Ackerman farms is a great family friendly produce market, petting zoo, gift shop and all around…read moreentertaining place. I was in town from Florida and this was a great place to savor the Midwest fall experience. I selected one of the beautiful mum plants for my Aunt and Uncle. I loved the pumpkins and squash of all sizes displayed in various bins and baskets. I wanted to back my car up to the gift shop and a take a lot of items home. They offer local popcorn, jams and candy apples, decor items and cooking tools like aprons with catchy phrases. They had a lamp I really wanted but was not sure it would fit in my car with my luggage. I found the staff very nice and willing to interact with you. They would answer questions but also let you browse and look as much as you wanted. Snother surprising thing was the animals were so friendly. Some of the alpacas came right up to me over the fence and the kitties got up from sunning themselves to greet me. I loved the clever signs and the old truck parked in front of the sunflower field. If you are looking for fall photo back drops this is the place. They serve drinks and have a picnic area. Although I was in town too early for the pumpkin festival, I felt like I got a good sampling of activities on my visit to Ackerman's Farm and the parking was very convenient.

It's a beautiful farm, with lots of activities for the whole family. I love the gift shop,…read moreespecially when buying pumpkin everything!

This is one of my favorite farmer's markets. We come here whenever we are in town on a Saturday…read moremorning. There are so many local, fresh offerings!! Parking is easy. We've never parked more than a block or two away. My favorites are the breakfast sausage, honey and produce vendors. They also have fresh flowers, beef, eggs and breads and pastries. Everyone has bags, but if you are buying from multiple vendors, do your wrists a favor and bring a shoulder grocery bag. They sometimes have a band for entertainment.

It's still early in the season, and this was my first visit, but I am very much a fan…read more - You can use a credit card to buy tokens, which all vendors accept. There is a $2 fee to do so, but the money goes to help support the farmers and the market, and it's $2 whether you buy $10 or $50. (So get $50! Tokens don't expire.) - WIC cards accepted, with no additional fee. Badass. - BIG!! Spans a good 4-5 blocks downtown, both farmers and artists. - Lots of doggie-watching to be done. - Prices are fair and farmers are friendly. - Local, mostly organic, know-your-farmer food! - Live music - DELICIOUS food! This is a treasure! I'll be back every Saturday I can.

This place is hidden away on a downtown side street in an area of town most people only zoom by…read moreduring their commute, but they make high quality bread and muffins at this owner operated storefront. Open during the afternoons weekdays and mornings on Saturday, stop by for some cinnamon rolls and a loaf of bread and you'll wonder why you bothered to buy that place way out in the suburbs.

stellar little family run bread operation. organic, mostly vegan, their breads are just full of…read moreflavor and that rustic, old-style texture that most bakeries don't make any more. They've also a cajun restaurant housed in there now. it's a dynamite excuse to get out of the suburbs and downtown. saturday mornings people often lounge around drinking coffee and talking. it's a great place to check out on your way to the farmer's market.

Yeah it's a grocery store. If you haven't tried them, I'd recommend the butter toffee cashews in…read morethe bulk nuts section. You'll thank me later.

Very clean store, friendly staff, smart arrangement and appealing presentation, we found an…read moreexcellent seafood selection to cook up a Sunday evening meal. But alas price gouging all over, insane to see no b grade discounted produce which ruins farmers and us consumers by wasting the majority of farm output. I would really like to see big groceries like Fresh Thyme ensure minimal food waste with their suppliers that both reduces cost and waste while providing essential value and best of all, fantastic quality since b grade produce despite its lack of visual appeal is often better tasting due to a moral natural cycle on the plant. There has been so much clear research emphasizing the relevant needs to fix inflation these past years it is difficult to see big brands march on hiking prices and bragging about record profits.

So many food trucks to choose from and they all smell terrific! Prices are reasonable. Also so much…read morefresh veggies, beautiful plants and fun locally made crafts. Service of vendors vary with most being above average. Loved the market it's a must visit!

There are some unique gems like hand crafted candles, some baked goods and some "trinkets" that…read morelook really cool, just not something I need. There was a gentleman performing solo music that was fun to sit and listen. Front Street brewing has a stand here - and each of the two times I've purchased a beverage (different trips), I have had a less than enjoyable interface with the team staffing the cart. Turns me off to FSB to be honest. The produce is over priced for the most part but I do enjoy fresh and tasty tomatoes as well as sweet corn. To me the pricing would be ok if it was for organic produce. But we all know this is sprayed and probably GMO. That said, it makes for a fun few hours. Park area for the kids to enjoy, as well as a petting zoo.

Pekin Farmers' Market will be set up 9-11AM on 7/4/13! The early hours are necessary because of the…read moreholiday. On 6/27/13 I bought potatoes from the first digging and some dill from Bob Rollyson, tomatoes from Joyce Frank, and jellies from Montgomery Farms. All excellent stuff! I'll be back to get some popcorn from Progressive Poppers and a salsa mix from Dirt Broke Gourmet. Other than the fourth of July holiday, the market will be 4-6PM every Thursday 'til October.