Northern Michigan Farmers Markets
One of my favorite things about summer in Northern Michigan are the local farmers markets. Yes, we do have several winter farmers markets but during the summer it’s a whole new ballgame. The markets are packed with local vendors and farmers selling there fresh produce, all natural organic honey, baked goods and more! Every Friday morning, I drop my kiddos off at Bay View Recreation Program for the morning and I head downtown to Petoskey’s farmers market on Howard Street and wander through the market deciding or rather, try to limit my purchases to what we will actually use for the week. I grew up on a farm so I know how important my purchases are and what the money will go toward, so I try to support as many vendors as possible.
This year, I opted to try Coveyou Farm’s Open Market CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. We live near Bill’s Farm Market and my daily stops were adding up so I decided to try something new this year. What is a CSA? In short, it’s a prepaid subscription program to all natural and often organic produce. With the Coveyou program, I had two choices for their Open Market program: full season or peak season. Being a first timer, I chose the peak season. I paid in advanced and being a member of the Open Market Program allows me to shop the Coveyou Farm Market as often as I wish and choose as much fresh produce as we can eat. The membership is honor system based and I can shop at the actual farm OR the Coveyou booth at local farmers markets. I’m only a few weeks in the the program but so far I really like it.
If you’re not interested in a CSA program but would still like to take advantage of local farmer’s markets I’ve put together a list of markets here in Northern Michigan. Take a morning and stop by and see what they have to offer.
Northern Michigan Farmers Markets
Petoskey Farmers Market – Location: Howard Street, downtown Petoskey. Day & Hours: Fridays 8am – 1pm late spring through fall. During the winter months, local vendors can be found at Crooked Tree Arts Center.
Harbor Spring Farmers Market – Location: Main street, downtown Harbor Springs. Day & Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays 9am – 1pm, June through August.
Charlevoix Farmers Market – Location: Charlevoix East Park. Day & Hours: Thursdays 8am – 1pm during the summer months.
Boyne City Farmers Market – Location: Downtown Boyne City. Day & Hours: Wednesdays & Saturdays 8am – 12pm, May through October. November through April, the market moves into the Red Barn next to the Boyne City Public Library and is open Saturday 9am – 1pm.
Gaylord Farmers Market – Location: Downtown Gaylord under the pavilion. Day & Hours: Wednesday & Saturdays July – October 8am – 2pm.
Cheboygan Farmers Market – Location: Downtown Cheboygan. Days & Hours: Wednesday 9am – 2 pm & Saturday 8am – 1pm, June through October.
Indian River Farmers Market – Location: Downtown Indian River in Vivio’s parking lot at the corner of South Straits Highway and M-68. Days & Hours: Tuesdays 9am – 1pm and Saturdays 9am – 1pm.
Bill’s Farm Market – Location: 2 miles east of downtown Petoskey on East Mitchell. Hours: June – December (think live fresh Christmas trees), open Monday-Friday, 9am – 6pm and Saturday 9am – 5pm.
Pond Hill Farm – Location: 5 miles north of Harbor Springs on M-119. Hours: Open year round with varying hours. Go here to check the current schedule.
Pond Hill Farm offers fresh produce, hayrides, a winery for the adults and even a cafe with fresh farm to table entrees served year around. This farm is popular in the fall when pumpkins are in season and there are daily hayrides.
Did I miss a local farmers market? If so, please let me know in the comments!
