I visited the markets this past week, and my goodness, are they overflowing with fresh produce. This month, you can find apples, tomatoes, salad greens, corn, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, eggplant, and more. Each vendor has a different variety, so be sure to shop around to several different ones before heading home.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
The weather has been really warm lately, and shopping these outdoor farmers’ markets is a perfect excuse to get outside and get some vitamin D.
When I went to the markets, I was looking for fruits, and I was not disappointed.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Additionally, the veggies were overflowing the farmers’ tables with freshly picked goods.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Something that’s neither a vegetable nor a fruit: mushrooms. Huge mushrooms, bigger than my hand, were available to buy at Urbana’s Market in the Square.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Shoppers at both markets were all wearing masks and most were social distancing in lines and as they browsed the different vendors.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Shopping the market makes me hungry, but I’m usually tired from shopping, so I don’t feel like rushing home to cook. Thankfully, at the Urbana’s Market in the Square on Saturdays, your food choices are abundant.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Piato To Go has a truck serving up breakfast dishes and lunch options at the Saturday market.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
Stango Cuisine sells beef pies, beignets, and freshly squeezed ginger juice at the Urbana Market as well. You can also find Just BEE Açai, Dragon Fire Pizza, and Cracked food trucks as well.
Photo by Alyssa Buckley.
At the Champaign Farmers Market on Tuesday, you can pick up some baked goods from Central Illinois Bakehouse or get takeout from any of the Downtown Champaign restaurants while you’re already parked downtown.
Urbana’s Market at the Square
The Urbana Market has been in continuous operation since 1979. The market runs from May 2th to October 31st, each Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. It’s located at the corner of Illinois and Vine in Urbana.
Forms of payment: Credit, debit, or SNAP is preferred. Cash is accepted, but vendors may not provide change to reduce the spread of the virus.
SNAP/LINK: Vendors selling LINK-eligible foods accept LINK tokens. Please visit Urbana’s Market at the Square website for specifics, or the information tent on site.
Parking: Free parking is available in the parking lots surrounding Lincoln Square Mall and the lot south of Illinois Street. Bike parking is also available at the entrances to the mall and at the bike corral area past the entrance to the Market off of Illinois.
Pets: No pets allowed. Please respect the market’s rules and leave your doggo at home.
Social Media: You can follow the Market on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sign up for weekly Market emails here.
The Land Connection Champaign Farmers’ Market
The Land Connection’s Champaign Farmers’ Market is on their sixth year. The Champaign Market is open on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.. The Champaign Farmers’ Market is at their regular location in parking lot M at Neil and Washington in Downtown Champaign.
Forms of Payment: Pre-ordering, credit cards, debit cards, or SNAP/EBT cards are preferred. Cash will be accepted, but vendors will be instructed not to provide change.
SNAP/LINK: All eligible vendors accept SNAP benefits through the LINK token program. Please visit The Land Connection website for specifics.
Parking: Metered parking is available in parking lot M off of Neil Street, or in the Hill Street Parking Deck.
Pets: Leashed dogs are welcome.
Social Media: Follow The Land Connection on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check the website for more information.
Top image by Alyssa Buckley.
