To The Markets We Go

We are entering prime garden produce season, as you can tell from the hand-lettered signs that dot the highways and side roads, beckoning you to lovingly tended – and more than they can handle – homegrown produce. You could stop at those pop-up stands and likely find very good tomatoes, sweet corn, vegetables and fruits. Or, you can plan a trip to one of the following markets and farm stands designed to offer you the very best of this area’s fruits and vegetables.

The A-frame Family Greenhouse is a garden center about one mile east of Mt. Morris on Route 64. They have a terrific new produce center filled with beautiful fresh peaches, blueberries, jams, and an array of fresh vegetables and melons, along with their greenhouse of plants and flowers. This is a real gem and a “must stop” in the area, even if you’re simply perusing their colorful flowers and displays.

Thursdays, 5 – 7:30 p.m., (August TBD), the River’s Edge Farmer’s Market, 123 N. 2nd St., Oregon, has a variety of vendors with fresh local produce, hand-crafted items, musicians, and food trucks. It’s a street party every week!

Thursdays, 3 – 6 p.m., the Polo Farmer’s Market in the Polo Marketplace Pavilion on Division Avenue showcases locally farmed meat and produce, plus unique crafts and home goods.

Fridays, 4 – 8 p.m., through August, shop fresh, local produce, baked goods, crafts, and more from Ewe and Me Acres at the Mt. Morris Jamboree concerts on the campus square in Mt. Morris. Additional local vendors usually join the Jam, giving it a true festival feeling.

Saturdays, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., the Hairy Cow Farmer’s Market, next to Hairy Cow Brewing Company, just off Route 2 on the east side of Byron, hosts around 40 vendors offering food to flowers to unique, hand-made items. It’s the biggest farmer’s market in the area and moves indoors in the winter.

Of course, if you’re simply craving the best Midwest sweet corn, take Route 26 north of Forreston to Drake Farms. This family farm, 6713 IL-26, Baileyville, is a favorite seasonal stop. Shop early in the day because they sell out.

You can shop Selmi’s produce truck in the Culver’s parking lot, Galena Ave., in Dixon. Their homestand, Selmi’s Sweet Corn and Farm-to-Table Market, 1206 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls, has been a family farm tradition for over 70 years. It’s well worth the drive for exceptional produce that extends into the fall for apples and more.

Good, fresh local produce is abundant and easy to find in and around my town, Mt. Morris. It’s the best of small-town living. Make it yours.