There's plenty to do this weekend in the Greater Grand Rapids area, so if you don't have plans for anything exciting yet, maybe this weekend is the right time for you to check out the freshness on offer at local west Michigan farmers markets. Nothing says summer like wandering through a packed farmers market, looking at all the brightly colored, nutritious produce, brilliant cut flowers, lush potted plants, and sundry tempting pre-made food products, such as home made doughnut and food truck offerings. Tomatoes are starting to ripen, and baskets overflowing with peppers, zucchini, and summer squash will be calling out to shoppers who prefer to walk through open-air outdoor markets instead of strolling in an air-conditioned supermarket.
There are plenty of options in the area, with some having quite a lot on offer. The Downtown market in Grand Rapids is a fast-growing weekend hotspot, with a lovely walking area, outdoor fountain, and expansive builing, complete with a bakery, a butcher, a fish monger, and a sushi bar. After checking out the myriad interesting shops in the downstairs portion of the building, visitors can head upstairs to view the greenhouse (through glass) and visit the offices (and facilities).
The food trucks generally have something for any taste, and line up expectantly at the end of the long row of food venders. Given the way traffic flows through the space, it's clear as many people come for the proximity of the excellent food trucks, but there is plenty more on offer, from goat cheese to fresh-baked bread. If you're going to be in town this weekend, you might as well have a brief jaunt to the farmers market, if only to pick up some fresh veggies for your weekend meals.
If you're looking for a farmer's market adventure that's a little more afield than the centrally located downtown market, this is your lucky weekend! This Saturday is also the third annual Salad Bowl Bash in Hudsonville! From 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm on August 8th, this free family fun event takes over the Farmer's Co-op at 3302 Prospect Street, Hudsonville, MI 49426. There are a wide range of activities planned, including an eating contest, the Great Garden Games, remote control car races, vegetable bingo, a vegetable dance party, kids activities, the farmers market itself, and of course, plenty of amazing, local food on display!
For children ages 5 to 19, there will be a singing competition with a total of $750 in prizes. For the less musically inclined, the Great Garden Games are accessible for kids of all ages, and includes an obstacle course that must be completed without dropping a cherry tomato, a ring tossing event that involves celery as the target, and radish tossing as well. For those with less of a competitive streak, in the evening, there will be a fireworks display as well.
Proximity to one of the many local farmers markets in West Michigan can definitely be a great perk when buying a house. If you're interested in relocating and have special requests like being within walking distance of a market, working with a realtor is one way to make that dream a reality. Get in touch with the professionals at Pyxis Realty and see what difference working with a seasoned professional makes!