When summer finally arrives and the grills are going hot, farmers markets turn into my favorite shopping market. I like to plan our date night dinners based on whatever local produce catches my eye as we stroll the market. Here are some of the markets I have checked out on my quest for inspiration on my next recipe.

Aurora’s Farmers Market – Downtown
Saturday, June 11-Saturday, October 15
8:00am-Noon
Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway, Aurora
Fun Fact: This is Illinois’ Oldest Market!
Website – Facebook
Local Spot: Two Brothers Roundhouse (This local brewery made the list for the beer selection but also for the delicious food.)

Aurora’s Farmers Market – West
Wednesday, July 6-Wednesday, September 28
Noon-5:00pm
West Aurora Plaza, 1901 W. Galena Blvd, Aurora
Website
Local Spot: Blackberry Farm 

Batavia Farmers’ Market
Saturday, June 4-Saturday, October 22
8:00am-Noon
1 N. River Street, Batavia
Website – Facebook
Local Spot: Water Street Studios (This art studio features great local artwork that will complete your trip to Batavia.)

Galena Marketplace
Saturday, May 21-Saturday, October 29
7:00am-Noon
Old Market House lawn, 123 North Commerce Street, Galena
Website – Facebook
Local Spot: Galena Canning Company (Finish your day of food shopping at Galena Canning Company to complete your recipes.)

Geneva French Market
Sunday, April 17-Sunday, November 13
9:00am-2:00pm
Geneva Metra Station lot, 328 Crescent Place, Geneva
Website
Local Spot: Galena Cellars (Enjoy a wine tasting as you decide which bottle to pair with all of the fresh veggies you bought at the market.)

St. Charles Farmers Market 
Friday, June 3- Friday, October 28
7:00am-1:00pm
Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Avenue, St. Charles
Website – Facebook
Local Spot: Two Wild Seeds (What shopping trip is complete without dessert, gluten-free is a bonus.)

Sycamore Farmers Market
Tuesday, June 7-Tuesday, September 27
3:00pm-7:00pm
Corner of Elm Street and Somonauk Street
Website – Facebook
Local Spot: Prairie on State Wine Cellars (Start with a glass of ginger wine or hearty red and you will find the inspiration you need to plan dinner.)

Is there a farmers market that you swear by? Maybe they have the best entertainment during market hours or maybe they just seem to have the best tomatoes. Let me know so I can check them out and add them to the list.

Cheers!
Traveling Murphy