Visitors Guide to
Farmers Markets & Local Roadside Stands
in the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway Area
Madison, Jersey, & Calhoun Counties, Illinois

For many, farmers markets and roadside stands are a pleasurable ritual in their lives. In contrast to America and its supermarkets, the local market is the center of communities around the world. The market provides a connection to the community, the seasons, and the farmers as well as providing health and environmental benefits. The produce of most supermarkets can travel thousands of miles to reach your dinner plate, but at a farmers market or roadside stand it’s refreshing to know that you are buying food directly from the producer of a product that is harvested daily. For these reasons local markets have been making a dramatic comeback in recent years.

Another reason to shop at these seasonal markets is the culinary experience they engender. Shopping for fresh, seasonal produce brings out inspiration, imagination, and creativity in the cook. And who hasn’t lamented at the taste and texture of tomatoes or corn during the cold winter months and waited in anticipation for the arrival of the next season.

There plenty of roadside stands that can be found around the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area and several larger farmers markets that can be found in its cities. Whether you're traveling through or planning a trip, visitors through the area should take advantage of the season’s cornucopia.