Ann Arbor Farmers' Market
315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor; open year-round, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, May through December; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, January through April; a2gov.org/market.
Ann Arbor's premier farmers' market has locally grown food, plants, prepared food items, and handcrafts. They've also collected recipes and stories about the market, available for $10 in the market office. An open-air setting in the historic Kerrytown District.
Westside Farmers' Market
On the southwest corner of West Maple Road and Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor; usually runs June through September, 3-7 p.m. Thursdays; westsidefarmersmarket.com.
Out in the parking lot for Zingerman's Roadhouse, this market thrived while it lasted. So what happened? It was shut down due to a zoning technicality. The market's stakeholders hope to change the rules, though. Get in touch and give them a hand if you like.
Birmingham Farmers' Market
666 N. Old Woodward Ave., in Public Parking Lot 6, north of Harmon Street and across from Booth Park, Birmingham; June 7-Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays; 248-530-1200; birminghamfarmersmarket.org
Now entering its seventh season. More than 30 booths sell locally and regionally grown produce, including vegetables, fruits, flowers and garden plants. Other attractions can include prepared foods, flowers, live entertainment, kids' activities and more. Birmingham merchants and artisans add to the hometown experience.
Canton Farmers' Market
In a parking lot on Cleveland Avenue NW. between fourth and fifth streets NW; runs June 20 through Oct. 17, 8-11:30 a.m. Saturdays; 330-458-2063; cantonfarmersmarket.com.
Produce, cut flowers and plants, some certified organic, as well as breads, cheeses, and jams. Since it opened in 2003, it has moved around town, but it still attracts crowds whatever the location. Activities can include gourmet cooking demonstrations, children's art classes and organic gardening advice.
Chelsea Farmers' Market
On Park Street in downtown Chelsea; May through October, 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays; 734-475-1145; chelseafarmersmkt.org.
Selling organic produce, handmade crafts, eggs and meat, cut flowers, baked goods, preserves and honey, as well as plants. Music and demonstrations make it a miniature festival. Friendly, relaxed environment.
Clarkston Farmers' Market
At Depot Road and Main Street, across from Depot Park, Clarkston; open June 20 through Oct. 10, 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays; 248-821-4769; clarkstonfarmersmarket.org.
This registered nonprofit market gathers local growers and artists in the city's historical district to sell organics, fruits, vegetables, honeys and syrups, flowers, soaps, fibers, linens, and various works of art. Other attractions include musicians, animals, the nearby river, and the historic downtown.
Dearborn Farmers' and Artisans' Market
On Michigan Avenue at Mason Street, outside the Bryant Library, 15544 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; runs June 5-Oct. 30, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays; 313-584-6100.
More than two-dozen carefully selected vendors sell only seasonal Michigan locally produced farm products and goods, including fresh flowers, vegetables and produce, artisanal baked goods, cheeses, and meats. The market will surround West Dearborn's downtown Bryant Library on Michigan Avenue. Only steps away from Dearborn's main street businesses.
Eastern Market
Bounded by Russell, Riopelle, Gratiot and Mack in Detroit; open year-round; busiest on Saturdays.
This is the granddaddy of them all. Open year-round, and known for its busy market days (5 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday), the market features refurbished sheds, and has plenty of wholesale activity
during the week. Project FRESH and Food Stamps accepted. Learn more at detroiteasternmarket.com.
East Warren Farmers' Market
At the northeast corner of Bishop Street and East Warren Avenue in Detroit; open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Saturday starting June 13.
Organized just last year, this small farmers' market on the east side of Detroit was put together by several agencies concerned about "food security." Located near East English Village, the market can accommodate more than a dozen vendors, featuring all Michigan-grown produce and arts and crafts, as well as urban produce. Expect to find blueberries, peppers, zucchini and kale, all in season. Last year, it didn't get started until mid-July, but this year they're starting it up June 13 and running it until the end of September, with a reprise for the Halloween Pumpkin Festival. For more information, get in touch with Market Master Heather Kingsbury at 313-571-2800, ext. 1136, or e-mail [email protected].
Northwest Detroit Farmers' Market
15000 Southfield Fwy., on the northbound service drive, in the parking lot of the Bushnell Congregational Church, Detroit; open 4-8 p.m. every Thursday, June through September
It regularly hosts nearly 20 vendors that sell locally grown produce, baked goods, and meats, eggs, cheeses and teas. Urban-grown produce can be bought here, as well as organic breads, pies and honey.
Wayne State Wednesday Farmers' Market
At 5201 Cass Ave., Detroit, right in front of Prentis Hall; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Wednesday, from June 3 to Oct. 30.
