Thanks to Flickr user lumierefl for the beautiful shot!

With over 15 farmers markets across the city offering a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, and more throughout the summer, Portland is a farmers market enthusiast's dream.

These open air markets provide community gathering space; bring fresh, local foods to our neighborhoods; and offer a great way to spend a weekend morning.

Not only that, farmers markets are often cheaper than neighborhood grocery stores, and most Portland markets happily accept Oregon Trail, WIC, and FMNP vouchers.

Locations and times for many markets are detailed at the Portland Farmers Market website, and others are listed here. The New York Times also has a great slideshow of several New York markets and the St. Paul farmers market, over 150 years old!

Farmers market season is in full swing - we encourage you to visit your local market, support our region's farmers, and spend some time with your friends and neighbors!