by Peggy DePersia, guest blogger

Who doesn’t like a ‘farmer’s market’?

With breezes scuttling across Lake Michigan and blowing the leaves in the tree canopy above the vendors’ displays of fruits, vegetables, canned goods, flowers and yummy baked goods, the experience is exponentially enhanced.

The Lincoln Park Farmer’s Market is just one more reason to enjoy the city of Chicago on a  Saturday morning.

It is one of the best things about such places. If you visit frequently enough, you find opportunities to break from the tried and true paths of museums, restaurants, shopping venues and tourist sights and explore what often makes a city feel alive; the neighborhoods, a hallmark of the city of Chicago and a source of great pride. Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Roger’s Park, Bucktown, Wrigleyville, to name a few: the list goes on and on and the neighborhoods listed and more recently discovered by this city lover, merely represent the tip of the iceberg.

Having tasted bits and pieces, I am eager to explore. I am reminded of Mt. Adams or Clifton heights in Cincinnati ( after all, Cincinnati, once the Western frontier, was built on 7 hills) Broadripple (home of David Letterman and Jane Pauley) in Indianapolis, Cherry Hill and Fulton Heights in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh. Neighborhoods with unique character, history and allure; they are the puzzle pieces of our wonderful American cities.

Yet, I digress. Back to Lincoln Park in Chicago. There is the Lincoln Park Zoo; thus the couples with strollers and toddlers to say nothing of the nanas and papas doting on their broods.

There is the Cafe Brauer for a leisurely breakfast in a historic venue overlooking an inviting area of natural beauty (lake included), and then again, the green market. That steaming cup of coffee and fresh baked, fresh fruit pastry are ‘just the ticket’. And then, in keeping with all things of romantic appeal, one might run across a business at the market such as Bushel and a Peck with the best canned goods ever; yet tailored to 21st century sophistication and taste; though one couldn’t beat the pickled beets for sure.

In your memory, you may even hear a couple of notes from an old song that might have been hummed by your grandma……’bushel and a peck’; rings a bell!

Peggy DePersia recently retired as a high school art teacher and now devotes her time to teaching at Kendall College of Art and Design and living creatively.

They both enjoy travel and time with their darling grand son Oliver.