July 2016
Along the western shoreline of Lake Michigan, running from Menominee to Gladstone, is the U.P. Hidden Coast Recreation Heritage Route. Beyond its natural beauty, what truly makes the U.P. Hidden Coast special are the communities along the route. Farmer’s markets, offered by many communities neighboring the route, are a great way to experience a new or familiar area while also supporting local farmers and artisans. Featured below are five farmer’s markets located nearby the U.P. Hidden Coast.
Near the start of the Hidden Coast, visit the Menominee Historic Downtown Farmer’s Market with summer hours continuing through October 8. During this time, the market will be open on Wednesdays from 3pm-6pm CST and on Saturdays from 8am-12pm CST. The Historic Downtown Farmers Market is located at 800 1st St. in Menominee. During the winter season, the farmer’s market moves to the Community Action Agency/Menominee Senior Center at 905 10th Street and will be available on every Saturday from 10am-2pm CST. To learn more about the high quality, locally grown foods and fine artisan products available at the Menominee Historic Downtown Farmer’s Market visit the market’s website at www.menomineefarmersmarket.com.
Another opportunity to buy fresh food and handcrafted goods in Menominee is the farmer’s market at VFW Post 1887 located on 3937 10th Street sponsored by Menominee County Farm and Food Exchange. This market runs year round on Saturdays from 9am-12pm CST. Vendors at the Menominee County Farm and Food Exchange Farmer’s Market offer a variety of products from local farmers, craftsmen, and food artisans. Be sure to follow them on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MCFFExchange.
The Hannahville Farmer’s Market takes place on Tuesdays from 11am-4:30pm EST. The market is located in the Hannahville Health Center parking lot at N15019 Hannahville B1 Road in Wilson.
Moving north along the U.P. Hidden Coast, is the City of Escanaba Farmer’s Market located at 115 N 9th Street. The market’s summer hours are on Wednesdays from 3pm-6pm EST and Saturdays from 8am-12pm EST. A new marketplace building is in the works for the City of Escanaba and will be located on the 1500 block of Ludington Street across from the historic Escanaba Junior High. It will be the new home of the farmer’s market and will host many community events. Incorporated in the building plans are 37 indoor stalls for vendors with room for additional stalls outside. Also included will be an enclosed kitchen, stage area, restrooms, and outdoor patio. Construction of the 8,100 square-foot marketplace is expected to be completed shortly after Labor Day weekend. Until then, don’t miss the market on 9th Street for fresh produce, baked goods, meat products, and handcrafted gifts.
Open on Monday’s from 3pm-6pm EST until October 31 is the City of Gladstone Farmer’s Market. Located at 911 Delta Avenue, the market is often accompanied by special community events.
To learn more about the farmer’s markets highlighted in this article as well as additional opportunities to explore the U.P. Hidden Coast visit www.uphiddencoast.org. Also on the U.P. Hidden Coast website view information about upcoming local events such as the Cedar River Bridge Walk taking place on September 4th. The bridge walk promises to be much shorter than the Mighty Mackinac Bridge Walk and equally as fun. This growing event will include food and refreshments, blow-up slides, a raffle and limited live auction, vendors, and a musical feature. Festivities begin at 11am CST on the south end of the Cedar River Bridge on highway M-35.
*Photo courtesy of the Menominee County Farm and Food Exchange
