When I was young, I loved Maurice Sendak’s book, A Hole is to Dig. Inside this first book of first definitions, simple-yet-oh-so-wise explanations like The ground is to have a garden and The world is so you have something to stand on could have easily concluded, as I have, that Summer is for farmer’s markets. Here, a list of four outstanding Arizona farmer’s markets bring you the best in locally grown and organic foods, arts and crafts and entertainment.

No. 4: Roadrunner Farmers Market: Saturdays – Summer Hours: (May 17- September 30) 7 am – 11:00 am
Location: 3515 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix (between Freeway 51 & 36th St)
Features: Local farm produce including fresh vegetables & fruit, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, nursery stock, hand crafted items. Canine “Good Citizens” always welcome! Free admission, free parking.

No. 3 5th Avenue Farmers Markets in Scottsdale: Summer Hours – Once a month beginning June 19th 5pm-7:30 pm
Location: The Kiva Center on the southeast corner of 5th Avenue and Craftman Court, Old Town Scottsdale
Features: Clusters of vendors under market umbrellas sell fresh and seasonal vegetables, fruits,herbs, plants, specialty foods, wines, fine crafts and music. Live entertainment weekly. Parking in the underground parking garage on the west side of Stetson, north of 5th Ave.

No. 2 Flagstaff Community Market: Summer Hours – (June 8 – October 12) Sundays
Location: Corner of Beaver Street & Phoenix Avenue, Flagstaff
Features: Unique and fun market events for the Flagstaff community. Enjoy a wide variety of homegrown food at a great location just south of the tracks in downtown Flagstaff. All markets are held on West Phoenix Avenue just east of Milton Rd (Rt 66) and just west of of South Beaver Street. and West Phoenix Avenue, in the City-owned lot in back of Home Alternatives.

No. 1 Downtown Phoenix Public Market: Year-Round – Wednesdays 4 pm – 8 pm and Saturdays 8 am to Noon
Location: 721 N. Central, SE Corner of Central Ave. & McKinley St.
Features: Showcase where local small-scale agriculture and local artists and crafters intersect in the heart of the city. Featured this summer: Gazpacho, hormone and cage-free chickens, apricots, peaches, heirloom tomatoes, wild arugula, rainbow chard, green onions, sweet onions, shallots and beets.