July 6, 2012

A Taste of Weekend Chicago Farmers Markets


Buying food from farmers markets is a great way to support the local economy and do your body a favor by eating some healthy produce! Skip eating out (saves you money!) and leave the quick, frozen meals for when you’re really pressed for time. Chicago has many, many farmers markets that take place every day of the week and all over the city. Here are just a few of the ones happening on the weekends! 


Friday 

City Farm Market Stand: This market is really interesting because it borders two very diverse Chicago neighborhoods: Cabrini Green and the Gold Coast, the former considered to be a very wealthy area of the city. The farm is known for having thirty varieties of tomatoes, along with beets, carrots, arugula, gourmet lettuces, herbs and more. “All produce is grown in composted soil generated from various sources, such as restaurant trimmings from some of the city’s finest kitchens.” 

When? Weekly every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
            Now-September 28, 2012
            1-5:30 pm

Where? River North area
             1204 N. Clybourn Ave

How do I get there? Take the Red Line to the Clark & Division stop. Walk west along Division until you see it on the corner of Clybourn & Division. You can also take the Brown Line and get off at Sedgwick. Walk south along N. Sedgwick St. until Division, turn right.

Saturday

Printers Row: This market is a great choice for travelers because it’s so close to the hostel!  There’s plenty of fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers to choose from. 

When? Every Saturday
            Now-October 27, 2012
            7am-1pm

Where? Printers Row Park
             Dearborn & Polk

How do I get there? From the hostel you can walk! Just make a left on State St. and then a right on Polk.

Green City Market: This independently run, year-round farmer’s market does more than just provide fresh food. It also promotes sustainability by offering educational programs and free resources to shoppers and farmers. The Chef demonstrations that take place every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am are a market favorite. “Chefs from the finest restaurants in the city demonstrate how to prepare meals using locally produced, seasonal ingredients from our market farms and producers.” It’s free to watch, but it’s standing room only so it’s first come, first served. 

When? Every Wednesday and Saturday
            Now-October 31, 2012
            7am-1pm

Where? Lincoln Park
             1800 N. Clark St.

How do I get there? Take the Brown Line to the stop at Sedgwick, walk east on North Ave, and then north on Clark. Or you can catch the Red Line and get off at the Clark & Division stop, then walk north on Clark (also known as N Sandburg Terrace).

Sunday

Logan Square: The Chicago Reader named this farmers market “the best in the city” in its 6/12/2012 “best of” issue! This market offers more than 50 vendors and loads of food, music, flowers, and fun! There’s even live music on the fourth Saturday of every month until September. If you’re still not convinced, check out this video that gives you a virtual tour of the marketplace.

When? Every Sunday
            Now-October 28, 2012
            10am-3pm

Where? Logan Square
             Logan Blvd & Milwaukee Ave

How do I get there? Take the Blue Line all the way up to the Logan Square stop. Then just follow Milwaukee Ave. east until you stumble upon the market.

Pilsen Community Market: Here you can find a variety of fresh produce, arts & crafts, and music in what is considered to be Chicago’s Hispanic neighborhood. This market serves a diverse community because it connects to other local neighborhoods like the Near West and Lower West Side of Chicago. 

When? Every Sunday
            Now-October 28, 2012
             9am-3pm

Where? Chicago Community Bank Parking Lot
             1800 S. Halsted 

How do I get there? Take the pink line to 18th and then walk east along 18th St. until you come to Halsted. 18th is the main road of the Pilsen area and is filled with history and a strong influence from the Mexican culture so be sure to take a look around!

If you won't be visiting Chicago over a weekend, don't worry! There's plenty of farmers markets that take place during the week. Here are a couple examples (and they're right in the loop, so they're very close to the hostel).

Federal Plaza Market: Your typical farmers market selling fresh fruit, veggies, plants, and flowers.

When?  Every Tuesday
             Now-October 30, 2012
             7am-3pm

Where? Federal Plaza
             Adams & Dearborn

How do I get there? You can walk there from the hostel! Just head north on State St., then make a left on Adams.

Daily Plaza Market: Choose from a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and more at this market in the heart of the city!

When? Every Thursday
            Now-October 18, 2012
            7am-3pm

Where? Daley Plaza
             50 W. Washington

How do I get there? Once again, you can easily walk! Just head north on State St, and then turn left on Washington.

*All farmers markets can also be reached by bus, so just ask the hostel information desk volunteer for more information*

Resource Links: Explore Chicago
                         CTA map 
                         

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