5 Things that Make Fulton Street Farmer’s Market the Best

Get Veggies Straight From the Farmer at Fulton Street Farmer’s Market

One of the best things about living in Grand Rapids is how easy and encouraged it is to buy local, especially when it comes to food and farmer’s markets.

Michigan has the second most diverse agriculture in the U.S. producing over 300 different commodities, and one of the best markets to find all these diverse locally-grown foods is at Fulton Street Farmer’s Market.

No need to drive far distances or scour the Internet for local produce.

We’ve got one of Michigan’s finest farmer’s markets right here in Grand Rapids, and it is ready for your family to come and enjoy!

Five Things that Make Fulton Street Farmer’s Market the Best

Have you been yet? Or maybe it’s been a while since you’ve stopped by this Grand Rapids Farmers Market.

Either way, here are five reasons to get you (and your reusable totes) heading out to Fulton Street Farmer’s Market pronto.

1 – Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is Historic

When you visit Fulton Street Farmer’s Market, you’re partaking in history. In fact, it’s the oldest and largest farmer’s market in Grand Rapids.

Originally known as the “East Side Market,” it began in 1922 with farmers selling produce from their wagons. Some of the vendors can trace their roots all the way back to these beginning years, such as Tanis Orchards, which has been there since 1931.

And generations of West Michiganders have grown up along the aisles of Fulton Street–bring your own family to be a part of history!

2 – Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is Open Year-Round

When I think of farmer’s markets, I think of summer and weekends.  But Fulton Street Farmer’s Market breaks both these stereotypes.

First off–you can enjoy Fulton Street all year round. (This is a pretty big deal considering our Michigan winters!)

Not only are they open all twelve months of the year, they are also open several days a week– Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8 am to 2 pm. This means that you can pop in for the freshest produce regularly, and it also means that you can bring the kids during the week when it’s not as busy.

In the summer, check out the ART! At The Market every other Sunday to buy handmade artisan goods.

3 – The Farmer’s Market has a Covered Shopping Area

Part of how Fulton Street stays open all year is that the entire market is under a roof. Shopping outdoors is a lot more fun when you can do it in the cool shade, or under cover from the rain or snow!

4 – You Can Support Local Farms & Businesses

Buying ground beef at Fulton Street is a completely different experience from buying beef at the supermarket. When I buy it at Fulton Street, I get to shake the hand of the farmer who raised the cow, who hands me a carefully butchered packet of lovingly prepared meat. You almost feel like your packet should come with a name.

In fact, everything you buy from Fulton Street has a story. I love connecting my kids to their food (and plants, lotions, clothes, what have you) in this way.

One great way to support local farms, in particular, is to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box, which includes a weekly harvest of produce straight from a farm of your choice. Take a peek at our CSA guide, and you’ll be surprised to see how many of them are vendors at Fulton Street!

5 – Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is Family Friendly

Fulton Street is a great place for your whole family to shop and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere! The sound of musicians busking on the side mingle with happy chatter, as people lounge in the sun with treats and treasures.

Kids learn a lot about the food they’re buying from the farmers who are selling it to them. These vendors are friendly and always ready for a chat with an inquisitive kid.

Plus, there are usually plenty of foods to sample, as well as kid-friendly treats like ice cream and popcorn.

FAQs – Fulton Street Farmer’s Market