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Southeast Michigan Farmers Market and Community-Supported Agriculture Guide
Looking for local fruits and veggies? Metro Parent's 2011 list covers farm fresh produce from farms to CSAs, from Detroit to Ann Arbor and beyond
Get in on the locavore movement! Parents and kids around the region are discovering fresh produce and loads of other goodies at area farmers markets – as well as community-supported agriculture farms, or CSAs, which let you be a real part of the process. All this homegrown grub offers loads of benefits and lessons, from learning about where your food comes from to being healthier, often organic, choices. Check out these top "picks" in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties!
Farmers Markets
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
This year-round growers-only market, a mainstay since 1919, features some 150 farmers and artisans. Also find also kids' activities and festivals, all in an open-air setting. An Ann Arbor Fresh Cookbook is available, too.
- Where: Kerrytown District, 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays and Wednesdays, May-December; Saturdays only, January-April (see site for specifics)
- Call: 734-794-6255
Birmingham Farmers Market
Michigan produce choices range from asparagus to strawberries; plus, find flowers, a Kid Zone craft area, entertainment and art.
- Where: City Parking Lot No. 6 on North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham (get directions)
- Days: Sundays, May-October (see site for specifics)
- Call: 248-530-1200
Chelsea Farmers Market
Harvest crops from Jackson, Leelanau and Washtenaw counties, including corn, melons, tomatoes, greens and loads more. This staple since 1990 also offers honey, flowers and live entertainment.
- Where: Park Street (next to the Purple Rose Theatre Company), Downtown Chelsea (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, May-October (see site for specifics)
- Call: 734-246-8832
Detroit's Historic Eastern Market
Dating back to 1891 and offering 150-plus produce and plant vendors (not to mention the herbs, mushrooms, jellies and more), this locale boasts being the country's largest historic public market district.
- Where: 2934 Russell St., Detroit (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, year-round (see site for specifics)
- Call: 313-833-9300
Dexter Farmers Market
This twice-weekly market sells plants, veggies, fruit, holistic candles, Indian tea, organic herbs, salves, jewelry and more.
- Where: Alpine Street at Main Street, downtown Dexter (get directions)
- Days: Saturday mornings and Tuesday early evening, May-October (see site for specifics)
Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market
Shop here for fresh produce, flowers, handmade goods and more. There's also a master gardener on hand to answer your questions.
- Where: Corner of East Third and Water streets, one block east of Main Street, downtown Rochester (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, May-October (see site for specifics)
- Call: 248-656-0060
Eastside Farmer's Market
Fresh produce, healthy foods and unique artisan items.
- Where: Mack Alter Square, 14820 Mack Ave., Detroit (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, June to October
- Call: 313-571-2800, ext. 1130
Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market
Growers sell flowers, plants, seasonal fruits, veggies, bakery goods and more.
- Where: Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park, downtown Farmington (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, May-November (see site for specifics)
- Call: 284-473-7276, ext. 20
Fort-Visger Collaborative Farmers Market
This "urban" market offers local produce, baked goods, flowers, crafts and events.
- Where: Parking lot on Southfield Road between Fort Park and Lafayette Street, across from city hall, Lincoln Park (get directions)
- Days: Sundays, May-October (see site for specifics)
- Call: 313-386-1800, ext. 269
Mount Clemens Farmers Market
Serving Macomb County since 1979, 50 vendors' booths run the gamut from fruits and veggies to plants and bakery goodies. Local chef Mark Miller shares culinary tips and tricks.
- Where: Parking lot on North River Road between I-94 and North Gratiot Avenue, Mount Clemens (get directions)
- Days: Fridays and Saturdays, May-November (see site for specifics)
- Call: 586-493-7600
Northville Farmers Market
Gallop over to this decades-old tradition to scope out 100-plus stalls (literally) of produce. "Chefs at the Market," on select dates, features how-to's from fresh-food cuisine experts.