Proposed just last year as a monthly market (on every fourth Wednesday), due to strong demand, the market will be weekly in 2009. Expect local farmers and market gardeners selling fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, eggs, flowers, bread, and other prepared foods. Past vendors have included Kaltz and Sons and Holtz Family Farm, as well as the Grown in Detroit Cooperative.
Dexter Farmers' Market
At 3233 Alpine St., Dexter; opens in May; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays; 734-426-8303, ext.10.
Locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, flowers, plants and locally made jewelry and artwork. New vendors welcome.
Downtown Farmington Farmers' and Artisans' Market
At Grand River Avenue and Grove Street, in Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park, Farmington; open May through October, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays
Now in its third year, this local market is quickly hitting critical mass, with vendors selling flowers and plants, seasonal fruits and vegetables, bakery goods and crafted impulse buys. Rain or shine.
Mount Clemens Farmers' Market
At 141 N. River Rd., between I-94 and northbound Gratiot Avenue, Mount Clemens; open May through November, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 586-493-7600.
This open-air market is permeated with the aroma of fresh food sizzling on the open grill, and features produce that was picked just hours earlier. Expect such staples as corn, bedding flowers and pumpkins mixed with more unusual stuff, such as okra, Italian eggplants and raw honey-in-the-comb. Rain or shine.
Northville Farmers' Market
At the corner of Seven Mile and Sheldon roads, in the Northville Downs parking lot, Northville; runs May 1 through Oct. 30; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays; 248-349-7640.
A project of the Northville Chamber of Commerce, this large market has scores of stalls of fresh produce, plants, and flowers, honey, bakery goods and garden art, soaps, jewelry and furniture. Come on the second Thursday of each month for master gardener sessions.
Ortonville Beets, Beats & Eats
At Crossman Park, downtown Ortonville; June 12 through Sept. 4, 6-9 p.m. Fridays; 248-240-0907.
This Friday night market with the amusing name (take that, Pontiac!) is more than sugar beets. You can listen to live music, enjoy a meal prepared by locals, and, naturally, buy produce and crafts from farmers, gardeners and artisans. Playground equipment in the nearby park should keep those tykes busy. Rain or shine.
Plymouth Farmers' Market
350 S. Main St., Plymouth; runs May through October; 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays except July 12 and Sept. 6.
About 30 stalls under the roof with more outside, selling fruits, veggies, cut flowers, plants, baked goods and garden crafts. Mostly Michigan grown and made.
Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market
At Third and Water streets, Rochester; runs May through October, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays; 248-656-0060; downtownrochestermi.com/market.html.
Just a block east of Main Street and surrounded by two free public parking lots, expect produce, flowers, handmade goods and other products exclusive to Michigan. A master gardener will be on hand every Saturday to answer your questions.
Royal Oak Farmers' Market
At 316 E. 11 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; open year-round; 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays, May through December; 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, April through December; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, January through March; 248-246-3276; ci.royal-oak.mi.us/farmersmkt.
Next to Eastern Market, this is our readers' favorite farmers' market. For all you locavores, the locally grown fare comes by the bushel, and you can rest assured that you'll leave with more than you bargained for. What makes Royal Oak's farmers' market even more convenient is that Superior Seafood is situated just across the street.
Saline Farmers' Market
On Ann Arbor Street a half block south of Michigan Avenue, Saline; runs May through October; 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
Small town flavor with a touch of urbanity. Locally grown fresh produce, plants and flowers; specialty items include jams, jellies, baked goods, seasonal corn stalks, Indian corn, wreaths and more.
Oakland County Farmers' Market
At 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford; year-round; 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, May through December; 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, December through April; 248-858-5495; oakgov.com/cmarket.
This county market has fresh farm, garden, orchard and, in the winter, greenhouse produce. Or come on Sunday for the flea market (9 a.m.-4 p.m.).
Depot Town Farmers' Market
At 641 Rice St., between Cross and Forest, in Depot Town, Ypsilanti; opens in April, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturdays.
One of Ypsilanti's two seasonal farmers' markets, this is the longer-running one, established in 1978. It's held outside the freight house in Depot Town twice a week. May 30 is plant day, offering the opportunity to come to market for ready-to-plant seedlings.
Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers' Market
At Michigan Avenue and Hamilton Street, in the Key Bank Parking Lot; open May through October, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays.
Ypsi's second farmer's market was started downtown in the 2006, accepting food assistance from WIC FRESH, Senior Project FRESH and Washtenaw County Public Health Department's Prescription for Health program.
