5
By Traci Husse and Trevor Sullivan
Among the infinite reasons to enjoy living in and around western Washtenaw County, one of the best is the abundance of local farmers markets. From Stockbridge and Manchester to Saline and Ypsilanti–together covering almost every day of the week–there is always a well-stocked farmers market nearby.
Most people know farmers markets are filled with local products that are not only fresher and made with greater care than what’s found in a chain store, but also offer more variety in size, shape, color, and flavor. Frequently overheard questions include, ‘What is better than a pint of strawberries picked just this morning?’ and ‘How many blueberries is too many blueberries?’
But the role of farmers markets goes beyond dietary nutrition and supporting small businesses. They also serve as a safe and reliable opportunity for neighbors to connect, relax, and recharge. Many of these are filled with music, activities, storytelling, local history, civic engagement, and learning. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, a nonprofit organization working to support the growth of farmers markets across the country, “Farmers markets support emotional health by creating a cheerful space where people come together for laughter, fellowship, food, and fun.”
Some of the best farmers markets in Michigan happen to be right in our backyard:
Chelsea Farmers Market
When: May through October Saturdays, 8am-1pm, Wednesdays, 1pm-5pm
Where: Saturdays at Palmer Commons: 304 S Main St
Wednesdays at Chelsea State Bank parking lot: 1010 S Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118
Accepts: SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, FMR, Prescription for Health, Senior Project Fresh, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Bucks
More Information: https://chelseafarmersmkt.org
Courtesy of Chelsea Farmers Market Facebook
Dexter Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, 8am-1pm, May through October, Tuesdays, 11am-3pm, June through September
Where: 3233 Alpine St
Accepts: SNAP, PEBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Bucks
More Information: https://dextermi.gov/community/farmers_market.php
Saline Farmers Market
When: Summer Market: Saturdays 8am-12pm, May through October, Winter Market: Saturdays 9am-1pm, mid-November through April
Where: 100 S Ann Arbor Street, Parking Lot #4
Accepts: SNAP, PEBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Project Fresh
More Information:
https://www.cityofsaline.org/departments/farmers_market/index.php
Courtesy of Saline Farmers Market Facebook
Manchester Farmers Market
When: Thursdays, 3pm-7pm, May through October
Where: Chi Bro Park: 209 Ann Arbor Street
Accepts: CRC Wooden Nickels, FMR coupons, Senior Market Bucks, Senior Project Fresh, more expected (SNAP, WIC Project Fresh, DUFB)
More Information: https://www.facebook.com/acornfarmersmarketandcafe
More great farmers markets to explore nearby:
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
When: May through December: Saturdays and Wednesdays, 7am-3pm
Where: 315 Detroit Street
Accepts: SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Market Fresh, Senior Market Fresh, Prescription for Health
More Information: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/farmers-Market/pages/default.aspx
Dixboro Farmers Market
When: Fridays, 3pm-6pm, May through October
Where: Dixboro Village Green: 5221 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Accepts: SNAP/ Bridge/EBT/P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks
More Information: http://www.dixborofarmersmarket.org/
Pittsfield Township Farmers Market
When: Thursdays, 2pm-6pm, June through September (and online!)
Where: 6201 W. Michigan Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Accepts: Bridge Cards, P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Prescription for Health; some vendors accept WIC Project Fresh
More Information: https://www.pittsfield-mi.gov/760/Farmers-Market
Stockbridge Open Air Market
When: Fridays, 4pm-7pm, May through October
Where: Stockbridge Town Square: 125 S Clinton St, Stockbridge, MI 49285
More Information: https://stockbridgemarket.org/about/
West Willow Farmers Market
Operated by former US Marines, this farmers market is making a big difference in their
community.
When: Saturdays, 9am-3pm, June 17 through September 16
Where: 2057 Tyler Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
More Information: https://www.facebook.com/WestWillowFarmersMarket/
Westside Farmers Market
Visit this market’s 17th season while you taste, shop, and listen to live, local music.
When: Thursdays, 3pm-7pm, July 7th through October 6th
Where: Zingerman’s Roadhouse parking lot: 2501 Jackson Road
Accepts: SNAP/Bridge, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Project Fresh
More Information: https://www.westsidefarmersmarket.com
Whitmore Lake Farmers Market
When: 1st and 3rd Sundays, 10am-2pm, June through October
Where: 8877 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189, Former WLPS Middle School (temporary)
Accepts: Senior Project Fresh, more expected (SNAP, WIC Project Fresh)
More Information: https://www.twp-northfield.org/community_visitors/farmers_market.php
Ypsilanti Farmers Market
This farmers market is operated by the nonprofit Growing Hope, an organization that has supported the Ypsilanti community for almost two decades.
When: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May through October (and online!)
Where: Freighthouse Market Plaza: 100 Rice St.
Accepts: EBT/P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Prescriptions for Health, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Fresh
More Information: https://growinghope.net/programs/farmers-markets/ypsilanti/
Additionally, check out these great farm stands nearby:
Acorn Market and Café (Manchester): http://www.acornfarmersmarketcafe.org/
Agricole (Chelsea): https://www.agricolefarmstop.com/
Argus Farm Stop (Ann Arbor): https://www.argusfarmstop.com/
Dexter Mill (Dexter): https://www.dextermill.com/
Jenny’s Farm Stand (Dexter): https://www.jennysfarmstand.com/
Vestergaard Farms (Ann Arbor): https://www.vestergaardfarms.com/
White Lotus Farms (Ann Arbor): https://whitelotusfarms.com/
Stay on top of local news by subscribing to our daily newsletter