best when it comes to produce. Fortunately, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables at 10 north suburban farmers’ markets.
That’s not the only attraction.
You’ll also find breads and pastries, a wide variety of cheeses, flowers to decorate your dinner table, and tempting warm food items ready to eat while you shop. There’s also live music, entertainment, and children’s activities at many of the markets. Best of all, you can even chat with the farmer who grew that produce.
In other words, visiting a farmers’ market is a fun adventure. Here’s a day-by-day guide to help you locate them.
Wednesdays
Highland Park
It’s the 48th season for the Ravinia Farmers Market, which runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3 to Oct. 28, at 486 Roger Williams Ave. The community-focused market connects local growers, artisans, food makers, and shoppers.
Events include a Taste-A-Thon “Spin to Win” event, as well as Taste-a-Thons for the 4th of July and Halloween, that offer chances to explore new products and receive coupons.
Northbrook
Since 2009, the all-volunteer, charitable Northbrook Farmers Market Association has been operating the Northbrook Farmers Market. You can find it Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 17 through Oct. 14, at Meadow Plaza, Cherry Lane and Meadow Road.
There will be an Opening Day Bash on June 17, which will also be a celebration of Northbrook’s 125th anniversary. The event will open with a traditional watermelon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.
Entertainment will be provided by musicians from the Northbrook Symphony.
Visitors will be treated to free face painting, slices of cold watermelon, and swag.
Northfield
There’s a community Market & Music event in Northfield from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 10 through Aug. 5 (excluding July 1) at the Northfield Park District’s Clarkson Park, 1950 New Willow Road. Highlights include kids’ entertainment from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. and a concert from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturdays
Deerfield
Seasonal vegetables and fruit grown by farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin are sold at the Deerfield Farmers Market on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 13 through Oct. 14, at Park Avenue between Jewett Park Drive and Hazel Avenue.
Vendors also sell fresh meat, eggs, fish, cheese, jelly, and more. Hungry shoppers can enjoy a warm crepe, waffle, tamale or hummus bowl.
Evanston
The Evanston Farmers Market is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 2 through Nov. 21, at University Place and Oak Avenue.
Seniors and adults with disabilities can gain access at 7 a.m. Free parking is available at the 1800 Maple Ave. Self Park. A 501(c)(3) organization, the Friends of Evanston Farmers Markets, educates the public about the environmental and personal health benefits of eating fresh, locally grown foods.
Glenview
The Glenview Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 21 through Oct. 25, at the Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Rd.
Local vendors sell products grown within 200 miles of Glenview. Products include produce, meat, eggs, cheese, bread, pastries, fresh cut flowers, coffee, chocolate, spices and more.
Free parking is available in the Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church and Historic Wagner Farm lots. Wagons are available to bring your purchases to the lots.
Vendors include Ami’s Freeze Dried, Artisan Bread Co., Barry’s Berries, BBWG, Bonnie’s Crafts and Collectibles, The Cheese People, Chicago Honey, Deep River Roasters, Diva Chocolates and Confections, FaireWoodle’s Goods, Finn’s Ranch, Geneva Lakes Produce, Miracle Greens Micro Greenery, Sweet Memories Crepes, and Wagner Farm Produce & Farm-to-Table Foods.
Park Ridge
The Park Ridge Farmers Market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October at 15 Prairie Ave., between Main and Garden.
The market has expanded its footprint, according to its market map, and most parking has now moved to the other side of the railroad tracks. There are 57 vendors, including Barry’s Berries, Botanical Honey Farm, Gindo’s Spice of Life, Kernel Dan’s Kettle Corn, Off the Wall Café, and Twisted Olive Imports.
Wilmette
The Wilmette French Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, April 18 through Oct. 31, at the Wilmette Metra Station, 722 Green Bay Rd. The market features artisan foods, fresh flowers and music. For details, visit www.bensidounusa.com/wilmette/.
Winnetka
The Winnetka Farmers’ Market runs Saturdays, June 6 to Oct. 31, from 7:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m., in the Winnetka train station parking lot, 754 Elm St. The Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event, reported that the market had over 45,000 visitors last year—and over 100 dogs per market.
Sundays
Skokie
The Skokie Farmers’ Market runs from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays, May 31 through Nov. 1, at 5127 Oakton St., outside the Skokie Public Library.
Free parking is available at a public lot and garage at Oakton Street and Floral Avenue, public lots adjacent to the Skokie Heritage Museum, and the Skokie Public Library west lot until noon.
Each week, the market offers live music and free activities for children. A Food Drive for the Niles Township Food Pantry will be held on June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 27, and Oct. 25.
Claire Murphy contributed to this story. Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
