If you want to feel good about what you eat this summer - and have fun at the same time - visit your local farmer's market. You'll find fresh produce and all sorts of homemade items like breads, pies and wonderful preserves.

I can't think of a better way to start a summer weekend. When I shop locally I know where the produce was grown. I can talk to the farmer about how he grew his produce and what pesticides and herbicides he used. What I gain is peace of mind.

Then there's the fun of shopping at a market. I love the hustle and bustle, the bartering and bantering. I enjoy wandering among the tables picking and choosing what I'm going to use in my meals for the next week and often making up meal plans on the spot. If I'm lucky I'll even pick up new recipes from the vendors or other customers.

If I'm extra-lucky I may even pick up some helpful hints on growing my own produce.

When it comes to delicious, nutritious food and old-fashioned fun there's nothing like a good old-fashioned farmer's market. Visit one this week and feel good about what you eat.