In Grand Junction, where we enjoy vibrant farmers markets in the summer and early fall, what's for dinner can be less about careful planning than happenstance. Or a moment of revelation.

Last week I had visitors in town and wanted them to experience the charm of the area. Although I hadn’t yet been, I thought what better way than to visit the farmer’s market. We were going to pick up some fruit, enjoy the music, and head to dinner at one of the wonderful local restaurants, but we soon found that our plans had to be diverted. After grabbing some cherries and making a quick stop for Dippin’ Dots, we got to talking with folks at a pasta stand. Suggesting we try their orzo, we began to formulate a summer meal from what was available around us.

A couple of hours later we were enjoying a spectacular dinner of handmade spinach fettuccine tossed with toasted pine nuts, garlic, baby squash, and olive oil. We added a salad and a cold, crisp Pinot Gris, making for a lovely patio dinner on a perfect Colorado summer evening.

So the next time you're at the farmers market, try starting a friendly culinary conversation. Talk to the farmers, the vendors, the person next to you buying fresh tomatoes or biting into a ripe Palisade apricot and ask them what they're making for dinner.

Go with what you find and create on your feet.