We loved this orchard SO much!…read more I couldn't believe the amount of fun, free entertainment packed into this farm. We ended up spending nearly three hours bopping our way between activities and snacking. We enjoyed cider, a variety of donuts (including apple cider and pumpkin with cream cheese icing), a big ole bag of "seconds" apples that were in great condition, paid for the four wheeler/train ride through the peaches and much more. The kids especially loved the goats, slide, tractor ride through the property and corn "Sand box". Bathrooms and snack stands were plentiful and clean throughout the front portion of the farm. The staff was all very engaged and friendly as well. I loved that this spot didn't feel cheesy or over commercialized like some orchards can become. It was truly perfect. Can't recommend it enough.

I've been to Schwallier's a couple times now and have had a lovely experience each time! If you…read moredon't get there right at open (or close to it), parking will be very hectic. While they have someone guiding you most of the time, people visiting are not always the most mindful and don't let you out to give up your spot. There is only one entrance/exit for cars, so I think they need to be a little bit more upfront with the flow of traffic and constantly have someone guiding everyone to ensure that parking isn't backed up. There are pumpkins, tracker rides, a little parade car for kids (and adults can fit too) and a play area for the kids. I think it's the perfect place to grab donuts, cider, pick some apples and grab your pumpkin. Just be warned that some areas may be more hectic than others, but that's what you get with a sunny October weekend!

Heidi's is a hidden gem that has a superb bakery and produce department. Donuts, turnovers, muffins…read morecinnamon rolls and pies are about as good as you can get and very, very fresh. I especially like that we can buy a half pie. We did just that today. We now go one or two days a week and enjoy our treats at the picnic tables outside. We've also begun buying a few produce items here such as lettuce and tomatoes. Even though Heidi's is a little out of the way, the trip is worth it even with $4.00 gas.

We pulled up at 8 AM to get some donuts. The place was hopping! We could hardly get a parking spot…read more When you go in you are greeted by all kinds of fresh made salsas and jams. There is a whole wall of baked goods like pies and danishes. But the star of the show are the donuts. Homemade and fresh. A dozen of these beauties are less than $14. I'm writing a separate section on the cinnamon rolls. I happen to be a cinnamon roll Connoisseur. They are handmade, stuffed with cinnamon, not too sweet, with just a drizzle of icing on top. Perfection. There was a separate nursery with plants over on the other side of the building. We did not go over there, but it looked very intriguing. When we're in the area will definitely be back.

Came here with my adult daughter as something fun to do while visiting her. We were the only ones…read morethere around 10:30am on a Thursday. Got our wristbands inside the market and went on our way. There was a lot of fun things to do with your kiddos; tire pile with slides, wood games, basketball, a climber, benches, a bounce house and of course, animals. They had a mother/daughter duo of donkeys, two pigs, two highland cows and four goats. All the animals were super friendly, came right up to you and we even got to brush the cows. They had new additions to the barn cats who live there and they were so friendly too. Food was delicious, great customer service and the cider was yummy. 10/10 OH and all Go Go squeez apples are grown here. So cool!

A personal favorite- from their cider flights, to the ginormous ice cream sandwiches, to their…read moreblueberry sandwiches, to their adorable shop and fun outdoor area, it's the perfect place to bring the whole fam! The free roaming cats are one of my favorite parts!

Fulton Street Market is such a fun, cute little farmer's market. The market is held throughout the…read moreyear with lots of extra events such as a BIPOC night. I love being able to learn about local farmers, artisans, and experts in town. They offer several options to exchange funds and many of the vendors take multiple payment options. All of the vendors that I've met have been really kind and fair-priced if not sometimes cheaper than big stores. The social media accounts will often tell you what vendors will be at the market each day and I think that can be really helpful! There's free parking which is really nice but the market does get busy VERY quickly. I know the Saturday markets during the summer can be suuuper busy so I'd recommend going early or knowing you may need to walk.

What a great market! Vendors are so friendly and not pushy. They smile and say hello and let you…read moreperuse their items. I kept seeing all this produce and wanted just one apple. Good thing they asked if I had a question! I got my answer and received my Apple. Yay! They have some stands that make coffee and breakfast and lunch items but I had already eaten. Next time I'll try some of the food stands. I walked the whole market up one side and down the other. There is a small portion that is indoors. All in all, I spent about 20-30 min there. I grabbed some baked goods and some handmade goods as well. The vendors do have bags but I recommend you bring your own. Some take cash, all take credit. There is some cover if there is rain. Parking is plentiful and free!

This place is adorable, a must visit of the fall time. We got the cutest little jug of apple cider…read moreand its so good and refreshing. They also have a variety of baked goods and the donuts seem to be pretty popular. If you go to the building next door, they do wine tastings and you get a complimentary glass with your tasting.

Awesome GR staple. Come for the donuts, stay for everything else. Can make a few hours of it if you…read morehave kids. If not, grab some goodies, take some pics and peace out.

I absolutely love the Rockford Farmer's Market! It's a local favorite on Saturdays, and has plenty…read moreof local businesses setting up stalls. Things to get while you're there: -brats -fresh sunflowers -gelato by the pint - veggies of course Parking has not been an issue since there's two large parking lots in that area.

Ken's Fruit Market is a grocery store that stocks local items and the Plainfield location has a…read morelarge greenhouse/garden center. Nate and I stopped in after breakfast at Real Food Cafe recently and picked up some groceries and a hanging basket for my mom. The layout of the store is kind of strange and crowded, so it was difficult to maneuver the large cart at times. It took me a bit to find some items since this isn't my regular grocery store, but I was able to find 99% of the stuff on my list. I didn't see many employees around to ask for help finding things. The garden center was a similar situation with only one person who looked to be working there. I wasn't sure which hanging baskets were for sun vs. shade, but some were labeled. They had tons of flowers, vegetables, and other plants available for sale. I can't really comment on pricing since I'm not the plant person in my household, but I'd rather support a local business like Ken's over Lowe's or some other big box store.

Love Ken's. Even more now since they are carrying Palazzolo's gelato and sorbet. This gelato is out…read moreof this world. I used to drive to Douglas just to buy some. I also love that you buy their pineapples (which are great) and they have a machine the cuts away everything you don't want to eat. Gresat fund for kids and grandkids!

Cute spot for farm fresh local produce I didn't know about it until seeing it across the street…read morefrom Stovetop Coffee Roasters. I got some giant leeks, mushrooms, and plums here which I ended up using for a few different recipes, in addition to some other items. The staff was very friendly, and I'm excited to try their free range eggs and grass fed meats in the future!

Not only is their beef all grass fed and delicious but it's at a very reasonable price too. My go…read moreto place for meat now.