FARM TO TABLE

EDITED BY SHERRY THOMAS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

One of the many splendors of summer is a sunny morning outing to one of our legendary farmers’ markets, a veritable cornucopia of the ripest fruits, freshest vegetables, and most extraordinary culinary offerings on the North Shore.

From downtown Evanston to the border of Lake Bluff, these markets bring the best regional produce, local artisans, and other one-of-kind wares to the centers of our cities and towns— and all with free admission.

Wilmette is especially lucky to have one of the few authentic French Markets in the Chicago area. An offering of the Bensidoun family, this unique market concept is based on the traditions that have been a central feature of European life for generations.

Celebrate Highwood leaders have taken the farmers’ market model to the next level with an evening affair that pairs gourmet products, local produce, and ethnic delicacies with cocktails and entertainment.

And success is written in the numbers in nearby Northbrook, an all-volunteer run market that attracts shoppers from 40 ZIP codes with more than 21,000 visitors last season.

While we know that most North Shore residents have a standing favorite—that one market they visit every week, French market basket and appetite in hand—we challenge you to venture one (or three) towns over and reap the bounty of market goodness that is offered in our area.

Here are some of the most popular:

Saturdays, now through October 28 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(Senior and disabled shoppers are invited to visit the market early, from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.)

In what marks its 48th season, the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market is back with as many as 58 Midwest vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, cheese, eggs, and baked goods in the center of the city.

But beyond the gourmet goodies you’ll be toting home, this foodie-fueled extravaganza offers a variety of food trucks and prepared dining options (let’s just say organizers say you should prepare to “arrive to the market hungry”).

Another unique feature of this market is its Home Grown Artists showcase, a fantastic opportunity for Evanston artists to have their original work shown and available for sale for 16 weeks.

Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market also gives back to the community and supports those in need.

Its Spud Club program allows parents and guardians to get their children involved in healthier eating. Kids ages 2 to 10 can participate in a weekly activity and obtain a punch card at the Spud Club tent and get it punched each week. Once the card is fully punched, they will be able to select from a market-themed bushel basket.

LINK cards are also accepted at the market with a special offer for customers to receive a match of up to $25 per Saturday. LINK processing is located at the City of Evanston tent from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market is held at the intersection of University Place and Oak Avenue in Evanston. Free parking is available at the 1800 Maple Self Park Garage with ticket validation at the City of Evanston tent. Live animals and pets, other than service animals, are not allowed at the market. For more information, call/text 847-4484311 or visit cityofevanston.org/market. Residents may also simply dial 311 while in Evanston.

Saturdays, now through October 21 8 a.m. to noon

When the Glenview Farmers’ Market was founded 35 years ago, the Glenview Women of Today shared a vision of providing the community with healthy and fun food options.

The Saturday ritual took root and before long, farmers, flower growers, and residents would gather at Jackman Park to enjoy the fresh air and support local businesses. It continued to grow and n 2007, the Glenview Park District took over—shifting the venue to Historic Wagner Farm.

Today, the Glenview Farmers’ Market serves as a vital fresh food source for thousands of residents and surrounding areas. Its mission is to build a sustainable, intelligent, dynamic, and ethical food system in a fun environment with local farms at its core.

All hailing from within 200 miles of Glenview, local vendors sell seasonal produce, as well as locally sourced meat, eggs, cheese, bread, pastries, fresh cut flowers, coffee, chocolates, French pastries, smoked fish, herbs and spices, honey, and empanadas.

Glenview Farmers’ Market is held on the parking lot of Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, in Glenview. Free parking is available in the Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church and Historic Wagner Farm lots. Wagons will be available for your use at the market and to take your purchases back to your vehicle in the parking lot. There will be designated spots in the parking lot to return the wagons. Volunteers will come and collect them periodically. You can also take any available wagon from the parking lot and bring it over to the market to use. For more information call 847-657-1506 or glenviewparks.org/event/glenview-farmers-market.

Wednesdays, now through August 30 (no market July 5)

4:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Now it its 15th season, the Highwood Evening Gourmet Market is back with a diverse range of 60 vendors alternating each week, and entertainment for the whole family.

This unique Celebrate Highwood offering pairs the farmers’ market concept with drinks and live music for an evening event that attracts all ages to the newly remodeled Everts Park.

Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market showcases a wide range of local produce, gourmet snacks, homemade breads and pastries, an array of ethnic delicacies, and local artisanal wares. In addition to these delicious offerings, you can also enjoy dinner and cocktails while exploring the market, catching up with friends, and listening to different live music acts each week.

This season also celebrates all the latest park improvements, including a new playground, splash pad and rain garden, increased seating, and a state-of-the-art new band shell (boasting the best in local entertainment around).

With Celebrate Highwood organizers are encouraging everyone to “make a night of it,” this will be the place to be on Wednesday evenings.

Highwood Evening Gourmet Market is held at Everts Park, 111 North Avenue, in Highwood. For more information, visit celebratehighwood.org/ highwood-evening-gourmet-market.

LAKE BLUFF FARMERS’ MARKET

Fridays, now through October 13 7 a.m. to noon

Now in its 30th season, the Lake Bluff Farmers’ Market on the Village Green has become a Friday morning tradition. Stalls are stocked with produce, proteins, pastries, flowers, cheese, and much, much more. Bring the family to enjoy live music and children’s entertainment while you shop.

Elevating the gourmet experience are such unique offerings as knife sharpening services and cooking demonstrations.

Sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust, there is no better way to kick off the weekend in style.

Lake Bluff Farmers’ Market is held at the Village Green, Scranton Avenue and Sheridan Road, in Lake Bluff. Parking is available near the Central Business District at the Walnut Avenue Parking Lot, the Train Station Lot (fee required), and at Artesian Park. For more information, call 847283-6889 or visit.lakebluff.org/residents/farmersmarket.

