Fresh Produce, Local Artisans: Spring Farmers Markets Open in the D

By: Amber Ogden | April 29, 2015
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The spring season is great for many reasons, and for fruit and veggie lovers, it means the beginning of farmers market season. We can long forget the days of purchasing wilted lettuce and berries that will go bad in a matter of days from the grocery store, because farmers markets sell the freshest, most in-season produce around! Did I mention locally grown?

And if you haven’t developed a taste for vegetables yet, now is your chance! Maybe you’re never going to love Brussels sprouts, but you could always give broccoli another shot, right? Not only do the farmers markets of Metro Detroit sell fresh fruit and produce, they also offer crafts and baked goods. Here’s your official guide to southeast Michigan’s spring 2015 farmers market openings:

Plymouth Farmers Market, located under The Gathering in downtown Plymouth, opens for the season this Saturday, May 2. It runs every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through the end of October. You’ll find everything from apples to tomatoes to honey to plants to jellies to jams.

Downtown Rochester Farmers Market can be found at the corner of East Third Street and Water Street. Opening day is on Saturday, May 2, and the farmers market runs every Saturday thereafter from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. The first market of the year will be a celebration, complete with music by blues artist Paul Miles, a farm animal show and a free canvas tote to the first 500 adults in line (as well as pinwheels for children).

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Birmingham Farmers Market opens for the season on Sunday, May 3, and the farmers market will feature over 70 booths every Sunday morning through October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Before you go, take a look at this handy produce guide to get a feel for what you might find while you’re there. May is a great time for rhubarb and asparagus!

The Birmingham Farmers Market hosts special events throughout the summer, including Strawberry Sunday on Sunday, June 28 and a Corn Festival on Sunday, Aug. 9.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market, located at 315 Detroit St., is open year round on Saturdays, however the market will be adding Wednesday markets beginning on May 6. Mid-week, the farmers market is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., where you will find everything from prepared food vendors to fresh produce.

Milford Farmers Market opens for the season on Thursday, May 7. Opening day will feature plenty of fun for kids, including crafts, a cupcake decorating station and music. Adults can stock up on all the fresh produce they can handle, as well as artisan roasted coffee, maple syrup, plants and even sugary treats. Each Thursday, the farmers market runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Northville Farmers Market also takes place on Thursdays, and celebrates the same opening day this year as the one above. The Northville Farmers Market is located at the corner of 7 Mile and Center Street, and is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Thursday, May 7, several gardeners will be available to answer any plant and gardening questions you should have. Get your seasonal produce through October!

Shelby Township Farmers Market, located at 49965 Van Dyke Ave., opens on Saturday, May 9. This year is the market’s seventh season, and it’s open every Saturday through October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t miss out on any of the baked goods, fresh produce or veggies.

Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market is located at the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion at Grand River Avenue and Grove Street, and debuts for the season on Saturday, May 16. Opening day will include a special food demo from chef Zachariah Peterlin of Peterlin’s Restaurant and Bar, as well as music by Greater Alexander and Swing Farmington. The market is open Saturdays through November from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Canton Farmers Market, 500 N. Ridge Rd., is held on Sundays, and opens for the season on May 17. The open-air market is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the summer, when you can pick and choose your favorite produce. Opening day festivities will include local produce prepared by chef Kristi, seed starting tips from master gardeners and a bounce house for kids. Local food trucks The Twisted Mitten and Qais will also be on hand, and there will be a Bark in the Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for dogs!

Wyandotte Farmers Market is found at the corner of Elm Street and First Street, and the first market of the season takes place on Thursday, June 11. Every Thursday thereafter through October 1, you’ll find the market in operation from noon to 6:30 p.m. Whether you’re looking for herbs, salsa, fresh produce or kettle corn, you’ll find it at the Wyandotte Farmers Market. Throughout the spring and summer, keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events at the market.

Livonia Farmers Market, is located at the Wilson Barn, 29350 Chicago W., on Saturdays. The season begins on June 20, and markets take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday. Opening day will include a petting zoo for children from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., so your kids will stay entertained while you peruse the fresh produce, crafts and baked goods. Free activities will be held throughout the summer, including craft projects for children on June 27 and July 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Be sure to bring the kids back for pony rides later in the summer on August 8, as well!

Additional southeast Michigan farmers markets include Eastern Market and Royal Oak Farmers Market, both of which are open year round. No matter which one is closest to your neck of the woods, enjoy perusing some of Metro Detroit’s most popular farmers markets! 

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