Cook Area Farmers Market

Now, this was a lucky find. We decided to check out the Cook downtown (such as it was) after eating breakfast and stumbled across a collection of vendors in the park. The market started less than 10 years ago with just a handful of vendors, but now there's a row of tents selling a range of fresh fare, from apples to zucchini. Show up early for fresh produce. Northern Minnesota's growing season starts slow with rhubarb, chives and asparagus, but by late July, you'll likely find tomatoes, raspberries, peppers and more. Of course, not everything is seasonal. Homemade jams and jellies or jars of local honey are reliable picks, as are home-baked breads, cookies and scones. Perhaps the most intriguing stand belongs to the Rice River Lamb Company. This old-fashioned farm from Idington specializes in sustainably raised heritage breeds like Red Wattle hogs and Shetland sheep. They sell wool and meat, along with fabulous scones. This market is a must-see if you're near Cook on a summer Saturday morning (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and a great place to pick up souvenirs or bonus groceries for the cabin.