Check out the fresh offerings in Elgin
If like me, you don't have a green thumb and can't grow a tomato or pepper to save your life, the area's best farmers got you covered with fresh produce, specialty items, and flowers to help you bring the outdoors, in.
The premier farmers' market in Elgin is the Downtown Elgin Farmers' Market which began on June 4th and will run every Friday through mid-October. You can find it at 31 S. Grove Avenue. If you're going to be driving to the market instead of hoofing it, Free parking is available in the outside lot at the corner of Grove Avenue & Fulton Street (near Festival Park) or in the parking garage on Fulton Street.
With an exciting and varied array of vendors, the Elgin Farmers' Market has something for everyone. Whether your taste buds lean toward sweet or savory goodies, you'll be covered. Here are just a few of the vendors who will be participating. For a complete list, visit downtownelgin.com.
Broadview Farm & Gardens
Head to Toe Blessing
Red Flower Organics
Sophie's Mango
Sunrise Topiaries
Are you new to farmers' markets and don't know what to spend your hard-earned money on? Check out this list from eatthis.com.
Eggs (free-range is even better)
Honey (Artisan yum!)
Grass-fed beef (Superior taste and higher in Omega 3 fatty acids.)
Tomatoes (Duh! You'll never want store-bought, again.)
Bread (From French baguettes to gluten-free hamburger buns.)
Peaches (Most store-bought peaches are imported and sprayed with pesticides.)
Mushrooms (As many varieties as your culinary skills can handle!)
There's a lot more to be seen and sampled at the Downtown Elgin Farmers Market, but the way to experience it is to go for yourself. And, considering we've spent the past year indoors, we all deserve a treat.
Hope you enjoy the market's many offerings and thanks for reading.