It's about that time of year - we can all see the green grass starting to grow, daffodils are blooming, the days are getting longer. What does that mean? Spring is here, and with it comes the farmer's market at Findlay Market. The thing is, there's a lot more to Findlay than just the farmer's market, all year round. Don't forget about the amazing stuff that they sell even when the farmers aren't there.

First, the outside market: You can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade bread and soap, and other fantastic products all through the year. The greatest part is the outside vegetable market that offers all sorts of fruits and vegetables at fantastic prices.

Next, pop inside to the main hall and check out the amazing spices, cheeses, meats and ready-to-eat meals you can find inside. One of my favorites, Colonel DeRay's Herbs 'n' Spice 'n' Everything Nice, has some of the most unique spice blends in the city, along with many spices you can't find anywhere else. Plus, his well-trained staff will tell you how to use them in your cooking.

Continue in and you'll see a line curling around the corner and smell sugar and butter. You've hit A Taste of Belgium, where one of my favorite vendors, Jean-Francois Flechet, makes his famous Liege-style waffles and both sweet and savory crepes. Try a waffle either plain or topped with fruit. They're the best I've had anywhere (including Europe!).

A little further in, and you'll find another favorite stand of mine, Kroeger Meats. They have a very wide array of sausages and other pork products, including tasso ham, Creole- and German-style sausages, all styles of bacon, and occasional specialty meats like camel and ostrich.

A final favorite stop is Madison's, which features groceries and specialty items. This is the place to find all sorts of interesting, seasonal items - truffles, ramps, mushrooms, local chicken and rabbit, fresh herbs and fresh bread from Shadeau bakery. The day I went, they had fresh morels, which are hard to find outside of Findlay Market!

Check back on Cincy Chic (and wine me, dine me) for a photo tour of the Farmer's Market!

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