- Where: Northville Downs parking lot, corner of Seven Mile and Sheldon roads, downtown Northville (get directions)
- Days: Thursdays, May-October (see site for specifics)
- Call: 248-349-7640
Plymouth Farmers Market
The produce, baked goods and garden crafts are a local production at this locale, a stone's throw from Kellogg Park.
- Where: "The Gathering," next to the Penn Theater on Penniman Avenue, downtown Plymouth (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, May-October (see site for specifics)
- Call: 734-453-1540
Royal Oak Farmers Market
This premium indoor market always offers plenty of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, eggs and dairy products – plus collectibles and antiques.
- Where: 316 E. 11 Mile Road (two blocks east of Main Street), Royal Oak (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, year-round; Fridays, May-Christmas
- Call: 248-246-FARM (3276)
Warren Farmers Market
"Buy local, buy fresh, straight from the farmer" at this annual outdoor market stocking healthy choices for families, and crafts to boot.
- Where: Warren Civic Square, Van Dyke Avenue north of 12 Mile Road, Warren (get directions)
- Days: Sundays, May-October (see site for specifics)
- Call: 586-268-8400
West Park Farmers Market
Vendors sell fresh products, certified organic and non-organic produce, cheeses, baked goods, crafts and plenty more.
- Where: On Kercheval Street between Lakepointe and Beaconsfield streets, Grosse Pointe Park (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, May-September (see site for specifics)
- Call: 313-822-2812, ext. 202
Westside Farmers Market
Offers a variety of fresh produce and spices, cheeses and meats.
- Where: Parking lot at 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor (get directions)
- Days: Thursdays, June-September (see site for specifics)
- Call: 269-370-7029
Wilson Barn Farmers' Market
This charming white barn – listed as local, state and national historic site – sells produce galore, including eggplant, tomatoes, beans, carrots, strawberries, blueberries and loads more.
- Where: Wilson Barn, 29350 W. Chicago St., Livonia (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, June-October (see site for specifics)
- Call: 616-706-5612
Ypsilanti Depot Town Farmer's Market
Find lots of fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods and more.
- Where: Historic Depot Town, 100 Rice St., between East Cross Street and East Forest Avenue, Ypsilanti (get directions)
- Days: Saturdays, May-October
- Call: 734-645-4986 (ask for Nancy)
Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) Farm
These farms grow, produce and distribute to various local farmers markets, stores and farms. Most have a $200-$400 fee for a plot or half a plot of land. You can even support the fresh produce market without getting your hands dirty: Most specify that work is not required, though it is encouraged!
Beautiful Earth Family Farm
- Where: 14329 Strada Drive, Chelsea
- When: June-October
- Call: 734-649-5918
Country Roots CSA
- Where: Richmond
- When: June-October
- Call: 810-488-3710
Jentzen Farms
- Where: 7900 Dixon Road, Monroe
- When: July-October
- Call: 734-269-2958
Living Stones Farm
- Where: Campbell and Michigan avenues, Ann Arbor
- When: June-October
- Call: 734-494-0260
Myrtle Farms LLC
- Where: 45144 W. Nine Mile Road, Novi
- When: July-November
- Call: 248-767-6356
One Acre Farm CSA
- Where: 7227 Arrowood Drive, West Bloomfield Township
- Call: 248-760-8531
Our Family Farm LLC
- Where: 12800 Pfaus Road, Manchester
- When: Year-round
- Call: 734-428-9100
Prochaska Farms
- Where: 10061 Pennington Road, Tecumseh
- When: May-September
- Call: 517-652-4493
Royal Oak Community Farm
- Where: 316 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- When: March-October
- Call: 248-894-4059
Valley Family Farm
- Where: 11333 Stony Creek Road, Milan
- When: June-October
- Call: 734-904-1433
Reader Comments:
Thank you Sharon, for your great article in the July issue!
Just wanted to add my CSA to the list above:
Urban Pioneers CSA
Sterling Heights, near Lakeside Mall
(586) 604-6974
Our current shares run through October, and we will be adding season extensions come Halloween.
Happy Summer - Janet Johnson