Eatin’ So Fresh And So Clean
Courtesy of Chicagofree.info
Recap your recent milk and bread run to Dominick’s. Yeah… yawn. Picking up your produce at a local farmers market injects a slightly more exhilarating twist into the would-be chore of grocery shopping.
Putting all the economic and environmental benefits aside, sifting through bins of indie veggie sellers puts you directly into the throes of the community. Strike up the banter with other shoppers over who scored the brightest bell peppers. Then try to convince yourself you’re a tourist. Because you won’t feel like one.
If You’re Staying At 400 N. LaSalle:
Check out the MCA (22 E. Chicago Ave.), where the modern art is just as refreshing as the outdoor, European-style market. from a variety of fruits and veggies, flowers, baked goods, cheeses, spices, and more every Tuesday from 7am-3pm through October 23.
Photo by Justin Wambold
Get There: Walk to State and E. Wacker Dr. to hop on the 10 bus towards Water Tower. Get off at Mies Van Der Rohe and Chicago. Commute Time: 15 minutes
If You’re Staying At Iroquois Club in Naperville:
For a weekend option in the suburbs, try out the Naperville Farmers Market (Fifth Avenue Station, 200 E. Fifth Ave.). It’s open from 7am-12pm every Saturday through October 27.
Courtesy of A Little “Happy”
Get There: Head E. on Iroquois Ave and turn right on E. Ogden Ave. Turn left onto Loomis St. followed by a right on E. 5th Ave. Commute Time: 6 minutes
If You’re Staying At Columbus Plaza:
Here is the granddaddy of the downtown markets: the Farmstand Farmers Market (66 E. Randolph St.) is open Monday through Friday, 7am-3pm through October 31. Local favorites like Frank Farms and the Original Bleeding Heart Bakery are some vendors dishing out fresh goodness.
Photo by Natalie Maynor
Get There: Head W. on E. Wacker Dr. and turn left onto N. Michigan Ave. Turn right onto E. Randolph St. Commute Time: 10 minutes
If You’re Staying At City View At The Highlands in Lombard:
You’re out grocery shopping on Saturday mornings anyway, right? Make it fresh and local at Lombard French Market (115 E. St. Charles Rd.), which is open every Saturday from 8am-2pm through September 29.
Get There: Head S. on S. Highland Ave and take a left onto E. Roosevelt Rd. Turn right onto S. Main St. followed by another right onto E. St. Charles Rd. Commute Time: 10 minutes
If You’re Staying At 215 West Apartments:
We’re not saying you should call in sick to hit this Tuesday-only market, but we won’t tell if you do. Get your fruits, veggies, plants and flowers at the Federal Plaza Farmers Market (Adams & Dearborn St.) every Tuesday, 7am-3pm until October 30.
Courtesy of Organic Nation
Get There: Head E. on Washington St. and turn right onto LaSalle St. Turn left onto W. Madison and then right onto S. Dearborn. Commute Time: 10 minutes
Before you set out for homegrown strawberries, check this seasonality chart and plan your shopping list for tonight’s dinner accordingly.