Wednesdays, now through October 11

7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The 15th annual Northbrook Farmers’ Market opened this week with a festive day that included a watermelon-cutting ceremony, free slices of watermelon, music, balloon sculpting, face painting, and plenty of giveaways, connecting with old acquaintances, and making new friends.

Sponsored by NorthShore University HealthSystem, the event opened the season for one of the area’s only all-volunteer, tax exempt, nonprofit market associations.

The mission of the Northbrook Farmers’ Market is to support local farmers, producers, and artisans by providing an economic outlet, and to serve the greater Northbrook area by making fresh, high-quality produce available for purchase and other locally made goods for the benefit of all.

Billed as “the best weekday farmers’ market on the North Shore,” it aims to educate residents on the benefits of buying locally, eating healthy, and living green, as well as supporting local farming families and entrepreneurs.

In addition to providing a venue to purchase delicious fresh food and gourmet wares, the market gives back to the community. To date, $62,000 has been provided to customers in need through the market’s SNAP benefits assistance program and an estimated 80,000 pounds of fresh, wholesome food has been collected from its vendors and donated to the local food pantry.

In addition, the market hosts a variety of recycling, children’s educational, and cooking/ nutrition programs.

Another unique quality to this market is that unlike some others, dogs are welcome to join you for the fun.

Northbrook Farmer’s Market is held at Meadow Plaza parking lot at Cherry Lane and Meadow Road in Northbrook. Find out more about the market, including how to get involved with its mission, by visiting northbrookfarmersmarket.org.

RAVINIA FARMERS’ MARKET

Wednesdays, now through October 25

7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Ravinia Farmers’ Market celebrates its 45th anniversary season this year with another round of premium vendors and entertainment offerings in what is described as a “quality, sustainable, and Earth-friendly market.”

With a mission that centers around supporting small businesses as well as the viability of a local agricultural economy, the Ravinia Farmers’ Market seeks to educate customers about the benefits locally grown and sourced foods, as well as well as organic food and farming bring to the health of the community and the planet.

A vibrant, family friendly atmosphere welcomes shoppers at this charming Ravinia Business District market—the perfect way to start any Wednesday.

Organizers encourage you to save the date on August 9 for an all-day Farmers’ Market to remember.

Ravinia Farmers’ Market is held at Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Avenue, in Highland Park. For more information, visit. raviniafarmersmarket.com.

WINNETKA FARMERS’ MARKET

Saturdays, now through October 28 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Now in its 8th year, the Winnetka Farmers’ Market brings a sprawling array of vendors to the heart of the downtown business district.

From luscious, fresh-picked fruits and vegetables to beautiful blooming plants, shrubs, cut flowers, cheeses, a variety of delicious baked goods, and wonderful specialty items, the market has something for everyone.

In what is set up to be an inviting walkable experience, the market hosts one of the largest range of vendors on the North Shore. Last season drew 25,000 visitors to shop from a showcase of 75 purveyors.

This Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event has become a local favorite for Saturday mornings and beyond. For special weekly offerings and events, you are invited to scan a QR code on the chamber website.

This Saturday, June 24, for example, you are invited to stay past closing for a festive market “after party,” with margaritas, cocktails, and food offered for sale from noon to 2 p.m. Those who linger will also enjoy music from Lush Life.

Winnetka Farmers’ Market is located in the heart of the downtown shopping district and around the Winnetka Metra Train Station, 754 Elm Street, in Winnetka. Parking is available at the train station and in the downtown area. For more information, call 847-446-4451 or visit wngchamber.com/ farmersmarket/.

WILMETTE FRENCH MARKET

Saturdays, now through October 28 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Wilmette French Market is a concept unique to the North Shore, one that brings the best of the European market tradition to downtown Wilmette, just east of the Metra station.

After managing open-air markets in and around France, Rolland Bensidoun and his sons Pascal and Sebastien began bringing their expertise and a touch of Parisian color to select cities and towns across the United States more than two decades ago. Wilmette now joins Chicago and New York on that elite roster.

With fresh flowers, artisanal foods, and live music, the Wilmette French Market brings the usual fare in a charming, French-infused environment. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning, coffee in hand, perusing a variety of hand-made items and delicious bakery items.

North Shore foodies may be familiar with other local offerings from the Bensidoun family—including the Ravinia Food Truck event every Thursday evening through September at 486 Roger Williams Avenue in Highland Park.

Wilmette French Market is located east of the Wilmette Metra Station, 722 Green Bay Road, in Wilmette. Dogs are not permitted. For more information, call 312-575-0286 or visit bensidounusa.com/wilmette/.

Sundays, now through November 5 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more than 25 years, the Skokie Farmers’ Market has been attracting fruit and vegetable vendors from throughout Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan to the heart of the village.

This year’s market promises many of those longstanding favorites as well as some exciting new vendors with offerings that go from produce to baked goods to local crafts.

Sponsored by North Shore University Hospitals and Link Up Illinois, the market prides itself on supporting the local community, offering quality food to its SNAP customers and others in need.

The market’s mission also aims to provide nutrient dense produce to the community at large while supporting local farmers. Its vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and flowers are among some of the freshest you’ll find, some picked just hours before being brought to the market stall.

It’s no wonder this North Shore mainstay has become a local market favorite.

Skokie Farmers’ Market is located at 5127 Oakton Street in Skokie. It is a smoke-free outdoor market and dogs are not permitted. Free parking is available on the northwest corner of Oakton Street and Floral Avenue or in village parking lots. For more information, call 847-673-0500 or visit skokie.org/434/Skokie-Farmers-Market.