Fulton Street Farmers Market is a vibrant market located in the heart of Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The market features all sorts of goods including locally grown produce and arts and crafts. It remains one of my favorite things to do on a summer weekend morning. But as life speeds up with work and family obligations, it's easy to forget the joy of simple pleasures such as a visit to the market.
A few years ago, I rediscovered why I love the Fulton Street Farmers Market. It was the tour of homes organized by the Women's Council of Realtors (WCR) for F.L.O.W. which had me driving past the market and unable to resist, we decided to pop in to see what was going on.
When we arrived at noon, the place was packed! We were lucky to find a parking spot. It had been a very long time since I had visited, and the market has certainly grown in popularity.
The stands had a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, some select meats, arts and crafts, spices, health and beauty products and fresh flowers. Talking to local farmers was great. On more than one occasion, I heard merchants say they were selling out of products.
The appeal of the fresh market has grown as more people become concerned about environmental issues and supporting the local economy. Did you know that the average product in your grocery store travels over 1000+ miles to get to your table?
Today, several area restaurants, including popular sites like Marie Catribs, the Green Well , GRAM Cafe and Restaurant Bloom also highlight the fact that they strive to serve locally grown produce and food items on their menus.
The Fulton Street Farmers Market is located at 1145 E. Fulton Street, in Grand Rapids, MI. 49503. The Market is the oldest of it's kind in West Michigan, having started in 1922.
Permanent stands have been set up in the middle of a parking lot which allows local farmers to back their trucks in and unload their wares. Visitors to the market walk through the middle.
What I found especially delightful was the diversity of people...old, young kids and babies, moms and dads, foreigners, black & white...everyone was enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of the market.
Music is also an active part of the experience of visiting the Fulton Street Farmers Market. On a recent Saturday morning, a four piece folk band set up shop at the entrance and on another occasion, a guitarist delighted passersby with his upbeat songs and smile.
Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.
Lola, a great localism post on the area farmer' market. We have one here but is only on Saturday mornings.
Lola - sounds like a wonderful Farmer's Market. And MI has such great produce in the summer and fall months. We have these markets all over here and I alaways enjoy going (and eating).
Jeff
I've brought their products in the past. A great way to spend a Saturday am.
The Twisted Chicken is opening soon on the East Beltline where O'Charlie's used to be and they are also utilizing as much local produce, condiments and meat as possible.
This is one of the wonderful things about summer - all of the fresh local produce!
Lola~
How I love Asheville's "tailgate" markets where local growers bring wonderful things to town for all the neighbors to enjoy...Reading this post made me smile to know that Michigan enjoys the same benefits.
Oh for some fresh fruit right now. Grapes,apples and strawberries. Better than the junk food out there.