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Best Farmers' Markets Near Chicago

Farmers markets are a great way to spend a summer morning afternoon outside. Contrary to popular belief, many of these markets feature classic produce for purchase, but also gourmet cooked-to-order dishes from specialty eateries, crafts for the kids and bones for Fido. Markets typically run once per week on a variety of days, although Saturdays are most common. Those in and out of the city can find the market that best suits their interests because not all farmers markets are created equally. Here is a list of some of the best farmer's markets near Chicago's Loop.

Best Farmers\' Markets Near Chicago
Photo courtesy of DowntownTinley.com.

Tinley Park Farmers' Market
Tinley Park farmers market (Photo by Robert Mathius)

17375 S. Oak Park Ave.
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 444-5045
www.downtowntinley.com

Animal lovers will rejoice when they realize that their pooches can come along with them while they shop for fruits, vegetables, crafts and treats at the Tinley Park farmers market. Located just 30 minutes south of the Loop, this farmers market makes use of vendors that capture the inclusive spirit of the town. This includes the dogs. A trip to this market comes with snow cone stands, and many produce vendors from bakeries making the trek from as far away as the Michigan-Indiana border and who specialize in animal treats, toys and furniture. A Tinley Park farmers market, held every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 4 to Oct. 8, wouldn't be complete without seeing leashed furry companions pattering about.

Naperville Farmers' Market
200 E. 5th Ave.
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 369-5638
www.naperville.il.us

Located in DuPage county, just 45 minutes west of the Loop is the Naperville Farmer's market. Running 7 a.m to noon on Saturdays from June 6 through Oct. 31, the market is known for its variety of products offered. Naperville's eclectic artisan scene shows up in force for the weekly market to sell everything from soaps to spices. The vendors vary by week and can include a kitchen utensil sharpening booth or an earthy jewelry stand. Unlike Tinley's market, furry friends are not allowed at the market, which could be a plus for those looking solely for human-centered wares. Cash is king, but some vendors at this market are so tech-savvy that they accept credit and debit card payments.

Green City Market
(Photo Credit: greencitymarket.org)

Green City Market
1750 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 880-1266
www.greencitymarket.org

For those more centrally located, many deem the Green City Market as one of the best farmers markets in the area. Equipped with well over 50 vendors every Wednesday and Saturday from May 7 to Oct. 31 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., this market doesn't embrace the sleepy suburban nature of the last two markets. Instead, the Green City Market focuses on the hustle and bustle of the city by hosting celebrity chef demos in the center of the market. Big names in the Chicago culinary scene dot the events list of this market, all while market goers can pick up produce to cook later or ready-to-eat grub like omelets, veggie nuggets and mac & cheese.

Related:  4 Reasons To Join A CSA Or Farm Share This Year

Evanston Farmers' Market
1800 Maple Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 448-8045
www.evanstonfarmersmarkets.org

The Evanston Farmers' market is a northsider's paradise located just 30 minutes north of the Loop via Lake Shore Drive. For those looking for a bit of adventure, this market has it. Market vendors include The Cheese -- people who can open your mind to cheeses other than mozzarella and cheddar. Gotta B Crepes is a regular vendor whipping up grub featured on their home restaurant's menu. Not into it? That Pickle Guy makes a regular appearance at this market to sell, you guessed it, pickles, olives and gardener. This market runs on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m to 1 p.m. from May 7 to Nov. 5.

Berywn Farmers' Market 
6600 W. 26th St.
Berywn, IL 60402
(708) 788-2660
www.berywntownshipfarmersmarket.com

Running from June 12 to Oct. 23 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. is west suburban Berywn's Sunday farmers market. Located just 20 minutes west of the Loop is this little-known market that hosts live music every week while shoppers look for berries, squash and gourmet cat treats. Flowers and cheese can also be found at this market to help engineer the perfect Sunday brunch. Some vendors who regularly attend feature Sonoma Heights, who specialize in oils and balsamic, as well as Veronica Aobotaru, who specializes in organic loose teas.

Related: Best Artisan Cheese Shops In Chicago

Robert Mathius is a Chicago suburb native who currently lives in Tinley Park. He has a passion for the automotive industry in addition to journalism and works to blend his two passions in his writing. Additional automotive reporting by Robert can be found on Examiner.com..

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