Whether you’re in the mood for fresh produce, flowers, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, or great people watching, farmers markets are summer hot spots.

Here’s a list of some of our big-city favorites.

Des Moines Farmers’ Market
OK, so we’re a little biased (Des Moines is home to Country Home), but we love joining the thousands of Iowans who head to this Saturday morning event. Downtown’s Court Avenue hosts 200-plus vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and crafts. Our favorite: Homemade rhubarb pie from the Mast Family Farm.
www.knowdowntown.com/events/farmersmarket/

St. Paul Farmers’ Market
One of the oldest in the country, St. Paul’s market sells only organic produce that is produced within 50 miles of the city. Every Saturday and Sunday on the corner of 5th and Wall Streets.
www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com

Mill City Farmers Market, Minneapolis
When our Photo Design Editor, Jessica Thomas, goes to Minneapolis, she checks out the Mill City Farmers Market for its great mix of fun and eclectic finds. Saturdays and Thursday night on Chicago and 2nd Street between Guthrie and Spoonriver.
www.millcityfarmersmarket.org

Kansas City’s City Market
Besides hosting more than 150 vendors selling food, produce, flowers, and artwork on Wednesday night, Saturday, and Sunday, the City Market also has a venue for popular performers and music groups. 5th and Market.
www.kc-citymarket.com

Union Square Greenmarket, New York
Style Editor Jennifer Kopf can’t walk through this market filled with fresh produce and baked goods without buying a bouquet of sunny zinnias. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, E. 17th Street and Broadway.
www.cenyc.org

Austin Farmers’ Market
Local dairies, nurseries, ranches, and farms sell their eggs, meats, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and plants at this Texas growers-only market. Our favorite: the creole pralines (made with organic ingredients); Saturdays and Wednesday evenings, at 4th and Guadalupe.
www.austinfarmersmarket.org

Sante Fe Farmers Market
When Creative Director Mary Emmerling lived in Sante Fe, she loved buying chili peppers, corn and squash at this year round market. Saturday and Tuesday mornings in the Devargas Center parking lot on 153 Paseo de Peralta.
www.santafefarmersmarket.com

Santa Monica Farmers Market
This is one of Southern California’s largest outdoor markets. Stock up on West Coast favorites including avocadoes, artichokes, beets, heirloom tomatoes, and jojoba oil. Saturdays on Arizona & 3rd Street.
www.farmersmarket.santa-monica.org