Farmers markets offer so much more than just fresh-picked produce and homemade goods. They offer market-goers the opportunity to meet the hardworking residents responsible for growing their food and producing their goods. They inspire the community by connecting those within it through locally harvested food.
Luckily, our area has no shortage of outdoor markets to peruse. There are a handful of go-to hotspots, like the award-winning Rockford Farmers Market in picturesque downtown Rockford, or the Kalamazoo Farmers Market, which goes above and beyond with not only live music, but also a Night Market with food trucks. The options are indeed plentiful.
“Here, Revue has rounded up a few of the region's other top choices for home-grown groceries. From Grand Rapids to Holland, shopping local is easy in West Michigan — here's where to start.
HOLLAND FARMERS MARKET
Welcoming more than 75 vendors who offer flowers, baked goods, dairy and, of course, fresh-picked vegetables and fruits, the Holland Farmers Market has all of your produce needs covered. And like all the best farmers markets, there’s plenty more going on, including performances, activities for kids and demonstrations by chefs. And don’t forget to check out the food court.
OPEN: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, May-November
150 W. 8th St., Holland
(616) 355-1138
hollandfarmersmarket.com
FULTON STREET FARMERS MARKET
Grand Rapids’ oldest and largest farmers market got even bigger in 2012 — 90 years after it opened — with a
massive new pavilion. It remains THE place to be on a Saturday
morning in the summer, but keeps regular hours throughout the week, along with hosting the Artisan market on Sundays, where local artists and craftspeople sell their work.
OPEN:
Main Season Market
8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, May-October
Summer Nights at the Market Series
5 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays, July-August
Artisan Market
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, June-September
Second Season Market
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, November-April
1145 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
(616) 454-4118
KENTWOOD FARMERS MARKET
A convenient suburban destination for families interested in avoiding the crowds at larger markets, the Kentwood market emphasizes local produce and welcomes all
visitors to its convenient location at the Kentwood library’s parking lot. Head here for fresh produce, bread, syrup,
flowers, handmade goods and more.
OPEN: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, June-October
4950 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood
(616) 656-5270
GRAND HAVEN FARMERS MARKET
It’s difficult to imagine a better use of a summer
morning than visiting Grand Haven’s scenic riverside Chinook Pier (look for the green canopy) to browse locally grown produce as well as baked goods, flowers, jams, kettle corn and cold-pressed juice.
OPEN: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, May-October (and Wednesdays starting in June)
Chinook Pier, 301 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven
(616) 842-4910
grandhavenchamber.org/farmers-markets
SPRING LAKE FARM & GARDEN MARKET
There’s never a bad day to fill your kitchen with local
produce, and if Saturday doesn’t work for you, Spring Lake hosts its farmers market on Thursdays to accommodate differing schedules. Head to the market for a variety of produce, honey, herbs, jams and jellies, fresh cut flowers and more.
OPEN: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays, June-October
Harvest Bible Chapel Parking Lot, 225 E. Exchange St., Spring Lake
(616) 842-4910
