Green City Market

The Green City Market is one of the bigger farmers markets in Chicago.  It is a market where you might find yourself shopping for radishes next to a chef for one of the city's restaurants that focus on seasonal and local food.  It draws quite the crowd on Saturdays so I have been actually holding off on going to this market... I don't like to be in people's way when I am trying to take photos (and it can be a nightmare to try to park over there on Saturdays).  I had this Wednesday off from the day job so decided it was time to head over there.

Guys, this market is basically yummy town.  Every direction I turned there was something beautiful catching my eye.  Dan and the dogs abandoned me for a bench since I was so absorbed.  The peppers are amazing- there were so many awesome looking varieties. 

I would have given almost anything for a bit of sunshine but at least the rain held off till after my visit...

 

Lots of yummy stuff, right?  There is so much abundance of color at the market right now but you can feel that it is about to change.  It felt an awful lot like fall on this trip and I am guessing that root veggies are just about to take over the markets.

Did you notice all the dogs?  I LOVE that the Chicago markets are dog friendly.  We make these trips a family event and to leave the dogs home while going to the park would feel absolutely mean... they like to get out and see new things too!  This past Saturday I got everyone up bright and early and we headed to Oak Park to check out that market.  As we drove up there was a big sign for no dogs...  We kept driving and circled back to a city market.  My dogs love the social aspect of the farmers market, it is so exciting for them...

{more in my flickr farmers market set}

Logan Square Farmers Market

If you love food and live in Chicago or are visiting Chicago - you should visit the Logan Square Farmers Market. 

If you want to plan a farm to table meal - this market has you covered.  If you just want to pick up a few tasty treats and have a picnic on the grassy boulevard - it is covered.  Or if you want to do some serious foodie shopping, the local/small craft type of shopping - that is covered too. And how could I forget- if you want to people watch there is plenty of that too!

This is one of my favorite markets in the city.  There are so many awesome vendors and it has this completely laid back vibe.  The vendors that come here put some thought into their displays which also adds to the charm of the market overall.  They are also really friendly and ready to chat.

The Logan Square farmers market is set right in the heart of a very local and diverse/changing neighborhood which is fun if you are visiting the city or just up for exploring a different 'hood.  You can absolutely make a half day of it.  If I was a tourist visiting Chicago, this is the market I would go to as it is a "local experience" and has a lot to see.  It is very dog friendly (our pups loved the all the attention they received here- so two paws up from them) and there are a ton of families.  There are some very yummy options for a brunch picnic, bring a blanket and relax under the trees. 

So yeah, I definitely love the Logan Square Farmers Market and if you haven't been - it is worth a visit.

Happy three day weekend!

Can you believe it is already time for labor day weekend!?  I always feel a little torn about the end of summer and beginning of fall... maybe this is because it means that another Chicago winter is on its way! :)  But I am looking forward to sweaters and boots and crisp air... 

I am also looking forward to this three day weekend - love those extra 'free' days.  Hope you have a completely fantastic weekend!

Vine Ripened

So the August Break is coming to an end.  August was a particularly stressful and busy month for me and participating in the Break with a focus on image based posts ended up being such a relief... it made keeping this space relatively up to date almost doable.  I am thinking that I will do more of the image focused / light on words posts going forward... it is fun to share what is a focus in my viewfinder.

The tomatoes are ripening in our garden... I hear that they taste wonderful with a dash of salt n pepper. (I don't eat raw tomatoes but the husband does.)  I can say first hand that they taste wonderful in a fresh tomato sauce and I am looking forward to making a pizza with them.  I love having a garden.

Fading Summer

Lately I find myself wondering how summer flew by so quickly.  Whether you consider the last days of summer to be at Labor Day and the start of schools or mid-September for the fall equinox there is not denying that summer light is fading...