Looking for a great summer outing? Consider a trip to a local farmers' market, farm stand, or pick your owm farm or orchard.

Most cities have at least one farmers' market while the larger cities have a surfeit of options. In some places, farmers' markets are an event, including entertainment, children's activities, and even fresh made foods for purchase. You can shop for your weekly produce AND grab a tasty lunch.

Yes, farmers' markets tend to be a bit more expensive. But it's generally worth it for produce picked at the peak of flavor abd freshness by a farmer you actually get to meet who can tell you multiple ways to prepare this bounty. Compare that to the less flavorful produce that's been factory farmed, picked too early, and shipped in from goodness knows where.

Even better, visiting a farm or farmers' market is a great way to get kids interested in fruits and veggies. Many kids will enjoy seeing the foods they eat in a more natural state. Often, Farmers are happy to share samples and teach kids about how the fruits or vegetables grow. Eating a new food is more fun and less scary if you know about it. It's even more fun if you got to pick it. And farmers' markets often have more interestiung varieties of common vegetables. A kid who hates orange carrots as a rule may be willing to trying a purple carrot! Or a different color of pepper. Experimenting is more fun when you feel like you are at a carnival!

This week, do a few minutes of research to find the farmers' markets, farmstands, or pick your own farms in your area. This summer, make it a point to visit at least once a month.