Farmers Market: Arlington Heights Historical Society

The Arlington Heights Historical Society Farmers Market has been a Saturday morning staple for years. Running from May 9 through October 12, the market sets up on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum at 110 W. Fremont Street every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Nearly 40 vendors show up each week selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, honey, flowers, artisan crafts, and seasonal specialties. The market has been voted the best farmers market in Illinois by American Farmland Trust, and it's not hard to see why — the mix of vendors, the live music, and the museum grounds give it a character that goes beyond your average produce stand. It's a low-key way to spend a morning — grab some tomatoes, pick up a loaf of bread, and chat with the people who grew or made what you're buying.

The market is organized by the Arlington Heights Historical Society, a not-for-profit that uses proceeds to support the Historical Museum and its mission of connecting people to local history. There's no admission fee. Parking is available in the museum lot and surrounding streets. For vendor lists, weekly lineups, and live music schedules, check ahfarmersmarket.org.