To market, to market

I don't plan on buying a fat pig or jiggity-jigging home this summer, as the popular "To Market, To Market" jingle goes.

But summer farmers' markets have arrived in Lake County, and it might be time to plan a visit.

When I used to think of farmers' markets, I used to think of vegetables and being forced to sit at the dinner table until those ugly, shriveled up green peas miraculously disappeared from my plate. I prayed we'd get a family dog to solve my dilemna.

I have nothing against vegetables. All right, that's a lie. I have a lot against vegetables. I don't like them. At least, not many of them. While my coworkers happily munch on carrots and cucumbers at work, I tend to spoon up applesauce and peach slices.

If I have a lot of raspberry vinegarette dressing, I can swallow a few pieces of broccoli and lettuce. And I love potatoes, but if you ask nutritionists, potatoes are tubers rather than roots ... aka, not veggies. (Dang it.)

Fortunately, as I've grown older and wiser, I've realized that the cool thing about farmers' markets is that they don't simply feature corn on the cob and other fresh veggies being sold on street corners – the very things I used to steer clear of.

There are things that I like to eat, too – like fresh fruit and kettle corn.

Many markets feature more than just produce. Jewelry makers, local scout troops and other small businesses spread the diversity of markets with their crafts and trinkets.

Heck, you can even find freshly-made doughnuts at markets these days. See our cover story this week for a feature on Jimmy's Bag O'Donuts.

I visited a market or two last year, and they're beginning to grow on me. Maybe if I stop by enough, my taste buds will start to mature, too, and I'll even pick up a few ears of corn.

Or, maybe I'll stick with the doughnuts.

Some local farmers' markets:

• ANTIOCH – The Antioch Farmer’s Market is open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday through Sep. 30 at 906 Toft Ave. in Antioch. Call 847-838-4032.