One of the best things about summer are farmers markets. Fresh vegetables and fruits, homemade goodies, thick cut bacon, all of the local treats you can think of, all in one place.
We started house sitting today, which gives us access to a car for the next two weeks. This allows us to attend more garage sales and markets than before. One local market specifically stands out. Sirna's Market and Deli across from Geauga Lake is the finest in local produce, free-range/antibiotic-free meats and crafted foods. Whenever we go, there are fresh samples at their bakery where they make beautiful pastries, chocolates, cakes and pies, all at incredibly decent prices (example: $.99 for a large gourmet brownie or slice of pie), and their prepared foods section is equally impressive.
One of our favorite buys is their Amish bacon, cheaper than the packaged stuff but of a much higher quality. The best thing about this store are their sales which gives serious discounts to slightly older produce and prepared foods (example: $.79 for 2 decently sized zucchini). We've gone in with $10 before, come out with three large bags of groceries and $4 change. The same food at other local grocery chains would have easily cost two to three times the price.
Don't be fooled though, not everything in the store is cheap. They carry a lot of fine and gourmet items, many of them locally produced, and their boxed/jarred foods are a bit pricey, which is to be expected when your fresh food is so reasonably priced.
They have a massive wine cellar as well (of which we haven't yet taken advantage) with many events throughout the year. If you're ever in the area, you have to stop in and check this store out.
Remember, any time you can, buy locally. Summer is the best time to grab fresh fruits and veggies at roadside fruit stands, weekend farmers markets and other local events. The USDA has a great site that shows you local market events happening in your area and Local Harvest shows you stores like Sirna's in your area. Take advantage while you can!
