One of my favorite summer activities is the downtown farmers’ market, Saturdays, 7 a.m. – noon. I love the abundant, local produce, yummy breakfast items, gorgeous flowers, people watching, dog-petting and fresh air.
I know it’s a favorite outing for my fellow DMU staffers & faculty as well as our students. I know this not only because our students constantly rave about it but also because EVERY week I go I see faces I recognize and DMU shirts.
To get info on where to find each vendor, see a map of the whole event and find out what’s in season for the week, visit the Register’s guide to the market and be a fan of the Facebook page for the market.
Some of my personal favorite vendors include Carefree Patisserie, Belle’s Coffee Shop, Chef Steve’s Kabobs, Mast Family Farm and Guys & Gals breakfast. As you may notice, those are all places that offer food to eat/drink on the spot or baked goods. I usually search for the best-looking produce each week so I don’t know the names of all those vendors. Also there’s lots of craft vendors that make cute things. So anyway, check it out. Buy something yummy or locally-made. Below are some of my tips to get the most out of the market.
My market tips:
- Bring your own cloth bag(s) &/or cooler.
- Park on a side street – it’s easier to get out than from the parking garage.
- Wear comfy shoes.
- Put on sunblock 30 minutes before coming!
- Bring poop bags if you bring your dog.
- Taste as many samples as you can.
- Remember you are supporting local businesses.
Photos from the Downtown Farmers’ Market Facebook page.
