Old Capitol Farmers Market

Downtown Springfield, Inc. has overseen the Old Capitol Farmers Market since 1999. The award-winning market is called the most popular in Central Illinois and the largest downstate producer-only market, and it has been voted Best Reason to Go Downtown, Best Farmers Market, and Best Public Art. It gives small farms and local growers an open-air venue in the heart of downtown Springfield, backing budding entrepreneurs and fresh, healthy food while serving as a community gathering place. The winter edition meets at Union Station, 500 East Madison Street, across from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, with some vendors inside the station and some outside under the overhang.

Our take: For the winter dates, head to Union Station and check both the indoor hall and the overhang, since vendors split between the two.