it's the most wonderful time of the year

No, it's not Christmas yet, but....FARMERS MARKET SEASON! Well, soon, at least. The time where beautiful produce and homemade treats strut their stuff and beg to be bought and devoured. Farmers markets are a fun and nutritious way to include foods that are locally grown or prepared into your life! Most of them take place on the weekend, but some also are open during the week, as well. So get out in the sunshine, grab the fam or a friend, and take a trip out to one of these markets. Or make a point to hit up all of 'em during the summer. Better yet, bike or walk there if you live in the vicinity. And don't forget your reusable grocery bag!

Most cities in Michigan seem to have their own local farmers market these days, but here is a crash course of some to check out in the area:


Washtenaw County
Westside Farmers Market - Ann Arbor
This is an all-volunteer run farmers market that opened its doors in 2005. Located in front of Zingerman's Roadhouse, this market has about 30 stalls of delicious produce to try. Vendors here tend to have free samples, too! Make sure to stop by Inchworm Microgreens to try some sunflower sprouts, Dick and Diana Dyer's (two favorite people of us UM-SPHers :) garlic booth, and Food Gatherers' Super Carrots! (pictured to the right). Open June 7-September 27.

Kerrytown Farmers Market - Ann Arbor
This market is extremely popular with University of Michigan students and faculty due to its convenient vicinity right smack in the heart of Kerrytown. You'll get a good Ann Arbor vibe from this market as well as some delicious local offerings from farms in the area. Open year 'round, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Check their blog for hours since they change throughout the year. While you're there, be sure to take a peek into Sparrow Market and maybe even have lunch or a sweet treat at Zingerman's Deli - but expect a line, especially during football season!

Ypsilanti Farmers Market - Ypsilanti
In the words of one of my former classmates, the Ypsilanti Famers Market is "the best farmers market in the world." It's a great snap shot of public health in action since it stemmed from a community needs assessment revealing that Ypsilanti needed increased access to local foods. Since 2006, the Ypsilanti farmers market keeps getting bigger and better. Open from May-October, its vendor's stalls opened this past Tuesday.


Oakland County
Home Town Harvest Farmers Market - Royal Oak
Open Thursdays 8am-2pm at Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital. Ideal for your lunch break if you're in the area! Check out the Market Memos on their website for a low-down on what's fresh each week.

Auburn Hills Farmers Market - Auburn Hills
Opening June 7, this is a small farmers market to hit up after work since it's open from 3-7:30pm. Enjoy cute lil downtown Auburn Hills as your peruse the vendors that are selling soap to jewelry to produce!





Wayne County
Eastern Market - Detroit
I like to call this one the Mother of All Farmers Markets simply because it: 1. Draws in the most people each Saturday - over 40,000 market goers each week!      2. Has about 250 vendors     3. Is an awesome Detroit tradition. This market has been up n' running since 1891. The Eastern Market is open year 'round on Saturdays from 5am-5pm. And you can get some wicked-good steals if you're there in the last half hour when vendors are trying to get rid of their goods before closing time.

Wyandotte Farmers Market - Wyandotte
Opens June 14 and will be providing local foods to the Downriver area until October 18! This market also offers many entertainment perks, such as kids activities, live music, cooking demos, and even a bakeoff on Farmers Fair, the last market day of the year!

Do you have any favorite farmers markets you like to frequent?
I'd love to hear about them!
Happy farmers marketing!