A Day at the Farmer’s Market
Spend a morning at the farmer’s market in northern Michigan and you’ll see how lucky we are to live in Michigan. But the farmer’s market certainly isn’t just for farmers anymore. It’s a gathering place. It’s where locals and visitors meet the growers and makers.
Did you know…
Michigan agriculture is leading the nation in many ways. Here are a few fun facts about how we rank:
- Fourth in the country as a net exporter of hops
- Third in the nation for the number of farmers markets (300+)
- Second most agriculturally diverse state in the Country, next to California
- First in the Country for the production of blueberries, tart cherries, dry black-beans, picking cucumbers and squash
Picked and Processed
- Upward of 1 billion pounds of sugar is produced annually in Michigan
- Thanks to our local farmers, we are the nation’s leading producer of potatoes for potato chip processing
Buy Michigan Made
The best part about farmer’s markets is the opportunity to buy local. Whether we’re talking fruits or vegetables, beer or wine, soaps or lotions, salt or sugar, buying locally-produced goods supports the area economy.
Handmade soaps are one of many non-edible items available at the farmer’s market
Not only do farmer’s markets offer fresh food, local brews, and natural products, they also provide great entertainment! With vendors that are so good you can’t say no, we are used to watching our money turn to fruit, and occasionally, watch it DISAPPEAR like magic.
This young entrepreneur will keep you on your toes as he makes the seemingly impossible, possible. Providing good fun for the whole family!
Visit a Farmer’s Market in Near You
Here are a few must-stop farmer’s markets in northern Michigan with a variety of vendors that meet weekly
Empire Farmers Market | Downtown Traverse City | Sat 9-1pm
Fife Lake Downtown Farmer’s Market | Fife Lake | Sun 9-1pm
Frankfort Farmers Market | Frankort | Sat 9-1pm
Glen Arbor Farmers Market | Glen Arbor | Tues 9-1pm
Interlochen Farmers Market | Traverse City | Sun 9-2pm
Leland Farmers Market | Downtown Leland | Thus 9-1pm
Northport Farmers Market | Downtown Northport | Fri 9-1pm
Sara Hardy Farmers Market | Downtown Traverse City | Weds & Sat 7:30-12pm
Suttons Bay Farmers Market | Suttons Bay | Sat 9-1pm
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons | Traverse City | Mon 2-6pm
Farm Stands & Markets
In this video we’ve featured two of Traverse City’s family-run farm markets Groleaus Farm Market just south of Traverse City, and Gallaghers Farm Market to the west. Click to get a tour of their markets and hear their stories. These are just two great examples of local farm markets to discover as you explore the highways and back roads of our region.
The list of farm stands, u-pick farms and independent markets in northern Michigan is long. Our friends at Taste the Local Difference have done a great job gathering that info together in one place. For details visit them online.
Be A Traveler
Farm markets aren’t the only way to eat fresh, and eat local. Many restaurants in the area support local farmers so stop in for a meal or a snack. Check out our Dining Guide, to browse menus from area eateries. Or for easy access on your iPhone or Android download our app and be a traveler in no time.
Thanks to our summer intern Carley, for the Day at the Market video featured above, which she filmed, edited and post produced. Watch it for a glimpse into her journey through the Sara Hardy Farmer’s Market in downtown Traverse City.