One of the best parts about welcoming summer is the fresh, seasonal produce. After all, West Michigan is home to several local farms each with their own specialty products. Check out the list below – many are opening soon!
East Grand Rapids Farmers Market: From June 5 to August 28, East Grand Rapids’ farmers market will be open every Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is one exception though: it won’t be open during Fourth of July week. Situated near the Community Center, the market has baked goods, crafts, and produce.
Ed Dunneback and Girls Farm Market: Roughly 25 minutes from Beacon Hill, this family farm is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Offering guests a fresh produce market, the farm has a bakery, gift shop, restaurant, and tap room, too. You can also pick fruits and vegetables from the farm yourself!
Fryear’s Farm Market: Nestled in the midst of farmland, this market is open every day of the week. Providing several fruits and vegetables to choose from, the market is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on most days, aside from Saturdays (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sundays (Noon to 5 p.m.).
Fulton Street Market: For more than 100 years, Fulton Street Market has offered the Grand Rapids area a variety of food items—including dairy, desserts, fruits, meat, and vegetables.
Providing handmade arts and crafts as well, it will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays this summer.
Green Wagon Farm: Each week, Green Wagon attends the Fulton Street Market, offering shoppers fresh produce throughout the summer. In addition to attending this market, the farm has a store that’s open from Tuesday to Saturday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day), providing you the chance to purchase produce year-round.
Heidi’s Farmstand and Bakery: Featuring a greenhouse that’s fully stocked with flowers, fruit, plants, and vegetables, this 30-acre farm also has a bakery. All produce is grown and picked at the farm, while all baked goods are created in-house. As a result, everything is fresh everyday (the farm opens daily at 7 a.m.; it’s closed each Sunday though).
Klein Cider Mill and Market: When you first think about apple cider and donuts, autumn will immediately come to your mind. However, Sparta’s Klein Cider Mill offers these treats, among others, all summer too—from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Enjoy a taste of fall in the hot sun!
Rockford Farmers Market: Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. this summer, Rockford’s farmers market provides shoppers fresh produce and convenience. For instance, it’s located in a new city lot that has plenty of parking, as it’s near the town’s post office. Additionally, it’s close to Main Street, so you’ll be able to easily find it.
Speyer’s Farm Market: Located on Eastern Avenue, this greenhouse and family farm has a wide array of flowers, fruits, plants, and vegetables. Open Monday to Saturday, the market has different hours of operation from one day to the next, so make sure you call or check out Google before you visit.
UM Health-West Farm Market: Regardless of the weather, this Wyoming-based farmer’s market will be open every Thursday this summer from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Offering many Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables, the outdoor market has Michigan-made goods and items, too. It’s conveniently located near UM Health-West Hospital as well.
Now is the time to embrace summer while it’s still here. Consider bringing your friends to each of these markets, as you support local businesses, eat healthy, and soak in the sun!
