Wow. The beginning of July. You know what that means?

Pike's Place Market, Seattle, WA

A bounty of flavorful, locally grown produce – and more – at the farmers market.

“Good eats,” says Alton Brown, star of the Food Network show of the same title.

Sweet corn. Heirloom tomatoes. Zucchini. Salad greens, peppers and fresh herbs. In Idaho, where I’m living right now, there’s also lamb, summer sausage and of course, potatoes.

Berries. Apples. Fruits and veggies you’ve never even heard of before. What a treat. It’s a foodie lover’s dream and everyone’s place to experience the best food that summer has to offer.

The Original Farmers Market is in Los Angeles at  Third and Fairfax and celebrating 75 years. This summer, several contestants on the current version of The Next Food Network Star are giving cooking lessons at this venerable landmark, courtesy of Sur la Table.

Not to mention Pike’s Place Market in Seattle, WA. Recently celebrating its 100^th birthday, visitng Pike’s really feels like a European experience. The crowds, the flowers, the produce … but the flying fish are uniquely Seattle.

Oh man, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Love that place. Food, cheese, wine and the San Francisco Bay. It makes me feel good just to walk through there.

On Long Island, in the Hamptons, all you need to do is ride your bike down a country road and pony up to one of the market stands right in the field where the food is grown. Heavenly. Ride over to the fish market, too, for a little Montauk tuna caught that morning.

‘Course, you can always ride to the Amagansett Farmers Market, one of my favorites. Make sure you have a backpack – or a basket – on board, though. Wouldn’t want to leave any of that luscious, fresh food stuff behind.

Find out where your local farmers market is and plan a visit. Many of them are open year ’round, but make a trip especially in the summer. Your mind, body and soul will thank you.

Photo Credit: kurtw2007