Fresno Farmers Markets: Check out these local gold mines

(Above: This puff pastry tart was made with organic berries from our local market and mint from our garden.)

We make a weekly field trip to the farmer's market. Here's a great way to save money on produce, get local & organic quality foods and introduce your kids to fruits and veggies in a positive environment.

Our fave Fresno market is the Farmers Market at the Vineyard, located at The Arbor, Blackstone & Shaw Avenues. They are open 7 a.m.-noon Saturdays, 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays. For details, call 559.222.0182 or check out http://www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com/. We love this one because they have a great mix of organic and local produce year-round and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Our daughter loves to say hello to all her vendor friends and taste all the fruits. We also are able to buy raw milk there from Organic Pastures farm. They even have a french bakery that makes homemade crepes and sells breads on Saturday mornings. A special treat!

Here are some other great markets in the area:

For the cheapest produce we've found in the valley, check out...

Downtown Fresno Farmers Market at 1612 Fulton Street. They are open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays. For details, call 559.227.8026.

For a pricier product but a fun atmosphere and live music, check out...

River Park Farmers Market at The Shops at River Park, Blackstone and Nees Avenues. They are open 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays. For details, call 559.994.9292.

Tower farmers produce market at 1501 N. Van Ness Ave. They are open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Friday and Saturdays. For details, call227.8026.

Kaiser Permanente Fresno farmers market at Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center, 7300 N. Fresno St. They are open 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. For details, call 559.448.4367.

We're sure this list isn't exhaustive and some of you reading are from beyond Fresno. Leave a comment about your favorite farmers market and when it's open. We love to hear about farmers market finds across the country!