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The only thing more exciting than the onset of plump strawberries, leafy basil and ears of sweet corn is the fact that you don't have to buy them from a chain grocery store. Farmers markets throughout the city (and downtown, for workers!) help ensure that you get your fill of fresh-from-the-farm goodness.
Dunning-Eli's/Wright College Farmers Market
6701 W. Forest Preserve Ave. Chicago, IL 60634 http://egov.cityofchicago.org Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday
Talk about temptation. Running June 14-Oct. 18, this market is held in the parking lot of Eli's Cheesecake, putting you in spitting distance of both cucumbers and cheesecake…luckily, it doesn't have to be an either/or situation. Pick up a slice of strawberry cheesecake to go in the cafe then head outside for fresh produce, a grilled market lunch and other special events.
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60624
(312) 746-5250 http://www.garfield-conservatory.org Hours: conservatory open daily
The Garfield Market Place, which runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., features gifts, quilts, antiques and art. Select fresh, organic produce grown by local farmers is available starting in July.
Edgewater Green Market
N. Broadway St. & W. Norwood St. Chicago, IL 60660 http://www.edgewater.org Hours: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday
Having changed its name to Edgewater Green Market to reflect its focus on sustainable, locally-grown produce, this market is a winner. Held June 9-Oct. 20, vendors include Ellis Farms (fruit and honey), Scheringa Farms (vegetables) and Crust (artisan hearth breads).
Hyde Park Farmers Market
S. Harper Ave. & E. 52nd Pl. Chicago, IL 60615 http://egov.cityofchicago.org Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday
Running June 7-Oct. 25, you'll find a few organic farmers in the mix, and a wide range of produce that runs from kale and collards to tomatoes. It's held in the cul-de-sac at Harper Court.
Nettelhorst French Market
3252 N. Broadway St. Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 534-5810 http://www.nettelhorst.org Hours: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Located at a school in Lakeview on Saturdays through Nov. 3, Nettelhorst French Market features farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, just-cut flowers, breads, jellies and jams, handmade crafts and more.
This is the inaugural year for this Southport market, sponsored by the Southport Neighbors Association with the goal of supporting small to mid-size family farms. Held every second Saturday, the market offers locally-grown or -raised vegetables, fruits, meats, poultry, eggs and dairy, along with artisan breads and regional specialties.
Green City Market
N. Clark St. & N. LaSalle St. Chicago, IL 60614
(847) 424-2486 http://chicagogreencitymarket.org Hours: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday
Running May 16-Oct. 31, Green City is Chicago's only completely organic and sustainable market. If you haven't fallen in love with farmers markets yet, this one will throw you head over heels. In addition to tons of fruit and veggies, bakery items, honey, micro-greens and eggs, this non-profit market also features a cafe that serves dishes made from vendor produce, kids activities, demonstrations from local chefs and events for adults.
Lincoln Square Farmers Market
N. Western Ave. & W. Leland Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 http://egov.cityofchicago.org Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday
Running June 12-Oct. 30, this weekly market is held in the city parking lot next to the Western Brown Line stop, making for easy-on, easy-off produce shopping.
Logan Square Farmers Market
N. Milwaukee Ave. & W. Logan Blvd. Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-3222 http://logansquarefarmersmarket.org Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
What started as a bi-weekly market in 2005 quickly jumped to a weekly one, and it's a farm-centric gathering worth supporting. Sponsored by the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce, this market runs June 3-Oct. 28. Expect local treats like BBQ chicken and fresh fruit pies from Lula Cafe; fruit, vegetables and wool from Videnovich Farms; and more.
Daley Plaza Farmers Market
N. Dearborn St. & W. Washington Ave. Chicago, IL 60602 http://egov.cityofchicago.org Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday
Running May 17-Oct. 4, this downtown market (one of four) provides a temporary escape from the concrete jungle. Duck out of your stale corporate space around noon, head to Daley Plaza and peruse booths replete with fruits and vegetables; expect a strong presence by flower sellers.
Federal Plaza Farmers Market
S. Dearborn Ave. & W. Adams St. Chicago, IL 60605 http://egov.cityofchicago.org Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday
Running May 15-Oct. 30, this downtown farmers markets starts early in the season, bring fresh fruits, flowers and more to the Loop. If you work in the area, make a pit stop at Federal Plaza a part of your Tuesday lunch break.
Prudential Plaza Farmers Market
N. Beaubien Court & E. Lake St. Chicago, IL 60601 http://egov.cityofchicago.org Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday
Held June 5-Oct. 23, this downtown market, held in the Prudential Building Plaza, is another easy option for cubicle workers who could use a little Vitamin C.
The Park at Jackson & Wacker
311 S. Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60606 http://egov.cityofchicago.org Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday
Held June 14-Oct. 18 on the park between the 311 S. Wacker building and the Sears Tower, this market brings organics and other healthy goods to downtown.
City Farm
1240 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL 60610 http://www.resourcecenterchicago.org Hours: 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Running June 5 until mid-October, this farmers market is literally on the farm. Sandwiched between Cabrini Green and the Gold Coast, the sustainable, organic farm grows 30 varieties of tomatoes, along with beets, carrots, potatoes, gourmet lettuces, herbs and melons and sells them via an open-to-the-public market stand.
MCA Farmers Market
220 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 http://www.mcachicago.org Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday
Running June 12-Oct. 30, this is the big 10th consecutive year for the MCA's City of Chicago Farmers Market. Held on its plaza every Tuesday, vendors at the European-style open-air market offer everything from fruits, vegetables and flowers to baked goods, cheeses and spices. Its 6 p.m. end time makes this market well-suited to 9-to-5ers, and the fact that it coincides with Target Free Tuesdays makes this an awesome see-then-shop atop.
Lawndale Farmers Market
1111 S. Homan Ave. Chicago, IL 60624 http://egov.cityofchicago.org Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday
Running June 13-Oct. 17 in the Community Bank of Lawndale parking lot, many of this market's products have a neat back-story: Its peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, squash and more hail from the Chicago Botanic Garden's Green Youth Farms, one of which is located in North Lawndale. The apprenticeship program teaches area teens about organic farming, and you get to share in the sweet rewards.