Farmers markets are about to kick off in southwest IL. Here’s when & where to find them

Ah, spring!

There’s nothing like shaking off the winter and getting out into the warmer weather.

New leaves in the trees and flowers all over the place are a welcome sight. I love all of the wild violets that grow in my yard this time of year.

With all of the colors that come with the new season come the outdoor activities, including farmers markets.

Fresh produce, plants for the home and garden, baked goods, and the artisan and handmade crafts and products are things many look forward to.

And here’s a list of places you can find it all and then some.

If there’s a farmers market you know of that should be on this list, send the details to lifestyle@bnd.com.

▪ Monroe County Farmers Market - Waterloo — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting April 29. Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo. Produce, plants, baked goods, coffee vendors and so much more. Live entertainment and activities for the kids too. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket

▪ Monroe County Farmers Market - Columbia — 4-7 p.m. Thursdays starting May 4. Turner Hall, 211 E. Cherry St., Columbia. Local vendors offering plants and produce, baked treats and more. facebook.com/monroecountyfarmersmarket

▪ Nashville Farmers Market — 7-11 a.m. Thursdays starting May 4. In front of the Washington County Courthouse at 101 E. St. Louis St., Nashville. This year’s kickoff includes a plant swap, sponsored by the Washington County Master Gardeners. 618-327-3700 or facebook.com/NashvilleChamberofCommerce.

▪ Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays starting May 4. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Fresh local produce, baked goods, unique handmade crafts and more. Rain or shine. 618-520-5107 or facebook.com/SwanseaFarmersMarketInc.

▪ Belleville Old Town Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 6. Northwest corner of East Washington and South Charles streets, Belleville. Fresh produce, grass fed beef and other meats, plants, honeys, jams and jellies, crafters, and more.

▪ Alton Farmers & Artisans Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 13. Corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street, Alton. An abundance of fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, plants and flowers, locally-raised, hormone-free meat, handmade soaps, jewelry, artwork, and much more. 618-463-1016 or facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket.

▪ Land of Goshen Community Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 13. 100 St. Louis St., Edwardsville. Open rain or shine. Fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, crafts, live music and so much more. 618-307-6045 or facebook.com/goshenmarket.

▪ Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 13. O’Fallon Station, 212 E. 1st St., O’Fallon. Locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs, cheese and meats. A selection of bakers and sweet treats along with coffee, craft brew beverages and artisans. Live music, patio seating, food truck on site. Bicycle and pet friendly. 618-624-0139 or ofallonvinestreetmarket.com.

▪ Carlyle Farmers Market — 5 p.m. until dusk Fridays, May 13, June 30, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 29. Carlyle VFW, 1250 Franklin St., Carlyle. Fresh produce, meat, eggs and bread. Freshly cut flowers, plants, fudge, syrup … you never know what you’ll find at the Market. Rain or shine; canceled only if serious thunderstorms are in the area. carlylelake.com/carlyle-courthouse-square-farmers-market

▪ Litchfield Pickers Market — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Sunday of the month, May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, and Oct. 8. 400 N. State St., Downtown Litchfield. Vintage, antique, industrial, architectural, repurposed and collectible goods. 866-733-5833 or facebook.com/litchfieldpickersmarket.

▪ Maryville Farmers Market — 5-7 p.m. Thursdays starting May 18. Firemen’s Park, 300 N. Donk St., Maryville. Featuring goods from local farms, handmade goods and special guests. Produce, meat, dairy, honey, plants and baked goods. Healthy foods, healthy families. SNAP/EBT accepted. 618-304-8335 or facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket

▪ Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays starting May 19. Millstadt VFW, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. 618-476-3037 or facebook.com/MillstadtFarmersMarket.

▪ New Baden Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays May 27, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 and Sept. 30. New Baden Village Park, Veterans Memorial Parkway, New Baden. A truly unique market, no two vendors alike, live music, special events. So many wonderful things are coming this summer. facebook.com/newbadenfarmersmarket

Across the river:

▪ Soulard Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays year round. 730 Carroll St., St. Louis. Fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese, snacks, baked goods, spices, flowers, pets and other merchandise. soulardmarketstl.com

▪ Tower Grove Farmers Markets — 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. to sunset Tuesdays, starting May 2. Just west of Center Cross Drive in Tower Grove Park at 4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis. Fresh, local produce, eggs, meats, a variety of vendors and goods. tgfarmersmarket.com

▪ University City Farmers Market — 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Along the Delmar Loop, 6655 Delmar Blvd., rear lot, University City, St. Louis. Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, grass-fed beef, free-range eggs, trout, poultry, pork products, honey, baked goods, jams and jellies, nuts, coffee, chocolates and more. facebook.com/UCityFmsMkt

▪ Ste. Genevieve Farmers Market – 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 6. KC Hall grounds, 600 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Locally produced vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, canned goods, vinegars, jams, jellies and freshly baked goods. facebook.com/SteGenevieveFarmersMarket