During the summer, one of the best ways to spend a weekend morning is at the local farmer's market, sampling whatever's in season. We've updated last year's guide to offer you a more comprehensive list of some of the best farmers markets in the country, along with hours, locations, and links to other markets in each state. Enjoy!

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We are often quick to complain long and loud about bad customer service experiences. But what about great experiences? Sometimes a company just goes above and beyond in service — whether that is seen in correcting a mistake, offering special education and resources to customers, or just being all-round nice people. What are your stories of amazing customer service from kitchen shops and brands? More

If you're into grilling, you might recognize Well Traveled Living's products — their folding HotSpot Notebook Charcoal Grill and Yakatori Charcoal Grills have made the rounds of food and design blogs. WTL isn't a 'store' exactly, but a "designer, importer and distributor of outdoor living products." More

If you're an apartment dweller without a lot of storage space, a portable grill can be a huge help. Equally useful on a patio or at a picnic, most are compact enough to store in a kitchen cabinet. This list of eight options includes a mix of charcoal and gas grills. (If you want more information on which type of grill is right for you, check out this post for tips to help you choose.) Make sure to do some comparison shopping online, as prices vary slightly from store to store.

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Long before Google or Apple came to Silicon Valley, there was C.J. Olson Cherries. This family-owned fruit stand has been right here on El Camino Real in the heart of the valley since 1899, serving first as a way station for Spanish missionaries and later for tech moguls. After visiting their clapboard store front myself, I'm betting their cherries are just as delicious now as they were a century ago. More

I'm a big fan of the "British kitchen look" — you know, Brown Betty teapots and white china pudding bowls — so when I discovered Pacific Merchants, I bookmarked them right away. Based out of Los Angeles, they import mixing bowls and tea sets from UK companies Mason Cash and Price & Kensington. They're also a major importer of Acaciaware from the Philippines. More

If you're lucky enough to have a backyard, an outdoor fireplace is a great investment for entertaining. Think s'mores, hot dog roasts, or even just cool nights spent gathered around the fire. Fire pits generally come in three main types: wood burning (the most popular and usually the least expensive), gas/propane (a less smokey option that's pricier), and gel or ethanol (which creates a smokeless, odorless flame).

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An Italian company, Scavolini has been making modular kitchens since the 1960s, but it wasn't until recently that they opened their first showroom in New York's SoHo shopping district. Brothers Valter and Elvino Scavolini started the original workshop in 1961 in Pesaro, and the company has since expanded into an international brand that's strengthening its presence in America. More

Planning a barbecue, picnic, or outdoor cocktail party? Instead of paper plates, try recyclable and reusable stuff — in the long run, it can save you money. Plus, it just looks better and adds a little bit of class to your soiree. Here are some of our go-to sources for quality entertaining supplies and outdoor decor on a budget.

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Looking for some inspirational kitchen eye candy? The Brooklyn Home Company is one of our go-to bookmarks for what we call the "white and wood look" — photos of light, airy, modern kitchens that might include a generously sized reclaimed wood dining table or a live edge counter with tree trunk stools. More