Exploring the Vibrant Farmers Market in Saugatuck
Artisanal jams, unique artwork and a rainbow of fresh produce await you at the Saugatuck Farmers Market this summer. Our coastal Lake Michigan town is known as an outdoor haven with a charming local downtown, and the farmers market highlights both of these features perfectly. Stay with us at our Michigan bed and breakfast to explore vibrant local cuisine and plentiful shopping opportunities here on the Sunrise Coast of Michigan.
About the Saugatuck Farmers Market
The bustling, seasonal farmers market is one of the top things to do in Saugatuck come summer. Every Friday from May through September, local farmers, bakers, and artists gather on the plaza of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts to sell their goods during the open-air market. Stop by between the hours of 9am and 3pm to browse produce from local west Michigan farmers, luxury personal care items, and goodies like artfully-scored sourdough and aged gorgonzola. Whether you’re hunting for a unique Saugatuck souvenir or simply craving an afternoon treat, you’re bound to find it among the many vendors at the market.
Fresh Produce & Artisanal Goods
The Saugatuck Summer Farmers Market is a shopper’s delight with rows of colorful fruits and veggies, baked goods, gardening items and more. While the vendors rotate between each market, you’re sure to find things like gourmet cheeses, homemade jam and handmade jewelry for sale every Friday. Because of the market’s commitment to small businesses and local artisans, the handcrafted treasures here are truly unique to Michigan and make wonderful mementos from your trip.
Fresh fruits and veggies fill the stands at every market. Shop stands overflowing with radishes, Swiss chard, carrots, leeks and more and meet the local farmers who are bound to teach you something about Michigan agriculture. You’ll also find fresh flowers among the stands cultivated by local florists. Surprise your special someone with a bouquet of local flowers or pick up an expertly-designed arrangement for the perfect romantic surprise.
Farm-fresh dairy products like cheeses and soaps are always found in abundance at the Saugatuck Summer Farmers Market. Take home a bar of goat’s milk soap available in a variety of scents shapes and colors or some delicious cheese like aged cheddar or even a creamy pistachio cheese log.
Local artists are always in attendance selling everything from unique, printed notebooks to intricate glassware. Shop handcrafted leather products like belts and hats, wooden art including cutting boards and wine caddies, and one-of-a-kind creations made from stones and beach glass from the shores of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re hunting for a wax candle in the perfect scent or a nature-inspired painting, you’ll find the perfect item to commemorate your trip.
Community Atmosphere & Supporting Local Businesses
The Saugatuck Summer Farmers Market is the perfect place to experience the welcoming community of our small coastal town. Mingle with local business owners and farmers and experience the unique communal pride on the sunrise coast. Arrive for the shopping but stick around to learn more about the thriving art scene and explore what western Michigan has to offer.
Each week of the market offers unique events supported by local businesses. Pet and interact with goats visiting from a dairy farm, enjoy live music performances and meet with artisans and farmers at the welcome booth.
Culinary Delights & Food Trucks
Take advantage of the many on-site vendors to sample delicious goodies from local bakeries like pound cakes from the North Beach Bakery, authentic Argentinian foods from Pilar’s Empanadas Argentinas, and English treats from Grampa’s Pastys. Come lunch time, you can always snag some delicious local cuisine at the rotating, on-site food trucks like Los Pinches Tacos, Nola Roux Cajun Eatery, and Patty Matters.
Nearby Things to Do in Saugatuck
Transform your afternoon at the farmers market into a full outing in downtown Saugatuck with a visit to one of several local restaurants, downtown boutiques or outdoor destinations. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop into one of many downtown eateries offering delicious seafood, pastas, sandwiches and more. Visit Phil’s Bar and Grille for a delicious potato-crusted walleye or dig into flavorful pizzas at the Butler while you take in a beautiful waterside view from your table.
Explore Michigan’s rich history at an area museum or historic site. The History Museum at Mount Baldhead Park offers a detailed history of the towering sand dune with historical exhibits and a garden that educates visitors on area ecology. The Pump House Museum, operated by the Historic Ottawa Beach Society, similarly offers a glimpse into the area’s history. The attraction is housed in a 1901 Edison Electric Power Plant that has since been transformed into a museum with exhibits about the history of Michigan.
A visit to the Saugatuck Farmers Market is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture of our Lake Michigan beach town. Whether you’re hunting for a uniquely-Michigan treat or beautiful souvenir to commemorate your vacation, you’re bound to find a treasure at our local shopping paradise. Indulge in incredible boutique shopping, sample delicious Michigan treats and experience the charm of the Sunrise Coast when you stay at our Saugatuck hotel.
