First on our list of Somerset Farmers' Markets is Three Meadows Farm in Bedminster, a drive-up farm stand and market right off of Highway 206. The owners encourage you to visit the donkeys and bunnies, and when you're done you can buy delicious produce, fruits and flowers. Some of the gems at Three Meadows are their spinach, broccoli, plums, melons, peaches, blackberries and blueberries and their hanging flower baskets, which are under $25 and about three times the size of anything I've seen at other markets. They also sell bunnies for pets (or consumption) for $25.

The New Brunswick Community Farmers market is chock-full of lovely activities for children, and yummy goods for us caretakers. They are open Thursdays and Saturdays at the Farmers Market Pavilion and Gardens. They have all the usual fare (grass fed meat, organic eggs, cheeses, honey, and produce) but also have local musicians performing, children's activities throughout the day, speakers keen on educating the public about organic and local foods, and giveaways.

If you're looking for something to do on a Thursday morning, the Somerville Farmers Market is where it's at. Located right near Main Street, this market offers artisan cheeses, handmade organic soaps, and beautifully dried flowers amongst the usual farmers market fare.

If you've ever spent the day at Duke Farms, you know what a beautiful place it is. Besides offering educational nature classes and trails to bike and walk on, they now host the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey's farmers market! This is the first season the market will be open, and it has a number of local vendors selling their wares including; lamb and poultry, organically grown veggies, and eggs. Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this is the perfect opportunity for a summer day trip.

There are also plenty of smaller, lovely farmers markets like those in Bernardsville, Bound Brook, Manville, Plainfield and Highland Park. Taking your kids, and heading out to meet the people that grow and raise your food is an excellent learning opportunity, and I know my kids are eager to try fresh veggies when they learn about how they are grown. At the farmers market last week, my five year old had a pickle on a stick (what a novelty!) and peroxides smothered in freshly grown onions. There's something for even the pickiest eater!